The Christmas season is inseparably linked to the smell of cookies, gingerbread and stollen. But many traditional recipes contain large amounts of sugar, fat and white flour. With a few simple adjustments, you can conjure up Christmas cookies that can be good for your well-being without having to forego enjoyment. Here are some ideas for healthy alternatives to the usual baking ingredients.
Plant-based milk alternatives: oat drink instead of milk
Oat drink is a popular alternative to cow's milk and has a mild taste that fits in many recipes. It naturally contains fiber such as beta-glucans, which can make a positive contribution as part of a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. It is also naturally low in fat. The cow's milk is replaced with the same amount of plant drink.
Alternatives such as almond or coconut milk can also be used and bring their own flavor notes to the pastry.
spelt flour instead of wheat flour
Spelt flour is an alternative to conventional wheat flour. It has a stronger, slightly nutty taste that goes well with Christmas baked goods. Wholemeal spelt flour in particular contains more fiber than white flour. This can contribute to a balanced diet if it is included in the menu. Wheat flour can be replaced 1:1 with spelt flour.
almond protein instead of flour
If you replace some of the flour with almond protein, it will add more fiber and protein to your baked goods.
Natural sweetness: honey or dates instead of sugar
Instead of household sugar, you can use natural sweeteners that give your baked goods an individual touch:
- Honey : Honey is sweeter than sugar, so you'll need less of it. However, keep in mind that despite its sweetness, honey remains a sweetener and should be used in moderation.
- Dates : These dried fruits are naturally sweet and can be used as a sweetener in recipes. They are easy to make into a paste and add a pleasant caramel-like flavor. Alternatively, you can use dried date powder, which you can substitute 1:1 for the sugar.
Maple syrup or coconut blossom sugar can also be used in recipes.
Healthier fats: vegetable oils or nut butter instead of butter
If you want to replace butter, you can try vegetable oil or nut butter instead. Coconut oil, for example, gives your baked goods a light coconut flavor, while nut butter - made from dates, almonds or cashews, for example - gives a creamy consistency and a natural nuttiness. Both ingredients can vary and enrich the taste of the baked goods.
Extras for nutritional diversity: cocoa powder , nuts, seeds and dried fruits
- Nuts and seeds such as almonds, walnuts or chia seeds add bite and provide a variety of important nutrients.
- Dried fruits such as cranberries or raisins give your pastries a natural sweetness and make them particularly juicy.
- Pure cocoa powder brings the chocolate note to your baked goods and contains many valuable ingredients
The ingredients mentioned can contribute to a varied diet.
Conclusion: Enjoyable and varied through the Christmas season
Healthy Christmas baking doesn't mean giving up on enjoyment. With a few small adjustments, you can reinterpret classics like vanilla crescents, chocolate cookies or cinnamon stars into nutritious treats in a new way and bring a variety of flavors and ingredients into your baked goods. Try it out - your family and friends will love it! 🎄✨😊🍪
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