Looking for a cookie that you take to your holiday parties and events that won’t wreck your diet? Try Gingerbread! Every year one of my friends invites me to her holiday “cookie exchange” party. It’s always a blast, but I struggle with what to make! I ask myself “Would I let my clients eat this?” and usually my answer is “Hell no”. So, I always end up making a “cookie” that’s overly healthy that nobody likes : ( So, this year, despite my urge to make protein powder meringues again (yes, I know) – I decided to go with gingerbread cookies and they turned out great!
Gingerbread is actually one of the best options if you are trying to watch calories and also want to stick to a “clean” diet. To save time, I used a pre-made gingerbread mix by Betty Crocker, despite the fact that it’s not the “cleanest” and is pre-packaged. However, after I got home and read the ingredients and nutrition label more closely – I was surprised that it’s not that bad! You can probably get an organic version at Whole Foods or other store that has less chemicals (this one does have hydrogenated oils), if you want to make it even healthier. After the added egg and butter – two small cookies (1 serving) is 150 calories, 5 grams of fat (approximately), 1g protein and 10g sugar. You also get in a few vitamins, including 4g of iron.
Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies
- 1 Bag Betty Crocker Gingerbread Cookie Mix (or similar)
- approximately 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (or semi-sweet)
- 1 Stick Butter, water and 1 egg (as directed on cookie mix instructions)
Directions
Mix cookies as directed on the bag. Sprinkle them with sugar or stevia/truvia (for less sugar and calories!) and then bake as directed. When you take them out of the oven, place 1-2 dark chocolate chips in the center of the cookie (press down firmly so that there is an indentation). If you want more of a melted look (like above) – place them back into the oven for about 1min.
*The dark chocolate adds only about 25 calories each.
