With all the holiday parties and DIY edible presents, you'll inevitably end up in the kitchen baking healthy Christmas cookies at some point this holiday season. We're not exactly mad about the endless supply of chocolate chip and sugar cookies, but the dessert table could definitely use a little healthy makeover. Check out these recipes for a healthier option that's just as delicious as the original. And don't worry — your secret's safe with us.
I Can’t Believe These Are Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookies
Santa won’t know these cookies aren’t from Tollhouse, and your friends won’t know (or care) that they’re made from chickpeas. (via Brit + Co)
Gluten-Free Chocolate Turtle Thumbprint Cookies
If you’re making a list of cookies to bake for the holidays, don’t forget these. Chocolate, caramel and nuts make up a traditional turtle cookie — but these are a deliciously gluten-free version. (via The Skinny Fork)
Paleo Caramel Apple Gingersnaps
Gingerbread cookies are a mainstay of the holiday cookie table. This recipe is made healthier with dried apples, then drizzled with a paleo-friendly caramel sauce. (via Food Faith Fitness)
Low-Fat Gingerbread Cookies
The holidays aren’t complete without gingerbread men. You won’t miss the butter in the original version while you’re decorating them with the family. (via Skinny Taste)
Chocolate Chip Pomegranate Cookies
Want a boost of immunity with your cookies this cold and flu season? Pomegranates are full of nutrients like vitamin C and anti-oxidants to help keep you healthy enough to eat more cookies. (via Kiip Fit)
Chocolate Orange Spritz Cookies
Store-bought spritz cookies can often be a little bland and flavorless, but this recipe for a spritz cookie will change your whole perspective. They look fancy but only take an hour to make, start to finish, and your friends will be super impressed at your baking skills. (via All Day I Dream About Food)
Chewy Spiced Molasses Cookies
Blackstrap molasses contains a variety of minerals and is a wonderful substitution for sugar in holiday cookies. This is the perfect molasses cookie: The outer crust stays perfectly crisp, but they’re soft and chewy on the inside for a days, which is great for gifting. (via Uproot Kitchen)
Cinnamon Spiced Almond Sugar Cookies
These cookies are made with healthy fats (like coconut sugar, cinnamon and almonds) and are also grain-free, dairy-free and gluten-free, so you can gift them to pretty much everyone on your list. (via Cotter Crunch)
Run-of-the-mill cookies are not usually this fun to look at. Swap out your old sugar cookie recipe and cut these into fun shapes instead. (via )
Paleo Peppermint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Grain-free cookies have never tasted better. Peppermint chocolate is a go-to holiday staple, and these healthified cookies won’t disappoint. (via The Healthy Maven)
Roasted Cashew Butter Cookies
What’s the most delicious alternative to a peanut butter cookie for someone following the Paleo diet or who has a peanut allergy? These roasted cashew cookies are sure to top your list. (via The Healthy Foodie)
Vegan Snickerdoodles
Snickerdoodles usually call for a ton of butter and eggs, but you'll only use a small amount of coconut oil and flaxseed to make this classic a new vegan favorite. (via Sweet Cannela)
Almond Butter Cookies
Indulge your sweet cravings guilt-free with these Almond Butter Delight Cookies – a divine blend of nutty richness and wholesome ingredients. (via The Girl On Bloor)
Healthy Tagalong Girl Scout Cookies
Craving that classic sugar cookie sweetness without the gluten guilt? Look no further. Soft, chewy, and sprinkled with a dash of nostalgia, it's a cookie that proves going paleo doesn't mean saying goodbye to the good stuff.(via Rachl Mansfield)
Best Paleo Sugar Cookies Recipe
Double the chocolate, double the fun, and double the goodness — that's the mantra of our Healthy Coconut Oil Double Chocolate Chip Cookies.(via Olive You Whole)
HEALTHY COCONUT OIL DOUBLE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES
Remember those Tagalongs from your Girl Scout days? Well, get ready for a healthier twist that's just as addictive!(via Whole and Heavenly Oven)
Nutty Vegan Breakfast Cookies
Packed with nuts, seeds, and plant-powered goodness, they're the perfect on-the-go breakfast that satisfies your sweet tooth and your need for a nutritious kickstart.(via The First Mess)
Family-Favorite Sweet Potato Cookies Recipe
These soft, spiced gems are like a warm hug from grandma's kitchen. Packed with sweet potato goodness and a sprinkle of love, they're the ultimate family treat that'll have everyone reaching for seconds. (via Live Eat Learn)
Which of these healthy Christmas cookies will you be baking up this year? Share in the comments below, join our newsletter, and check out our baking classes on B+C Classes!
This post has been updated.