There are many ways to go about holiday cookie-making without gobs of butter and sugar—really, there are!  Here are some ways to indulge sensibly.

For those with children to please, get them involved!  Try these adorable classic gingerbread boys and girls (pictured above).  Set up a decorating station with frosting, sprinkles and maybe even some gum drops—it’s a fun activity and delicious treat rolled into one.

 Want your morsels to be as wonderful to look at as they are to eat? Giada offers up dainty meringues that are sure to add elegance to any dessert spread. Try her light, airy Espresso Chip Meringues, above.

And watching your waistline doesn't mean you have to give up frosting forever. These Lemon Ricotta Cookies are topped with a lemony glaze that's loaded with flavor, but not all the fat and calories that traditional frosting packs on a cookie.

Don’t have the time or space in your oven for cookies? Try some No-Bake Truffle Cookies (above) or Ellie's Cherry Almond Chocolate Clusters.

For more better-for-you cookie ideas, visit our gallery of 14 Healthy Holiday Cookies.