5 Ways to Festive Cookies

Healthy cookies can party! Try these simple ideas to dress up cookies for holiday party trays or other special occasions. They’re easy to do and easy on the waistline, too.

DUST warm-from-the-oven cookies with powdered sugar. Or, use stencils with a holiday theme fun shapes. Cocoa or cinnamon can also be used.  Try - Crandberry Orange Tea Cakes.

DIP edges only of baked cookies lightly into melted chocolate. To melt chocolate for dipping, heat 1 teaspoon shortening with 3 ounces bittersweet, semisweet or white chocolate over low heat, stirring frequently, until chocolate is melted and smooth. Try - "Healthified" Chocolate Chip Cookies

DRIZZLE frosting or melted chocolate over baked cookies. The tines of a fork tines work well for fine lines. Or, place the melted chocolate in a resealable bag; snip off a tiny corner and lightly drizzle lines or circles across cookies or bars.  Try - Two-in-One Holiday Bars

GLAZE instead of frost. Make the glaze flavorful and use only enough to just cover the top. Drizzle the glaze if you prefer more texture on the top. Try - Glazed Lemon-Coconut Bars

SHAPE cookies and bars in new ways. Cut brownies into triangles. For meringues, bypass dropping batter by spoonfuls and use a pastry bag with a star tip instead. Try - Chocolaty Meringue Stars