Healthy Cut-out Cookies

Healthy Cut-out Cookies Recipe - Delicious and Nutritious Cookies

Preparation time: 2 hours | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 24

Introduction

Healthy cut-out cookies are a delicious treat that can be enjoyed guilt-free. These cookies are made with wholesome ingredients and are perfect for those looking for a healthier alternative to traditional cookies.

History

Cut-out cookies have been a popular treat for centuries, with origins dating back to medieval times. These cookies were often made for special occasions and holidays, and were traditionally decorated with icing or sprinkles.

Ingredients

1.5 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
0.75 cups whole wheat flour
1 tsp baking powder
0.25 tsp salt
0.33 cups low-fat firm silken tofu
1 large egg or equivalent egg substitute
1 cup sugar
0.33 cups vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 batch royal icing or no-egg icing

How to prepare

In a medium bowl, combine both flours, baking powder, and salt.
Set aside.
In a food processor, process tofu until smooth.
Add egg, sugar, oil, and vanilla; process until smooth, stopping once or twice to scrape down the sides of the work bowl.
Add the flour mixture and pulse on/off several times just until the dough clumps together.
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead several times.
Divide the dough in half and press each piece into the shape of a disk.
Dust each disk with flour and wrap them in plastic wrap.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Line several baking sheets with parchment paper or coat them with cooking spray.
Working with one disk at a time, on a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of 0.13 inches.
Using a cookie cutter, cut out shapes.
Place the cookies about 0.5 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Gather the scraps, re-roll, and cut more cookies.
Bake the cookies, one sheet at a time, until they are light golden around the edges, for 10 to 15 minutes.
Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely (the cookies will keep in an airtight container for up to 1 week).
Decorate the cookies with royal icing or no-egg icing.
Let them stand until the icing has hardened, for 30 to 45 minutes.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm and cozy flavor.
Use different flavored extracts, such as almond or lemon, for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours before rolling it out. This will help the cookies hold their shape.

- Use a variety of cookie cutters to create fun shapes and designs.

- Decorate the cookies with colorful icing or sprinkles for a festive touch.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these cookies with a glass of milk or a cup of tea for a delightful snack.

Cooking Techniques

Use a food processor to easily mix the ingredients together.

- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use regular eggs instead of egg substitute if desired.

- Substitute coconut oil for vegetable oil for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

The dough for these cookies can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter and serve as a festive dessert at a party or gathering.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair these cookies with a cup of hot cocoa for a comforting treat on a cold day.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of healthy cut-out cookies contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of healthy cut-out cookies contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of healthy cut-out cookies contains approximately 6 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of healthy cut-out cookies contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Healthy cut-out cookies are a good source of iron and calcium.

Alergens

These cookies contain wheat and soy ingredients.

Summary

Healthy cut-out cookies are a delicious and nutritious treat that can be enjoyed in moderation.

Summary

Healthy cut-out cookies are a delicious and nutritious treat that can be enjoyed by all. With a few simple ingredients and some creative decorating, these cookies are sure to be a hit at any gathering.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew I had to try it. It was a rainy Sunday afternoon, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that I had inherited from my own grandmother. As I turned the pages, a worn piece of paper fell out and fluttered to the ground. Curious, I picked it up and read the title: "Healthy Cut-out Cookies."

Intrigued, I scanned the ingredients list and instructions. The recipe called for whole wheat flour, honey, applesauce, and a dash of cinnamon. It seemed like a healthier alternative to the traditional sugar-laden cookies I usually made. I decided right then and there that I would give it a try.

I gathered all the ingredients and set to work in my cozy kitchen. As I mixed the dough, the sweet scent of honey and cinnamon filled the air. I rolled out the dough and used my collection of cookie cutters to create beautiful shapes - hearts, stars, flowers, and butterflies.

As the cookies baked in the oven, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. Would they turn out as delicious as they sounded? When the timer dinged, I pulled the tray out and let the cookies cool on a wire rack. They were golden brown and smelled absolutely mouthwatering.

I took a bite and was pleasantly surprised. The cookies were soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor. The subtle sweetness of the honey paired perfectly with the warm spice of the cinnamon. I knew right then and there that this recipe was a keeper.

Over the years, I have made these healthy cut-out cookies countless times. They have become a staple in my baking repertoire, loved by family and friends alike. I have shared the recipe with anyone who has asked, passing on the delicious tradition to the next generation.

But the story of how I learned to make these cookies goes back many years, to a summer spent with my Aunt Clara. Aunt Clara was a remarkable cook, always experimenting with new recipes and flavors. She was the one who introduced me to the joys of baking and taught me the importance of using fresh, wholesome ingredients.

One summer, I stayed with Aunt Clara for a few weeks while my parents were out of town. It was during that time that she shared her recipe for healthy cut-out cookies with me. I remember standing by her side in the kitchen, watching as she measured out the ingredients and mixed the dough with ease.

Aunt Clara explained the importance of using whole wheat flour instead of refined flour, and how honey could be used as a natural sweetener. She showed me how to substitute applesauce for butter, making the cookies lower in fat and calories. As we rolled out the dough and cut out shapes, she shared stories of her own childhood baking adventures.

As the cookies baked in the oven, Aunt Clara and I chatted and laughed, creating memories that would last a lifetime. When the cookies emerged from the oven, we marveled at their golden perfection and savored the first bite together.

From that moment on, I was hooked. I made Aunt Clara's healthy cut-out cookies whenever I had the chance, always thinking of her and the special bond we shared in the kitchen. The recipe became a symbol of our time together, a reminder of the love and joy that baking can bring.

As I grew older and started a family of my own, I passed on Aunt Clara's recipe to my children. We spent many afternoons baking together, rolling out dough and cutting out shapes just like Aunt Clara had taught me. The tradition continued, with my children now sharing the recipe with their own friends and loved ones.

And so, the story of how I learned to make healthy cut-out cookies is a tale of love, family, and the timeless joy of baking. It is a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories that last a lifetime. And every time I bake a batch of these delicious cookies, I am transported back to that rainy Sunday afternoon when I first discovered the recipe that would become a cherished part of my life.