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For most of us, the holiday season is all about enjoying the good things in life. Who doesn’t look forward to indulging in a few Christmas desserts while wrapping presents or trimming the tree? ‘Tis the season, after all. But sometimes that instant gratification turns into instant regret when we overdo it. So what’s a reveler to do? Well, it’s all about moderation. You can certainly eat less Christmas cookies or you can bake healthy cookie recipes instead.
Now, to be fair, the healthy Christmas cookies on this list are really healthier or healthy-ish. Because even with good-for-you ingredients like heart-healthy oats and protein-packed peanut butter, there’s the good-for-your-soul butter and sugar in the doughs, too. And certainly, no one would ever turn them down during a cookie swap. But thankfully, many of these cookies are small in size, so you’re automatically provided with portion control.
Here’s a little taste of what you can expect to find on this list: nuts and nut butters full of good fats that will fill you up without weighing you down, fruit dessert recipes that provide lots of vitamins and natural sugars, and lots of oats full of fiber and antioxidants. Many have a combination! So now you can feel good that you’re fueling your body while having a little Christmas treat. You can feel naughty while actually being nice! We think Santa will definitely approve. 😉
Gingerbread Slice-and-Bake Cookies
Because molasses is a byproduct of sugarcane production, it actually retains a lot of the antioxidants and vitamins that granulated sugar does not. And slices of ginger can help add in digestion! Aren’t you so glad that this combo makes such a seasonal treat?
Get Ree’s Gingerbread Slice-and-Bake Cookies recipe.
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Ralph Smith
Caramel Apple Cookies
Apples are one of the best fresh fruits still available in winter, and they’re full of fiber, vitamin C, and various antioxidants. And who can really resist an apple dessert? These cookies feature both fresh apple and dried apple chips for double the flavor.
Get the Caramel Apple Cookies recipe.
Caitlin Bensel
Almond-Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies
The raw almonds used in the dough provide a healthy dose of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Those fats also make the end cookie tender and delicious, especially when filled with a little bit of raspberry jam.
Get Ree’s Almond-Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies recipe.
Johnny Miller
No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
Want full chocolate flavor without added sugar or fat? Use cocoa powder. That’s what this recipe uses, along with lots of oats and protein-packed peanut butter, too. You’ve got lots of good in each bite―plus, you don’t have to turn on the oven!
Get the No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies recipe.
Caitlin Bensel
Oatmeal-Cherry Slice-and-Bake Cookies
Dried cherries are high in potassium and other vitamins while oats are some of the healthiest carbs you can consume. They will fill you up and provide a lot of vitamins and minerals. If you want to cut back on the sugar, simply skip the white chocolate drizzle.
Get Ree’s Oatmeal-Cherry Slice-and-Bake Cookies recipe.
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Ralph Smith
Pecan Crescent Cookies
Pecans, as most tree nuts, are low in carbs, high in heart-healthy unsaturated fats, and a good source of protein. So yes, reaching for this traditional German Christmas cookie can give you some benefits besides tasting delicious, of course.
Get the Pecan Crescent Cookies recipe.
Will Dickey
Peanut Butter Blossoms
You’ll find a lot of peanut butter on this list. That’s because it’s amazing in baked goods, but it’s also a great source of filling protein. If you want to make these classics a bit healthier, skip rolling them in sugar before baking.
Get the Peanut Butter Blossoms recipe.
Will Dickey
Cranberry Streusel Bars
Take advantage of cranberry season while you can! Berries make excellent seasonal desserts and happen to be great sources of antioxidants. Here, they get topped with flavorful oat streusel for a refreshing sweet-tart bite.
Get the Cranberry Streusel Bars recipe.
Gaby Dalkin
Nutella Cookies
While sugary, Nutella also is made with skim milk, cocoa, and healthy hazelnuts. Given that these cookies have very little sugar added to them, this is a great way to savor your favorite spread.
Get the Nutella Cookies recipe.
Caitlin Bensel
Carrot Cake Cookies
Carrots are another easy-to-find vegetable during the winter. They’re also nutrient-dense, full of beta-carotene and antioxidants. Bonus: They happen to make flavorful cookies, too!
Get the Carrot Cake Cookies recipe.
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Will Dickey
Peanut Butter Cookies
What’s better than peanut butter cookies? A recipe with extra peanuts thrown in for added crunch and flavor! These classics rank at the top of the most popular holiday cookies for a reason: They’re simply the best.
Get the Peanut Butter Cookies recipe.
Caitlin Bensel
Cherry Cookie Bars
Don’t these bars look so festive? That’s all natural color and sweetness in the center, too! If you can’t find fresh cherries late in the year, use defrosted frozen ones. You’ll get all the same nutritional and flavorful benefits.
Get Ree’s Cherry Cookie Bars recipe.
Con Polous
Breakfast Cookies
If there’s anytime of year you want to eat cookies for breakfast, it’s Christmastime. And if you make them healthy, you definitely won’t feel bad about it! These are chockfull of oats, dried cherries, puffed rice cereal, and pepitas.
Get the Breakfast Cookies recipe.
Caitlin Bensel
Apple Pie Bars
A whopping three pounds of fresh apples go into the filling of these dessert bars. Now that’s something you can feel good about snacking on! There’s also pecans added for extra crunch.
Get the Apple Pie Bars recipe.
Will Dickey
Nutella Oat Crunch No-Bake Cookies
Oats, cornflakes, Nutella: This recipe has everything to make a chewy yet crunchy bite. Plus, you don’t have to bake them! Just scoop the dough out and let them set for a half hour before snacking.
Get the Nutella Oat Crunch No-Bake Cookies recipe.
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Bridget Edwards
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