I don’t do yoga.
I don’t have the patience/attention span.
There is one thing I do like about yoga: the clothes. Like this top I received from Yogi:
I wore this shirt (click here for better pics of shirt on their site) while braving the mall over the weekend. And then I wore it to the gym. I love a versatile outfit! Impossibly soft, breathable, and loose. During the winter months there is NO way I’m going to be rocking teeny tops. It’s a too cold… and I tend to eat a couple of cookies. They also sent yoga pants, but they are SO long – like an extra 6 inches of fabric - I need to get them hemmed before wearing them out.
Disclaimer: I was not compensated for this review (other than the free clothes). Opinions are my own… I could never keep my opinion to myself. 
Some people may beat themselves up over these winter indulgences, but I like my friend Lindsay’s perspective. The holiday season only comes once a year. Why not enjoy a few of your favorite things (like warm woolen mittens)? Don’t go nuts, but don’t feel like you have to sit in the corner with a salad while everyone else is having pie. Winter is bulking season, after all!
In one more week, things will be back to normal, nutrition plans will be followed more strictly, and – while I’ll still wear my yoga tops – the thought of those tighter gym shirts won’t made me squirm.
________________________________________________________________________________________
Now that we’ve gotten that established, here is how I photograph are the cookies!
Last week my concierge mentioned that he wanted molasses cookies. I’d never made them before, but I thought it would be nice to make him a Christmas treat.
I don’t know that I’ve ever had a molasses cookie, so I don’t have anything to compare these too. They remind me of a gingerbread cookie; however, these are chewier and have a deeper, more subtle sweetness thanks to the Blackstrap molasses.
I used a bit of almond flour, but you could use all regular flour. Your cookies will just be a little cakier. These are also a good candidate for whole wheat flour (I ran out), and you could replace the oil with applesauce if 1/2 C of butter is enough fat for you.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Ginger Molasses Cookies
- 1.5 C flour
- 1/2 C almond flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp cardamom
- 1/2 C salted butter, softened
- 1 C dark brown sugar
- 2 T canola oil
- 1/4 C Blackstrap molasses
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
In a large bowl whisk together flours, baking soda, and spices.
With an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add oil, molasses, egg, and vanilla and beat to incorporate. Beat in the flour mixture until just combined. Cover and place in the refrigerator to chill until firm (at least 2 hours, preferably overnight).
Pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll chilled dough into ~1 inch balls. Place on baking sheet, leaving ~2 inches of space between. Using the bottom of a glass, flatten the cookies slightly.
Bake for 10-12 mins.
Makes 2 dozen cookies.
***
I’m taking tomorrow (and probably Wednesday) “off.” Wishing everyone Happy Holidays!
Do you allow yourself to indulge a little over the holiday season?
What is your favorite Christmas cookie? Who will you be enjoying them with tomorrow?
53 comments
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Olivia Hill
December 24, 2012 at 12:45 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
My favorite christmas cookie really isn’t a cookie at all. It’s fudge. My grandmother’s homemade chocolate fudge to be exact. Oh man, I could eat atrocious amounts of this stuff, it’s that good. From the looks of it, I could probably eat atrocious amounts of your gingerbread molasses cookies too…try not to judge.
Laura
December 26, 2012 at 4:50 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I just realized I didn’t get any fudge this year! Probably a good thing, now that I think about it, but it’s one of my favorites too!
Debbie
December 24, 2012 at 12:50 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I love the taste of molasses in cookies. And I don’t worry about a little indulgence either. It’s all about balance (and not eating that way for the whole month of December!).
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
December 24, 2012 at 1:16 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Christmas is definitely the time to let loose and have a little fun. I remember way too many Christmases where I was way too strict with my diet, and the restriction was pretty much the strongest memory I had of those times. No more. I’ve definitely been enjoying my fair share of tasty treats this year, including a similar batch of ginger molasses cookies that I baked tonight
They were delicious, but I’d have to say that my favorite Christmas cookies are snickerdoodles… can’t go wrong with the combination of sugar and cinnamon.
Laura
December 26, 2012 at 4:54 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Anything with cinnamon is tops on my list! Glad you are enjoying some Christmas treats.
Jessie
December 24, 2012 at 3:22 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’ll be completely honest.. I skipped the first half to this post (don’t worry I went back & read it than), and scrolled right down to the cookie recipe =) They look so good!!
Laura
December 26, 2012 at 5:00 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Hahaha! I do that a lot.
Khushboo
December 24, 2012 at 4:36 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thanks for sharing Lindsay’s post- I couldn’t agree more! You know I love my workouts and eating a healthy diet but not at the expense of foregoing fun over the holidays…and yes indulging more than normal counts as fun! Have a happy holidays, Laura!
Miz
December 24, 2012 at 6:00 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
TWINSIES.
I have that top
I love that top.
OM SO SO SO WEARING THAT TOP tomorrow
Laura
December 26, 2012 at 5:01 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Isn’t it the BEST? I need to order more!
