5 Recipes to Celebrate National Cookie Day with a Healthy Twist

National Cookie Day falls on December fourth and whether you enjoy chocolate chip or snickerdoodle, there’s a type of cookie out there for everyone. For those that prefer to enjoy less guilty versions of their favorite treats, we have the perfect recipes for you.  By substituting a high-fat ingredient with a nutrient-rich fruit or sneaking in a veggie, you can create the ideal balance of nutritious and delicious in your dessert.

Banana Peanut Butter Crunchies

To get your daily dose of potassium and fiber with an added crunch, try these banana and peanut butter cookies. Filled with bananas, dates, crunchy peanut butter, and no added sugar, these cookies will satisfy your sweet tooth without any unnecessary ingredients.

Zucchini Chocolate Chip Cookies

Sneaking a healthy addition into a kid-approved favorite will be no problem at all with these cookies. Although veggies don’t make too many appearances in our favorite cookies, adding zucchini makes the cookie soft and moist. As a bonus, there’s no  butter in this recipe!

Orange Cranberry Cookies

The holidays seem to be a time when you’re surrounded by baked goods and the urge to eat them all can be overwhelming. Well, you won’t have to hesitate when reaching for these  cookies that are sweet, zesty and full of vitamin C and antioxidants.

Soft and Chewy Spiced Carrot Cake Cookies

For a convenient twist on a classic dessert, these cookies deliver the flavor of carrot cake without the frosting or need for a fork. The carrots are packed with beta-carotene and vitamin K. Add in raisins, oats, or dark chocolate chips for tasty twists to this healthy recipe.

Apple Pie Oatmeal Cookies

Last but not least on our list, these cookies combine the warmth and spice of a freshly baked apple pie and the crunch of an oatmeal cookie. Instant oats, whole wheat flour and your favorite apples come together for a sweet treat that’s both healthy and good to eat. Refer back to our “Apple Guide” to see which apples work best for baking.

We love finding ways to incorporate health into all aspects of our lives! What fruits and veggies do you use in your dessert recipes?