Why You’ll Love Healthy Sugar Cookies Recipe
These healthy sugar cookies offer all the fun of traditional cut-out cookies while using wholesome ingredient swaps. Unsweetened applesauce adds moisture and helps create a tender texture without relying on butter or oil.
The recipe is also wonderfully simple. The dough comes together in just a few bowls, and after chilling, it is easy to roll, cut, and bake. You can customize the shapes and decorations for virtually any occasion.
Whole wheat flour gives the cookies a slightly hearty flavor while still producing a delicious cookie that pairs beautifully with vanilla. Coconut sugar can add subtle caramel notes, while cane sugar creates a more traditional sugar-cookie flavor.
They are also easy to prepare ahead of time. Since the dough needs to chill for an hour, you can make it in advance and bake the cookies when you are ready.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar or cane sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
For decorating, you can also use your favorite icing or sprinkles. These are completely optional, and the cookies are delicious served plain.
Directions
- Add the coconut sugar and unsweetened applesauce to a large mixing bowl. Stir thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly combined.
- Add the egg and vanilla to the applesauce mixture. Stir again until everything is smooth and well incorporated.
- In a separate small bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. Mix well so the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir until a cohesive cookie dough forms and no obvious streaks of dry flour remain. Avoid excessive mixing once the ingredients are combined.
- Cover the dough and place it in the refrigerator. Chill for 1 hour. Chilling makes the soft dough easier to roll and helps the cookies maintain their shapes during baking.
- Near the end of the chilling time, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Lightly dust a clean work surface and rolling pin with flour. Place the chilled dough on the prepared surface and roll it to approximately 1/2-inch thickness.
- Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut the dough into shapes. Carefully transfer the cookies to the parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookies are set and beginning to turn golden brown around the edges.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the pan for 2 to 3 minutes. Carefully transfer them to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely.
- Once completely cooled, decorate the cookies with icing or sprinkles if desired. Allow any icing to set before storing the cookies.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 20 servings.
Total time is about 1 hour and 32 minutes, including the 1-hour chilling period and 10 to 12 minutes of baking time.
The exact number of cookies will depend on the size of the cookie cutters you use and how thickly you roll the dough. Smaller shapes will produce more cookies, while large cookie cutters will produce fewer.
Variations
Cinnamon Sugar Cookies: Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a warm, lightly spiced flavor.
Almond Sugar Cookies: Replace part or all of the vanilla with almond extract. Because almond extract has a strong flavor, start with a small amount.
Lemon Sugar Cookies: Add finely grated lemon zest to the dough for a bright citrus flavor that pairs especially well with a simple glaze.
Orange Sugar Cookies: Add fresh orange zest to the wet ingredients for a subtle citrus variation.
Spiced Holiday Cookies: Add a small amount of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg to transform the basic dough into a warmly spiced holiday cookie.
Chocolate-Dipped Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled completely, dip one side in melted chocolate and allow them to set on parchment paper.
Simple Glazed Cookies: Top cooled cookies with a thin vanilla glaze instead of traditional frosting for a lighter finishing touch.
Naturally Decorated Cookies: Leave the cookies unfrosted and use a small amount of coarse sugar before baking for a simple decorative finish.
Storage/Reheating
Allow the healthy sugar cookies to cool completely before storing them. Placing warm cookies in a container can trap steam and make them overly moist.
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for about 3 to 5 days. If the cookies are decorated with an icing that requires refrigeration, follow the storage requirements for that particular icing.
For longer storage, place fully cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between the layers. Freeze for up to 2 to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
The unbaked dough can also be prepared ahead of time. Keep it tightly wrapped or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and bake once you are ready to roll and cut the cookies.
Reheating usually isn’t necessary because sugar cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature. If you prefer a slightly warm cookie, heat one briefly in the microwave for just a few seconds. Decorated cookies are generally better served without reheating.
FAQs
Are these sugar cookies actually healthy?
These cookies use whole wheat flour and unsweetened applesauce and contain no butter or added oil. They are still a sweet treat, but the ingredient choices make them a lighter alternative to many traditional sugar cookie recipes.
Can I use cane sugar instead of coconut sugar?
Yes. Either coconut sugar or cane sugar works in this recipe. Coconut sugar will generally give the cookies a slightly deeper, caramel-like flavor and darker appearance, while cane sugar provides a more traditional sweetness.
Why does the cookie dough need to chill?
Chilling firms the dough and makes it easier to roll and cut. It can also help the cookies hold their shapes more effectively while baking.
Can I skip chilling the dough?
Chilling is recommended. Because applesauce contributes significant moisture to the dough, trying to roll it immediately may make it sticky and difficult to handle. Giving it the full hour in the refrigerator will make shaping easier.
Why is my cookie dough sticky?
The dough naturally has some moisture because of the applesauce. Make sure it has been thoroughly chilled, then lightly flour your work surface, rolling pin, and cookie cutters as necessary. Avoid adding excessive flour, which can make the finished cookies dry.
Can I make these cookies without cookie cutters?
Yes. Although the recipe works particularly well for cut-out cookies, you can create simple shapes by hand or use the rim of a small glass to cut round cookies.
How do I know when the sugar cookies are done?
The cookies should look set and develop a light golden-brown color, particularly around the edges. Depending on their exact size and thickness, they should take approximately 10 to 12 minutes at 350°F.
Can I decorate these healthy sugar cookies?
Absolutely. Allow the cookies to cool completely before decorating them with your favorite icing, glaze, or sprinkles. Decorating warm cookies can cause icing to melt or slide off.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes. The dough can be prepared in advance and refrigerated in a tightly covered container. When you’re ready to bake, let very firm dough sit at room temperature briefly if necessary so it becomes easy enough to roll.
Can I freeze healthy sugar cookies?
Yes. Once completely cooled, place the cookies in a freezer-safe airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 2 to 3 months and thaw at room temperature before serving or decorating.
Conclusion
Healthy Sugar Cookies are a simple way to enjoy a classic homemade treat with a few lighter ingredient choices. Applesauce keeps the cookies tender, whole wheat flour adds a wholesome touch, and coconut or cane sugar provides just the right amount of sweetness.
Their roll-and-cut dough makes them especially fun for holidays and celebrations, but they are easy enough to prepare whenever you’re craving a homemade cookie. Serve them plain, add a simple glaze, or bring out the icing and sprinkles for a batch that is completely your own.
Healthy Sugar Cookies
Soft and wholesome sugar cookies made with whole wheat flour, applesauce, and coconut or cane sugar. These lightly sweet cookies are perfect for cutting into shapes and decorating.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar or cane sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Combine the coconut sugar and apple sauce in a large mixing bowl. Stir until thoroughly combined.
- Add the egg and vanilla to the bowl and stir until combined.
- Mix the flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl until combined.
- Pour the flour mixture into the wet mixture and stir until fully combined.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Dust a clean surface with flour and roll the dough to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut into shapes as desired.
- Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until golden brown.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 to 3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate as desired with icing or sprinkles.
Notes
- Coconut sugar gives the cookies a slightly deeper, caramel-like flavor, while cane sugar provides a more traditional sugar cookie taste.
- Chilling the dough for the full hour makes it easier to roll and cut into shapes.
- Icing and sprinkles are optional and will increase the sugar and calorie content.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 65 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 35 mg
- Fat: 0.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 9 mg