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama
December 24, 2012 at 6:15 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Love the comfy -ness of Yogi Clothing! You are so right, perfect for this time of year when we indulge a little more than usual. Great cookie recipe! Pinned! Have a great couple of days ‘off!’
Alexandra
December 24, 2012 at 7:07 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Christmas is TOTALLY a time to just have fun and indulge! Heck, it only comes around once a year, why not go all out?!
Those cookies sound amazing! I think my favorite Christmas cookies gotta be old fashioned sugar cookies or raspberry thumbprint cookies NOM
Have a beautiful Christmas friend!
Michelle @ Eat Move Balance
December 24, 2012 at 7:08 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Merry Christmas! I’m off to indulge in my Mom’s homemade goodies. They are amazing, and I wouldn’t pass them up for the world!
Laura
December 26, 2012 at 5:04 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Merry Christmas to you too! Hope you enjoyed your mom’s cooking!
lindsay
December 24, 2012 at 7:30 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
i buy a size bigger in the winter just for room to grow. And yoga clothes always do the trick. no need to fret, we’ve got 11 months out of the year to work on nutrition plans. you got that right!
merry christmas friend
Laura
December 26, 2012 at 5:05 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Haha – I keep multiple sizes of jeans for that very reason!
Cheers to the 12th month.
Linz @ Itz Linz
December 24, 2012 at 7:32 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
i definitely allow myself to indulge over the holidays – afterall, that’s what itz all about! with moderation, of course, and gym trips, too!
Calee
December 24, 2012 at 8:02 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Merry Christmas!!
I do love me some yoga clothes.
I also HATE yoga. I had a brief love affair with it when my ankle was sprained, but I seriously hate it. I’m making a point to make it a part of my training this year because my body needs it. I hate it. And it is going to suck. But it’s probably not good for me to be so damn inflexible. Plus, strengthening my concentration is definitely good for marathon training.
Laura
December 26, 2012 at 5:11 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I have the same relationship with it – I know it’s good for me but UGH.
Merry post-Christmas!
Lee
December 24, 2012 at 8:04 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’ve never had molasses cookies either, but they look really good.
Yoga clothes are so comfortable. I would pretty much wear them every day if it weren’t for that pesky work thing. Although I could totally get away with wearing some at work really.
Laura
December 26, 2012 at 5:11 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I totally wore that top to work on casual Friday. I dressed it up with a necklace…
Kierston
December 24, 2012 at 8:12 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Absolutely I do! I enjoy everything single thing about the holiday season
Lindsay's List
December 24, 2012 at 8:16 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
dude…i just ate a cookie for breakfast.
Merry Christmas, dear friend!
Laura
December 26, 2012 at 5:13 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Love. It. I followed up my cookie lunch with a dessert cookie.
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles
December 24, 2012 at 8:20 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Holidays are absolutely the time for celebrating, so I definitely let loose a little bit. I’d rather focus on family time than worry about what/how much I’m eating.
Laura
December 26, 2012 at 5:15 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
That’s such a great mentality! Hope you enjoyed your time!
Kat
December 24, 2012 at 9:32 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I definitely indulge and work off what I eat, so I’m super tired! Haha, Merry Christmas!
Laura
December 26, 2012 at 5:16 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I was just talking to my mom telling her how tired I was after all the food and then leg day. Holidays well-spent! Merry post-Christmas to you!
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast
December 24, 2012 at 10:02 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Mmm, molasses cookies… I haven’t had those in years. I definitely indulge around the holidays. It’s part of the fun!
Have a wonderful Christmas, Laura!
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
December 24, 2012 at 10:06 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I do indulge on the holidays although I may have you beat. I posted a recipe with over 2 sticks of butter today. Oops, oh well. It’s damn good. Have a great Christmas. Catch ya on the flip side.
Nadiya
December 24, 2012 at 11:31 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I don’t celebrate Christmas (well I do but in January) but I’m looking forward to my mom’s Napoleon (mille-feuilles) cake on New Years! It’s one of those few cakes I enjoy but have so rarely because it takes forever to make!
Holiday time is about having those treats you have once in a blue moon and I think that as long ax you don’t go overboard with sweets you shouldn’t worry too much about it
PS: Love the Yogi top and Merry Christmas
Laura
December 26, 2012 at 5:20 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I LOVE mille-feuilles!!! You are so lucky you get to enjoy it homemade!
Karey @ Nutty About Health
December 24, 2012 at 12:32 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I like the yoga top! Like you, I get a tad bit bored w/the yoga.
Maybe a sugar fee cookie… or two. Happy Holidays!!
Your cookies look phenomenal!! Yum!! Very sweet of you to bake for the concierge.
As for holiday indulgences, I’m trying to avoid the sugar & trying to stick to my low-carb eating… I’ll allow myself some extra cheese curds & sausage though.
Laura
December 26, 2012 at 5:23 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
So glad I’m not alone with the yoga! I feel like everyone else is in love with it.. Happy Holidays to you too!
