I can’t resist a good sugar cookie.

Especially around the holidays, when I seem to always be able to find an excuse to indulge. And while in the winter this may mean snacking on gingerbread men and pumpkin spice muffins, in the summer I always find myself reaching for sugar cookies and popsicles.

It’s hard to believe that a cookie can be considered “healthy”. And considering this cookie has the word “sugar” in the title, the fact that it’s actually guilt-free can definitely seem pretty far-fetched. But considering these cookies don’t contain any processed white flour or butter, and are only made with 1 1/2 tbs of sugar, when you think about it the healthy factor isn’t completely absurd.

I try to make most things gluten free these days, not only due to the health factor/popularity of gluten free goods, but also because it simply cuts the calories by using oats instead of all purpose flour! Not to mention, old fashioned oats can typically be found in almost any kitchen, so it’s not like you have to go out of your way to purchase them specifically for these recipes. Additionally, oats are high in fiber, whole grain, and can actually help lower cholesterol levels. So in short: eating one of these cookies can actually be beneficial to your body!

Plus, they’re extremely easy to make! And if you’re like me, and always find yourself running behind, this factor can definitely come in handy 30 minutes before your supposed to be at a party. Where you’re bringing dessert. Or, if you just want a sweet treat after a long day of work, but can’t be trusted with a whole batch of unhealthy cookies, they’re the perfect guilt-free dessert! Considering that two of these cookies are about as many calories as one classic unhealthy one, it’s safe to say that you’re not going to over-indulge if you reach for a second (or third!) one.

And lastly, they’re just plain delicious.

Are you getting out your mixing bowl yet? 😉

Gluten Free Sugar Cookies

• 1 1/2 c old fashioned oats
• 1 tsp flax seeds
• 3 tbs gluten free flour (I used brown rice flour)
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 c melted coconut oil
• 2 tbs greek yogurt
• 3/4 c stevia
• 2 tbs egg whites
• 3/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 tbs milk of choice (I used almond milk)
• 1/4 tsp lemon juice
• 1 1/2 tbs sugar

Preheat oven to 350°F. Process 1 1/2 c oats and flax seeds in a blender or food processor. Combine with gluten free flour, baking soda, and baking powder in a small bowl. In a larger bowl, combine melted coconut oil, greek yogurt, and stevia and mix until smooth. Add egg whites and vanilla extract. Alternate adding flour mixture and milk/lemon juice, stirring until just combined. Lightly grease two cookie sheets. Place cookies two inches apart on a baking sheet and flatten sightly with the bottom of a glass. Sprinkle with sugar. Bake for 9-11 minutes. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information (from myfitnesspal.com)

Calories: 65

Fat: 4g

Carbs: 7g

Protein: 1g

(Yields 1 1/2 dozen/18 cookies)