What ingredients can you use to make cookies lower in fat?

Ingredients:

* Oils:

* Unsaturated Fats: Use oils like canola oil, olive oil, or avocado oil, which are higher in unsaturated fats and lower in saturated fat.

* Reduced-Fat Butter: Choose butter that's been labeled as "reduced-fat" or "light."

* Applesauce: Applesauce is a great substitute for oil or butter. Use about 1/4 cup of applesauce for every 1/2 cup of butter or oil called for in the recipe.

* Greek Yogurt: Similar to applesauce, Greek yogurt can be a good swap for butter, adding moisture and flavor. Use about 1/4 cup of Greek yogurt for every 1/2 cup of butter called for in the recipe.

* Flours:

* Whole Wheat Flour: While not necessarily "lower-fat," whole wheat flour adds fiber and nutrients, making for a more wholesome cookie. You can substitute whole wheat flour for a portion of the all-purpose flour in your recipe.

* Sweeteners:

* Natural Sweeteners: Use honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar to reduce refined sugar content.

* Other Ingredients:

* Oatmeal: Adding oats to your cookies not only lowers fat but also provides fiber and texture.

* Flaxseed Meal: Flaxseed meal is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and can be used to add a subtle nutty flavor and increase fiber content.

Techniques:

* Reduce the Amount of Fat: You can often reduce the amount of butter or oil in a recipe by 1/4 to 1/3 without significantly affecting the taste or texture.

* Increase the Amount of Liquid: Adding more liquid, such as milk, water, or fruit juice, can help to compensate for the reduced fat and keep the cookies moist.

* Use Smaller Cookies: Making smaller cookies will mean using less batter per cookie, inherently reducing the fat content.

Important Notes:

* Experiment: Keep in mind that not all recipes will respond to fat reduction in the same way. You may need to experiment with different ingredients and ratios to achieve the desired results.

* Taste Testing: Be sure to taste test your cookies as you adjust the recipe. You may find that you prefer a certain combination of ingredients.

By using these tips, you can enjoy delicious cookies that are lower in fat and still satisfying.