12 Days of Healthier Holiday Cookies

No holiday is complete without cookies, but that doesn't mean they have to be unhealthy! This year, try out these 12 healthier versions of your favorite holiday cookies. From sugar-free to gluten-free, there's a cookie for everyone on your list. And with less guilt comes more room for seconds...or thirds! Read on for the recipes.

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Trying new recipes is a fun and delicious way to spice up any kitchen routine. These recipes have already been enjoyed by countless individuals who have shared their positive experiences with friends, family and the world. We now ask our readers to join that group and experience the delight of creating and tasting these wonderful dishes for themselves. Whether you are a home chef or an occasional cook, why not try out one of these recipes tonight? Don't forget to leave us your feedback so we can share it with others who might be just as excited to try the dish as you were!

Indulge in the holidays with these festive healthier cookie recipes. You're bound to find the perfect holiday cookies for everyone on your list.

This collection of cookie recipes uses sweeteners judiciously, no hydrogenated fat, and contains as many all-natural ingredients as possible. So, bake a dozen or two, swap with friends and family, and enjoy these delicious holiday cookies.

tips for making healthier choices when baking cookies

Baking tasty treats can be a great way to bond with your family, but it doesn’t have to come at the expense of your health. To make your cookie baking more wholesome, try using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. Whole wheat adds fiber and essential vitamins and minerals like iron, magnesium, and selenium that are stripped away when refining white flour. Replacing some of the fat in the recipe with unsweetened applesauce can also reduce calories while maintaining moisture in your cookies. Another tip to make healthier choices in baking is to choose chocolate chips made from cocoa powder instead of chocolate bars since this reduces added sugar significantly. Remember these tips next time you bake cookies for those special occasions or just for fun!

health benefits of some of the ingredients used in the recipes

Eating a healthy and balanced diet is essential for overall well-being, and the best way to do so is by incorporating nutritious ingredients into your recipes. One such beneficial ingredients are nuts like walnuts and almonds, as they contain high omega-3 fatty acids, which have been linked with better heart health, improved cholesterol levels, reduced inflammation, and more. Meanwhile, spinach is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K while low in calories. In addition to this, it can help reduce oxidative stress due to its abundance of antioxidants. Finally, seasonal fruit like apples and oranges offer many health perks, such as improving digestion thanks to their natural fiber content. Therefore, adding these ingredients to one's recipes can boost nutrition levels without sacrificing flavor.

make cookie-baking a fun and festive activity for the whole family

Baking cookies with the family can be a great way to have fun and make memories. Start by stocking up on necessary supplies like baking sheets, flour, butter, sugar, and other ingredients. After that, it’s time to decide which recipes everyone will try to make. Keep the mood light and celebratory as you work together to measure, mix, and shape the dough into festive shapes. Additionally, why not make it a contest to see who can come up with the most creative cookie design? You can hang the finished creations for display around the house. Whatever you do during this special together-time won’t matter as much as you spend quality time with family members laughing and having fun in the process!

We’ve curated 12 healthier holiday cookies that will bring some holiday joy with good-for-you ingredients.

Image Credit: iFood Real

Image Credit: iFood Real

1. Healthy Gingerbread Men

It wouldn't be the holidays without Gingerbread men cookies. This is a clean version using wholesome ingredients like fresh molasses and ginger. (Get the recipe here)

Image Credit: Healthy Seasonal Recipes

Image Credit: Healthy Seasonal Recipes

2. Linzer Thumbprint Cookies

These bite-sized renditions of a Linzer torte is a healthier holiday treat. Thumbprint cookies are made with whole-grain flour then baked with raspberry jam nestled in the middle for a gorgeous presentation. (Get the recipe here)

Photo Credit: White on Rice Couple

Photo Credit: White on Rice Couple

3. Sweet Potato Molasses Cookies

Sweet potato plays a central role in this soft cake like cookie made decadently combined with molasses and raisins soaked in rum. (Get the recipe here)

4. Cinnamon Raisin Peanut butter Cookies

You'll love that these cookies are a much healthier alternative to peanut butter cookies. This recipe for vegan and keto-friendly Cinnamon Raisin Peanut Butter Cookies that are just as delicious as the traditional version. These cookies are perfect for the holiday season or just because! So, let's get baking!

Photo Credit: Rawmanda

Photo Credit: Rawmanda

5. Raw Gingerbread Balls

If Pumpkin Spice is the official flavor of Thanksgiving, then Gingerbread is the true flavor of Christmas. These gingerbread balls are raw, packed with flavor, delicious and not loaded with refined sugars. (Get the recipe here)

Photo Credit: Yummy Healthy Easy

Photo Credit: Yummy Healthy Easy

6. Double Chocolate Avocado Cookies

Here's a version you're going to love and not even realize the healthy ingredient in them. These are amazingly moist, chocolatey, decadent, rich Double Chocolate Avocado Cookies. The healthy twist? Avocado. Yes! Swap out the butter for a healthy fat. (Get the recipe here)

Photo Credit: Al Day I Dream About Food

Photo Credit: Al Day I Dream About Food

7. Cranberry Walnut Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Cranberry Walnut Chocolate Chip Cookies are Low Carb and Gluten Free plus good-for-you ingredients like coconut oil, almond flour, cranberries, and walnuts. (Get the recipe here)

Photo Credit: Lexi's Clean Kitchen

Photo Credit: Lexi's Clean Kitchen

8. Sea Salt Nutella Thumbprints

I know, I had you a Nutella. Did you think you were going to get through your holiday baking without Nutella? These Sea Salt Nutella Thumbprints are delicious, and they'll be hard to resist. The impressive thing is that they are Paleo! (Get the recipe here)

Photo Credit: The Healthy Maven

Photo Credit: The Healthy Maven

9. Peppermint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

These Peppermint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are like soft little pillows of holiday deliciousness without refined sugar. (Get the recipe here)

Photo Credit:Food Faith Fitness

Photo Credit:Food Faith Fitness

10. White Chocolate Peppermint Biscotti's

Biscotti is the cookies are those types of cookies that are essential for Christmas morning while opening up presents. The recipe calls for avocado instead of butter, which brings out a festiveness with the pale green hue and candy cane colors. (Get the recipe here)

Photo credit: My Natural Family

Photo credit: My Natural Family

11. Paleo Spritz Cookies

These Paleo spritz cookies are incredible and will have you reminiscing of those spritz cookies that came in those tin cans. (Get the recipe here)

Photo Credit: The Clean Dish

Photo Credit: The Clean Dish

12. Frankfurter Bethmannchen German Marzipan Christmas Cookies

These are going to be the cookie for your next holiday cookie swap. They are soft, chewy and will bring a smile to your face. Your body will love the healthy ingredients, too! (Get the recipe here

Baking healthier holiday cookies is a fun and festive activity for the whole family. These 12 Days of Healthier Holiday Cookies recipes are perfect for your next get-together. Be sure to try them all and let us know which is your favorite. Share this blog series with your friends and help spread the joy of baking healthier holiday cookies!

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