Maybe you resolved to banish treats such as cookies from your diet this year.

But wouldn't it be more realistic -- and enjoyable -- to resolve to make cookies healthier?

Using sugar substitutes like stevia, erythritol and xylitol can modify calories without sacrificing taste, and are better choices than other sugar substitutes.

Whole-grain flours like spelt and quinoa provide more protein, fiber, calcium and iron than whole wheat. They impart a nutty taste to delight any appetite.

Butter and coconut oil add the most calories to each cookie, so portion control matters. But don't fret about their saturated fat. There is no science to demonstrate they are unhealthy when consumed in moderation.

This basic cookie recipe can provide lots of variety for healthy snacks throughout the coming year. I've suggested four options, but you could create many more using your favorite add-ins.


Makes 3 dozen cookies.

1/4 cup coconut oil

1/2 cup butter or margarine

3/4 cup xylitol sweetener or 3 tablespoons Truvia

2 eggs

1 cup spelt flour or whole-wheat flour

3/4 cup coconut flour or unbleached wheat flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

1/2 cup quinoa flakes or rolled oats

6 ounces chocolate baking chips

2 tablespoons water

To prepare oven, baking sheet: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly oil baking sheet. Set aside.


To make cookie dough: In mixing bowl, beat coconut oil, butter, sweetener and eggs. Add flours, salt, baking soda, quinoa flakes, chocolate chips and water. Mix thoroughly.

To bake: Drop by 1 teaspoonful onto prepared baking sheet. Bake 10 for 12 minutes or until browned.

Nutrition information: One cookie provides 158 calories, 3 grams protein, 16 grams carbohydrates, 8 grams fat, 69 milligrams sodium.


-- Oatmeal Spice Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg and -1/8 teaspoon ground cloves instead of chocolate chips.

-- Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: Add 1/2 cup raisins instead of chocolate chips.

-- Peanut Butter Cookies: Add 1 cup peanut butter to creamed mixture. Top each cookie with 1 chocolate chip.