Time to Bake the Christmas Cookies

Christmas cookies don't have to be loaded with fat and sugar. These healthy cookie recipes have all the taste you crave with far fewer calories, sugar, and fat.

Are you one of those people who likes to get a head start on your Christmas baking? Me too.

Give these Christmas cookie recipes a try. They all freeze well. Just store in flat rows in an airtight container with a sheet of waxed paper between each row.

Here are my favorites:

• Sugar Cookies -- A Christmas classic with a bit of extra nutrition.
• Mexican Wedding Cakes -- Buttery and sweet, these cookies are as delectable as they are pretty.
• Peanut Butter Blossoms -- A guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
• Pumpkin Cookies with Raisinets -- If you're like me and you keep craving pumpkin long after Halloween and Thanksgiving are over, these are the cookies for you.
• Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies -- Soft and cakey, these chocolate chippers have oatmeal in them, too.
• Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies -- Rich and creamy, you'd expect these cookies to have far more fat.
• Magic Cookie Bars -- The classic bar cookie gets lightened up.

Try one of these recipes today!