9 Healthier Ways to Enjoy Your Favorite Girl Scout Cookies

By Tara Fuller

We can’t decide what’s more exciting: when Santa delivers heaps of goodies while we’re sleeping, or when Girl Scout cookies arrive on our doorstep after weeks of sugar-filled anticipation. Thin Mints, Samoas, Tagalongs… nothing tastes quite like ’em—or satisfies our sweet tooth so successfully.

The only downside to our beloved Girl Scout cookies is that they’re nearly impossible to eat in moderation. And though the bite-sized treats don’t have quite the same affect as polishing off a family-sized ice cream sundae (no judgement—food comas are totally worth it from time to time!), they aren’t exactly green smoothies either.

To get more nutritional bang for your buck, we’ve rounded up nine healthier recipes inspired by your favorite cookies. From frozen yogurt pops to peanut butter shakes to no-fuss fudge, these bites (and sips) will make you forever think outside the cookie box.

Samoas

Photo: Averie Cooks

1. No-Bake Samoas Cookie Granola Bars

Wake and (don’t) bake with this recipe. Simply mix and microwave coconut oil, corn syrup (we like using honey or maple syrup instead), and sugar, add shredded coconut and oats, pack into a pan with a spatula, drizzle with melted chocolate, and cool in the fridge for at least two hours. The end result: Twelve amazing granola bars that you can snack on all week long.

2. Samoa Kefir Pops

Hello, probiotics. By using kefir in place of yogurt, you’ll get extra healthy bacteria, calcium, and protein. With only five ingredients (kefir, shortbread, toasted coconut, chocolate, and caramel), these pops are a cinch to make and a delight to eat. Tip: To save time, use store-bought toasted coconut. Just make sure there isn’t added sugar!

3. Sinless Samoas

More like energy bites than actual cookies, this vegan and gluten-free snack is the perfect thing to grab before a workout or for on-the-go breakfasts. Made with dates, almond butter, unsweetened shredded coconut, dark chocolate, sea salt, and vanilla, they’re a great way to celebrate Samoas without fear of sugar overload. For a full meal, pair the cookies with a banana or latté.

Thin Mints

Photo: The Vegan 8

4. Thin Min Freezer Fudge

Frozen Thin Mints are pretty awesome. What’s even more awesome: Thin Mint-flavored freezer fudge. With heart-healthy almonds, real mint, plenty of cacao, and natural sweeteners like maple syrup, this healthy dessert provides as many nutrients as it does delicious flavors. Bonus: Keeping it in the freezer means it will last that much longer!

5. Paleo Thin Mints

It can be tough to find Paleo desserts that taste as …read more

Source:: Greatist