Low-Sugar Healthy Sugar Cookies

A healthier twist on a classic treat—these cookies are low in sugar but big on flavor!

Admittedly, I’m more of a chocolate cookie guy, but I’m more partial to sugar cookies when the holidays roll around, especially with homemade frosting. But my kids? They’ll eat them any time of year.

I can see why. The buttery aroma, soft texture, and simple yet satisfying sweetness make them darn near irresistible. The best (and worst) thing about sugar cookies is that they seem light compared to other baked goods. In truth, they’re a sugar bomb.

That’s where this recipe comes in. If you’ve ever wanted to indulge without the guilt (or the sugar crash), you’re in for a treat! These cookies swap out some of the usual suspects, like white flour and refined sugar, for healthier alternatives like whole wheat pastry flour and stevia.

I won’t lie and say they taste exactly the same as traditional sugar cookies, but they come close. You still get a tender, buttery cookie with just the right hint of vanilla and almond. They deliver all the nostalgia of a classic cookie and certainly satisfy my sweet tooth!

Are These Low-Sugar Healthy Sugar Cookies Healthy?

These cookies use whole-wheat pastry flour, which adds more fiber and other nutrients compared to traditional white flour. Also, using stevia as a sugar substitute significantly lowers the sugar content. You could swap out the raw organic cane sugar for coconut sugar, which is slightly less processed and has a lower glycemic index. Additionally, you could try a plant-based butter alternative to reduce saturated fat. Keep in mind that while these cookies are lighter than traditional recipes, they’re still a treat—enjoy in moderation!

How to properly measure flour

You might not think measuring flour is a big deal, but it can make or break your cookies. Flour can get packed, sifted, or fluffed depending on how it’s stored—that difference impacts your final bake. So, if you want these cookies (or any similar recipe) to turn out perfectly, here’s the best way to measure flour:

1. Fluff the flour: Use a spoon to mix the flour around in its container. This loosens the flour and helps break up any clumps that might have formed while sitting. Packed flour often leads to using more than the recipe calls for, which throws everything off. And yes, I’m speaking from experience!
2. Spoon into the measuring cup: Yeah, I know this sounds like a hassle, but you really should spoon the flour into the cup. Scooping with the cup itself compresses the flour, which means you’ll end up with too much—and that’s a quick path to dry, crumbly cookies.
3. Level it off: Once your measuring cup is full, grab a straight-edged utensil like a butter knife. Use it to scrape off the excess flour across the top of the cup for a perfectly even measure. This ensures you’re using the right amount—no more and no less!

These small steps might feel fussy, but trust me—getting it right makes all the difference! That said, however, using a scale will provide the most accurate results.

Serving Suggestions

These low-sugar cookies are proof that healthier takes on classic treats can be just as indulgent. They’re especially great during the holidays, when cookies tend to take center stage!

Of course, no holiday is complete without a full cookie plate for parties or gift exchanges. These Sugar-Free Peanut Butter Cookies bring a rich nutty flavor, and a batch of Flourless Gluten-Free Chocolate Cookies is perfect for the chocolate lover in your life. Or, add some buttery decadence with Paleo Whipped Gluten-Free Shortbread Cookies. And why not add something unique, like these Sugar-Free Brownies? A mix of these treats will make your cookie platter a hit!

Recipe