Skinny Holiday Recipes

Hands down, one of the best parts of the holiday season is the FOOD! But with all those delectable holiday treats, how can you also make sure you're treating your body right? One way is to forget the sugar jar and choose zero-calorie sweet tea instead. Thirst-quenching and sweet in the most traditional Southern way! 

But what about those classic holiday sweet treats? No need to say no to them...just fix 'em up with a few modifications! Check out our favorite "skinny" recipes below!

1) Skinny Gingerbread

Ingredients:

Cookies

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup dark molasses
• 3 cups all-purpose flour plus more for dusting
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp allspice
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves

Icing

• 1 1/2 tbsp egg whites
• 1/4 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• pinch of cream of tartar

Instructions:

Cookies

1. In a large bowl, mix the butter, sugar, applesauce. Add the egg and molasses.

2. In separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, spices. Add this to the previous mixture and stir.

3. Divide dough into two flat balls, cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours.

4. Preheat oven to 350F.

5. Roll out the dough on a dusted surface. Aim for 1/4-1/8-inch thickness. Cut the gingerbread into whatever shape you'd like!

6. Place cookies 1-2 inches apart on baking sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes.

Icing

Mix the egg whites with lemon juice and powdered sugar. Decorate cookies using a piping bag.

2) Skinny Eggnog Cupcakes

Ingredients:

Cupcakes

• 1 package yellow cake mix
• 3/4 cup plain, nonfat Greek yogurt
• 1 cup water
• 3 egg whites
• 2 tsp ground nutmeg

Frosting

• 1 container light whipped topping
• 1 tbsp rum extract
• 1 tsp ground nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350F.

2. Line muffin tins with paper liners.

3. In a large mixing bowl, beat all the cupcake ingredients until mixture is smooth.

4. Prepare the frosting while the cupcakes are in the oven. Mix together the whipped topping and rum extract in a large mixing bowl. 

5. Spread frosting over cooled cupcakes. Spring some sugar or ground nutmeg on top as a garnish!

3) Skinny Apple Spice Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 cup thinly sliced red apple
• 1 3/4 cups white whole wheat or gluten-free flour
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1//2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 6 tbsp nonfat milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Coat 9" pan with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Place apple slices in bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and microwave for 2 minutes. Set aside.

3. For the flour mixture, mix the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk the butter, egg, and vanilla. Add in the Greek yogurt and stir well. Add the maple syrup. 

4. Add in the flour mixture and milk, stirring the whole time.

5. Add batter to pan. Arrange apple slices in pattern on top. Bake for 45-50 minutes.

6. Let cake cool on a wire rack. Enjoy!

4) Skinny Brownies

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
• 2 oz. semi-sweet chocolate, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tbsp canola oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Spray a square pan with nonstick cooking spray and line with parchment paper. Spray paper, as well.

2. Mix together flour, cocoa, salt, and baking soda in large mixing bowl.

3. In separate bowl, stir brown sugar, applesauce, Greek yogurt, melted chocolate, eggs, and oil. Add flour mixture in and stir.

4. Spread batter on pan.

5. Bake for 30-35 minutes, let cool, and enjoy!

 

We want y'all to enjoy the holidays in the most guilt-free way possible, Sweeties! Comment below - what's the first thing you'll make?