Holiday baking is one of my favorite traditions, and, even though I’m a health coach, I don’t believe in skipping the cookies! I just like making them with better ingredients.
These healthy Christmas cookies use things like almond flour, maple syrup and dark chocolate, so they taste every bit as festive as the classics with a lot less refined sugar. Many are gluten-free and dairy-free, which makes them perfect for cookie swaps and holiday parties where everyone has different needs.
What Makes These Christmas Cookies Healthier?
Most of these recipes swap white flour for almond flour, which adds protein and healthy fats, and use less sugar (often maple syrup or coconut sugar instead of white sugar). They’re still cookies, and that’s the point. They’re just made with ingredients I feel good about sharing.
My Tips for Holiday Cookie Baking
Bake ahead and freeze. Almost every cookie here freezes well. Bake them in early December, freeze them in a single layer, then store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Chill the dough. Almond flour doughs are softer than regular dough, so 20 to 30 minutes in the fridge makes them easier to shape and helps them hold their shape in the oven.
Plan a mix for gifting. One chocolate cookie, one buttery cookie and one no-bake treat makes a perfect cookie tin.
13 Healthy Christmas Cookies and Treats
5-Ingredient Almond Flour Christmas Cookies
Enjoy these delicious gluten-free Almond Flour Shortbread Cookies! With just 5 ingredients and 10-12 minutes of bake time, these buttery, crumbly cookies are made with wholesome ingredients and have a touch of sweetness. Customize with orange zest, lemon zest, or sprinkles to match your festivities or occasion.
Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies Recipe (Dairy-Free Option)
Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Sugar Cookies taste just like traditional sugar cookies! We love to make these on special occasions, no one has to know they’re gluten-free and dairy-free.
Chocolate Crackle Cookies for Christmas
Embrace the spirit of Christmas with these delectable Chocolate Crinkle Cookies! Their rich chocolate flavor and captivating crackly texture will leave you wanting more.
Easy Healthy Shortbread Cookies (Gluten-Free)
Simple, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread made with almond flour. They’re gluten-free, dairy-free and egg-free, and nobody will guess.
Perfect Almond Flour Cookies
Make this delicious Almond Flour Cookies recipe. With just 5 ingredients, they’re gluten-free, easy, and perfect for a healthy treat. This recipe makes 12 (2-inch) round cookies.
The Best Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
My go-to chocolate chip cookie made with almond flour instead of white flour. Chewy in the middle, golden on the edges, and lower in sugar than most.
The Best Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
These vegan chocolate chip cookies are so insanely good! They taste just like your traditional chocolate chip cookies but are completely plant-based. And they’re super easy to make with only a few simple ingredients.
Chocolate Almond Butter Cookies
These Chocolate Almond Butter Cookies are easy, naturally gluten-free, and dairy-free, and come together with just 6 ingredients. I highly recommend them!
Almond Butter Cookies (5 Ingredients!)
This almond butter cookies recipe is a crowd favorite! Plus, they’re super easy to make. If you’re allergic to nuts you can use sunbutter or cashew butter instead.
3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
These classic cookies are rich, chewy, and impossibly easy. With just one bowl and three pantry staples, you’ll have a nostalgic treat ready in minutes. Naturally gluten and dairy free.
Simple Dark Chocolate Vegan Truffle Recipe
Rich dark chocolate truffles made with just a few ingredients, including coconut oil and a touch of honey. They make a lovely homemade gift.
Easy Peanut Butter Fudge (Made Healthy!)
This healthier version of peanut butter fudge is one of my favorites. I keep them in the freezer and grab a few for a snack when I need a pick-me-up of energy. You can substitute the peanut butter for almond butter or sun butter if you prefer.
Almond Flour Brownies (Fudgy & Gluten-Free)
Easy almond flour brownies that are fudgy, chewy, and naturally gluten-free. A healthier twist on classic brownies, made in one bowl with simple pantry ingredients. Use an 8×8-inch baking dish for best results.
FAQs About Healthy Christmas Cookies
What is the healthiest Christmas cookie?
Cookies made with almond flour and natural sweeteners, like my 5-Ingredient Almond Flour Christmas Cookies or Healthy Shortbread, are higher in protein and fiber and lower in refined sugar than traditional sugar cookies.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes. Most of these cookies keep at room temperature for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Which of these cookies are gluten-free?
All of the almond flour cookies are naturally gluten-free, including the Almond Flour Christmas Cookies, Shortbread, Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies and Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies. Check each recipe card to be sure about any add-ins.
What are the best healthy cookies for a cookie exchange?
Pick sturdy cookies that travel well, like the Healthy Shortbread, Chocolate Crackle Cookies and Almond Flour Christmas Cookies.
If you’re only baking one batch this year, make the 5-Ingredient Almond Flour Christmas Cookies. They’re simple, festive and always the first to go.
What’s on your holiday baking list this year? Tell me in the comments!
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