Healthy holiday cookie recipes

It's the holiday season, and with it comes an abundance of sugar, spice, and mouthwatering treats that look oh-so-nice. While it’s perfectly okay to indulge in your favorite festive treat, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing.

Consuming too much sugar and fat can impact your health and leave you struggling to maintain your performance. But we’re no Grinch and aren’t here to spoil your fun.

Instead, we’re bringing you a selection of delicious but healthy holiday cookie recipes that you can enjoy without the guilt. So, you can be holly and jolly and stay on track with your fitness goals this season.

Before we get into the recipes, here are a few healthy baking swaps that will add a healthy twist to your favorite holiday cookies.

1. Swap oil for apple sauce: Apple sauce can make a good substitute for oil, butter (not softened), or eggs in baking recipes to make your creations healthier and even vegan-friendly. Tip: You may need to bake your cookies for a little longer and reduce other liquids in the recipe by 60 ml.
2. Switch butter for Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt has a similar consistency to solid butter, so it can add a similar creaminess to baked goods. Tip: You may need to add extra flour to compensate for the increased moisture content in Greek yogurt.
3. Replace refined sugar with maple syrup or honey: Maple syrup has a low glycemic index (GI) and contains antioxidants, offering more health benefits than unrefined white sugars. Tip: You may need to reduce the other liquid quantities in the recipe. For each cup of sugar needed, use 240 grams of maple syrup.
4. Try 50/50 flour mixes: To make your cookie recipe healthier, substitute half the all-purpose white flour for a whole wheat variety. This will add fiber without compromising on texture or taste.
5. Use ground flaxseeds in place of eggs: Eggs are a great source of protein, but they’re not for everyone, especially if you’re following a vegan diet.
   Instead, if your baking recipe calls for eggs, swap them for a flaxseed meal - you can buy this in a health food shop or grocery store or even make it yourself by grinding flaxseeds in a food processor.
   Simply mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it forms a gel-like texture.

Whether you're cooking for yourself or sharing with friends and family, these recipes are perfect for spreading holiday cheer.

1. No-bake peanut butter cookies

A simple cookie recipe for anyone who loves a sweet ‘n’ salty treat without the hassle of traditional baking.

Ingredients

• 240 g peanut butter
• 80 ml maple syrup or clear honey
• 150 g rolled oats
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: 50 g cacao nibs or high-quality chocolate chips for added flavor and health benefits

Method

1. Line a large baking tray with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, add all of the ingredients and mix well until fully combined.
3. Using your hands, form 12 small balls and place them on the lined tray. Press each ball to make a flat, round cookie shape.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

2. Almond and cacao nib cookies

Toasty and rich, these decadent cookies are vegan and paleo-friendly – perfect for enjoying by the open fire.

Ingredients

• 170 g almond flour
• 85 g of melted coconut oil
• 3 tbsp of coconut sugar
• ¼ tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• A handful of cacao nibs

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 170 degrees Celsius (325 Fahrenheit) or gas mark 3. Line a large baking tray with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, melted coconut oil, coconut sugar, bicarbonate of soda, salt, vinegar, and vanilla extract.
3. Fold in the cacao nibs until they are evenly mixed.
4. The dough should be moist enough for you to form a cookie shape in your hand - if it isn't, add a little more flour or melted oil, depending on the consistency.
5. Place a tablespoon of the dough onto the baking sheet, then use your hands to flatten and shape your cookies.
6. Bake in the middle of the oven until the cookies are firm to touch around the edges - usually 10 to 20 minutes or until golden brown around the edges.
7. Once cooked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool for 10 minutes before removing them.

3. Almond and cranberry surprise cookies

These festive fruity cookies deliver fiber and healthy fats and are sure to add a touch of holiday magic to your season.

Ingredients

• 100 g almond flour
• 60 ml coconut oil
• 60 ml honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 120 g unsweetened cranberry jam (or any low-sugar jam)

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 Fahrenheit) or gas mark 4.
2. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, coconut oil, honey, and vanilla extract in a bowl.
4. Roll the dough into small balls and place on the baking sheet; gently press down in the center of each cookie with your thumb.
5. Fill the indentation you have made with a small amount of jam.
6. Bake in the center of the oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until slightly golden.

Fun tip: if you aren’t a fan of jam, you can skip it altogether. Instead, press a large, high-quality chocolate drop in the center of the dough right after it comes out of the oven. Let it cool to room temperature, and enjoy this soft and chewy sweet treat!

4. Seasonal gingerbread cookies

A festive, vegan-friendly gingerbread cookie recipe with warming spices and healthy alternatives.

Ingredients

• 250 g whole wheat flour
• 60 ml molasses
• 60 ml honey
• 60 ml coconut oil
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp baking soda

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 Fahrenheit) or gas mark 4.
2. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, mix the coconut oil, honey, molasses, and spices until combined.
4. Gradually add the flour and baking soda, stirring until a cookie dough forms.
5. On a floured surface, roll out the dough using a rolling pin until it’s between 0.5 and 1 cm thick.
6. Use a festive-shaped cookie cutter to cut out your cookies and place them on the lined baking tray.
7. Bake in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden and slightly firm.

Nothing brings on the festive spirit more than a fresh batch of holiday cookies.  The best part? With these healthy alternatives, you can satisfy your Christmas cookie cravings without the sugar crash or training guilt.

No need for a “Bah Humbug” attitude about indulgence. Try these recipes with family and friends – they could become a new tradition that makes the holidays even more magical.