The History of Cookies & Healthier Baking Swaps for the Holidays
The History of Cookies & Healthier Baking Swaps for the Holidays
December is cookie season, and for good reason! National Cookie Day, on December 4, is the perfect excuse to enjoy this timeless treat. Whether you like holiday recipes or have cookies as a daily (or weekly) snack, cookies are special for many of us.
I often say I use more sugar, flour, and butter in December than the rest of the year combined because nothing says the holidays quite like decorating my favorite cut-out cookies. But where did cookies come from, and how can we enjoy them more healthily without sacrificing the joy of baking?
A Brief History of Cookies
The word “cookie” comes from the Dutch word koekje, meaning “little cake.” Early cookies were essentially small test cakes bakers used to gauge oven temperatures. Over time, they evolved into their own culinary category, and recipes spread across Europe and beyond.
Cookies made their way to America through Dutch settlers in the 1600s, quickly becoming popular. Today, they’re not just reserved for special occasions—they’re a year-round staple, from homemade classics to prepackaged favorites.
Popular Cookies – for the Holidays and Year Round
According to surveys, these are popular year-round cookies and some of those are designated for the holidays:
Chocolate Chip Cookies – A timeless favorite invented in 1938 by Ruth Wakefield (also a dietitian before we were called dietitians).
Peanut Butter Cookies are loved for their nutty flavor and signature crisscross pattern, which is the only reason to use a fork with them.
Oatmeal–raisin cookies are a slightly healthier option with a chewy texture. However, raisins vs. chocolate chips is often debated.
Snickerdoodles – Famous for their cinnamon-sugar coating – and the need for cream of tartar.
Snowball Cookies (aka Mexican Wedding Cookies or Russian Tea Cakes) – you know these powdered sugar-covered bite-sized cookies; someone you know makes them.
Gingerbread Cookies—Shaped into houses or people, gingerbread cookies symbolize holiday cookies (even if you don’t like them, you know them).
Spritz Cookies – Buttery and often decorated with holiday colors (red and green sugar).
Shortbread Cookies – Simple, rich, and perfect with a cup of tea. And if you are British, this is a required treat.
Thumbprint Cookies – Filled with jam or icing (did you know that is what these were called?).
Regional Favorites
While some cookies are universally loved, many regions have their signature treats. For instance, biscochitos are a must-have in New Mexico (where I live) during the holidays. Made with lard, anise, and cinnamon, they’re a delightful nod to the state’s Spanish heritage. Similarly, other areas boast unique recipes that reflect their local cultures and ingredients, from haystacks to meringues and pecan sandies.
Healthier Baking Swaps
While cookies are a delicious indulgence, minor tweaks can make them a bit healthier without compromising flavor. Here are some ideas:
Flour Substitutes: Swap half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for added fiber.
Add Purees: Applesauce or pumpkin puree can replace some butter while keeping cookies moist.
Choose Dark Chocolate: When baking chocolate chip cookies, opt for dark chocolate chips for less sugar and more antioxidants.
Portion Control: Use a smaller cookie scoop or bake mini cookies for built-in portion control.
Reduce Sugar: While people may want to use less sugar, this is important in baking – so using slightly less sugar may work, but don’t think that a substitute with coconut sugar, honey, or maple syrup makes it healthier or lower in sugar. It doesn’t.
Portion Size Is Key
While healthier swaps are great, it’s also important to enjoy cookies in the right portion size. The key to balance is savoring one or two cookies rather than overindulging. Mindful eating allows you to enjoy your favorite treats without guilt.
Enjoy Your Cookies This Season and Beyond
Cookies are more than just a dessert—they’re a tradition, a comfort, and a way to connect with loved ones. Whether baking a batch of biscochitos, decorating sugar cookies with family, or sneaking a store-bought treat, there’s no wrong way to celebrate cookie season.
So, bake, share, and enjoy your cookies this month and all year—because life is sweeter with some indulgence.
P.S. About Raw Cookie Dough and Food Safety
If you’re like me, sneaking bites of cookie dough while baking is part of the fun. My granddaughter and I often find half the dough doesn’t even reach the oven—it’s too tempting! But did you know that the real risk with raw cookie dough isn’t just the eggs? It’s the flour.
Raw flour can harbor harmful bacteria like E. coli. Since it hasn’t been heat-treated, it poses a food safety risk when uncooked. Here’s how you can enjoy cookie dough safely:
Use Heat-Treated Flour: Look for flour labeled as “heat-treated” or pasteurized, or heat your flour at home by spreading it on a baking sheet and baking at 350°F for 5-10 minutes. Let it cool before using.
Egg-Free Recipes: Try egg-free cookie dough recipes or use pasteurized eggs for added safety.
Edible Cookie Dough Recipes: Many recipes are designed for safe-to-eat raw dough. These recipes often skip eggs entirely and use heat-treated flour.
Keep the tradition alive and enjoy your cookie dough safely with a few precautions. Because let’s be honest—baking is as much about the memories (and sneaky tastes) as it is about the final product.