Alex @ therunwithin
December 24, 2012 at 12:32 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
i adore the molasses flavor. I agree, it is one week of the year why not enjoy everything? I hope you have a great holiday season
Fran@BCDC
December 24, 2012 at 12:56 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Ginger molasses cookies sound wonderful! Yoga also sounds wonderful, but I’ve never been able to get my body to do the necessary things. Keep thinking I will. Now I think I’m too old to get it to work. Merry Christmas, Laura!!!
Laura
December 26, 2012 at 5:25 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Fran! You’re never too old.
Hope you had a lovely Christmas!
Lisa
December 24, 2012 at 2:58 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Totally agree on your holiday weight perspective! It’s a time of joy, might as well enjoy the season! I actually am not a huge cookie fan, I prefer muffins. Have a great Christmas!
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables
December 24, 2012 at 4:31 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Those sound delicious!! I always indulge over the holidays.
I can’t do yoga either… I’m too hyper.
Laura
December 26, 2012 at 5:31 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Me too! I’m not ADD most of the time.. until you make me sit still and be quiet. LOL!
Kammie @ Sensual Appeal
December 24, 2012 at 5:05 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I agree with your outlook! I’m enjoying myself and not caring. I’m not going anywhere in a bikini anytime soon and what are the chunky sweaters for anyway
to cover all the extra fun underneath ahha
Merry Christmas!
Danielle
December 24, 2012 at 6:32 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Love that recipe! I will definitely be trying it out! Merry Christmas Laura!
Jody - Fit at 55
December 24, 2012 at 10:12 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Merry Christmas Laura!!! So glad we met via the FF group & you are one amazing lady! I am also drooling over those cookies!
Laura
December 26, 2012 at 5:33 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I am SO glad we met as well! Thank you for being a constant source of inspiration.
Happy Holidays!
Holly
December 25, 2012 at 3:34 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I always indulge over the holidays. It does only come once a year and as long as you keep exercising a few days of indulgence aren’t going to ruin you forever. I always get annoyed with my mother-in-law who goes on and on about the calorie count of the dishes and at the same time tries to justify having another slice of something. Just eat it! It’s Christmas.
I’m definitely with the first poster, fudge it my favorite holiday treat.
Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli
December 26, 2012 at 5:16 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Lindsay’s post has been on my mind ever since I first read it. I’m trying to be ok with the fact that in the last two weeks or so, I KNOW I’ve put on a bit of weight. I completely agree with “letting yourself live a little” during the holidays, but this year, something happened and my idea of splurging “a little” got squashed by a full out two-day Christmas binge! Of course it didn’t help that the majority of the food this year was ALL processed finger food crap! I seriously feel like I’ve been run over by a truck (and then backed over a few more times). And the worst part? I’m STILL craving sugar! and it’s STILL around every freaking corner! I’ve been at work all night, hiding away in my department pretending not to see the cookies/dips/chips/other crap that they have in the ER right now. Nope, it’s time to get back on track…and for now, my mashed banana on rice cakes will have to do!
Luckily this post does nothing for me since I’m not really a fan of ginger based cookies, but my favorite CHRISTMAS cookie (of which I only got ONE this year…among MANY others) is definitely chocolate peppermint…like my pan-cookies!
Laura
December 26, 2012 at 5:43 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Yeah… i know exactly how you feel. I wonder if I could convince my family to spend next year at a health spa?
I ate a snack today and wanted dessert after. I thought of the cookies in my freezer. I had to leave the house. LOL!
Carol @ Lucky Zucca
December 26, 2012 at 1:10 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Um omg chewy yummy cookies? Yes pleaseeeeeeee
ughhhh i’ve indulged FAR too much this holiday season. I literally ate 8 pieces of bacon at breakfast yesterday. EIGHT.
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen
December 26, 2012 at 2:25 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I do allow myself to indulge, but only if it is something I really want. Oddly, since I’ve been battling this head cold, I feel like my cravings are completely off. The other night, I was offered a spread of delicious cake and brownies, and I just was so uninerested, and then last night all I wanted in my life was a big fat piece of cake…and there was none to be found. I’ve somehow managed to avoid overindulging because I’ve been in the wrong head (and stomach?) space and the wrong time. I will say I have been indulging in some Skippy peanut butter…spoonfuls of it. Does that count?
Laura
December 26, 2012 at 5:45 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Sadly, my cold didn’t slow me down. You mean cookies aren’t medicine?! LOL! I’ve been downing the ACV too though.
Trashy PB rocks. Jiff > Skippy. #nuttywars
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen
December 26, 2012 at 6:07 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
There is no #nuttywar here…Stepfather Smart just loves Skippy. When talking trashy PB, I’ll roll with Jif every time. [I'm just cheap enough to eat what is here...]
Laura
December 26, 2012 at 6:11 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I can continue to respect you. #sighofrelief
Hannah
December 26, 2012 at 8:12 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
You made treats for your concierge? You’re just the loveliest.
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