Olive Oil Sugar Cookies: A Softer, Healthier Holiday Treat

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olive oil sugar cookies

The holidays are synonymous with sugar cookies—those beautiful, often heavily decorated discs that instantly transport you back to childhood. But let’s face it, traditional recipes, loaded with butter, can sometimes yield a cookie that’s a little too crisp or heavy.

This year, give your holiday baking a Mediterranean twist with Olive Oil Sugar Cookies. This simple substitution offers a surprisingly delightful result: a cookie that is remarkably softer, chewier, and infused with subtle, complex flavor notes. Plus, you get the bonus of using a fat rich in monounsaturated goodness!

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 3/4 cup Garden of Eden Olive Oil
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional:

  • Extra sugar for rolling
  • Orange zest or cinnamon for extra flavor

Equipment Needed

  • Mixing bowls (large and medium)
  • Whisk or spoon
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wire cooling rack

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and helps the cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

  1. In a medium bowl, combine 2 1/4 cups flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  2. Mix well so the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup sugar, 3/4 cup Garden of Eden Olive Oil, 1/4 cup honey, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
  2. Mix until smooth and creamy. The olive oil gives the cookies a soft texture and a delicate fruity flavor.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

  1. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
  2. Stir gently until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

  1. Scoop about a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball.
  2. Roll each ball in extra sugar to give a light coating.
  3. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.

Step 6: Flatten Cookies

  1. Press each dough ball lightly with the bottom of a glass or your fingers.
  2. This helps the cookies spread evenly during baking.

Step 7: Bake

  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes.
  2. The edges should be lightly golden, but the center should remain soft.

Step 8: Cool

  1. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
  2. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips and Trick

  • Flavor Variation: Add orange zest, cinnamon, or a few chocolate chips for extra flavor.
  • Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
  • Olive Oil Choice: Using Garden of Eden Olive Oil enhances the flavor and adds a subtle fruity aroma.
  • Healthier Swap: Honey replaces part of the sugar to make these cookies a healthier alternative.

Why This Recipe Works

  • Soft Texture: Olive oil keeps cookies soft and moist, unlike butter which can make them crispier.
  • Healthier Sweetness: Using a mix of sugar and honey lowers refined sugar content.
  • Flavor Boost: The fruity notes from Garden of Eden Olive Oil add a unique depth to the cookie flavor.

Improvements and Variations for Olive Oil Sugar Cookies

1. Make Them Extra Chewy

  • Use slightly more honey (up to 1/3 cup) and slightly less flour (reduce by 2 tablespoons).
  • Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking. This slows spreading and keeps them soft.

2. Add Natural Flavors

  • Citrus: Add 1 teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the dough for a fresh aroma.
  • Spices: Mix in 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, festive taste.

3. Enhance the Olive Oil Flavor

  • Use high-quality Garden of Eden Olive Oil with a mild fruity flavor to keep the cookies soft and fragrant.
  • Lightly brush the tops of the cookies with olive oil before baking for a subtle sheen and extra flavor.

4. Healthier Sugar Options

  • Replace some sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a more natural sweetness.
  • Honey in the recipe already reduces refined sugar; you can increase it slightly for a richer taste.

5. Texture Variations

  • For a crispier edge and soft center, slightly flatten the dough balls more before baking.
  • For extra soft, leave the dough balls round and do not overbake; remove when lightly golden.

Why Garden of Eden Olive Oil Makes the Difference

Experience the rich, fruity flavor and health benefits of Garden of Eden Olive Oil in your holiday sugar cookies. Their cold-pressed, extra-virgin olive oil adds a soft, tender texture while keeping your treats naturally wholesome. Packed with antioxidants and heart-healthy fats, it enhances both taste and nutrition. This Black Friday, take advantage of special deals on their premium oils, including extra-virgin and infused varieties. Perfect for baking, cooking, or gifting, Garden of Eden Olive Oil brings a touch of Mediterranean excellence to every recipe. Don’t miss out on these limited-time Black Friday offers to elevate your kitchen creations.

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