5 Healthy, Delicious Cookie Recipes You’ll Love for Holidays and Beyond

The holiday season is the perfect time to gather with loved ones, share stories, and indulge in sweet treats. But why stop at just indulging?

Let’s bake up a storm this year with cookie recipes that bring together flavor, festivity, and a healthier twist.

Whether hosting a cozy gathering, gifting a batch to friends, or simply savoring them with a cup of tea, these cookies are crafted to delight your taste buds without derailing your health goals.

So, preheat the oven, grab your apron, and join us on a journey of creating holiday treats that are as nourishing as they are delicious – because every season deserves a little sweetness, and so do you!

5 Healthy Holiday Cookie Recipes

These recipes are perfect for indulging your sweet tooth while staying mindful of your health – because every treat should feel as good as it tastes. Let’s get baking!

Raw Maple Almond Cookies

These tasty maple cookies combine maple syrup, almonds, and chocolate sauce.

INGREDIENTS

• 3 cups almonds, blended into a flour
• 3/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp vanilla

Chocolate Sauce

• 3/4 cup raw cacao powder
• 1 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/8 tsp sea salt
• 2 tbsp liquid coconut oil

Get the full healthy cookie recipe here.

Note: Almonds have fantastic nutrition benefits, like keeping you full for longer, dramatically reducing your risk of heart disease, and giving you a great boost of energy.

No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

I usually double the recipe as these are typically gone quickly. Even better, these cookies are vegan and gluten-free.

INGREDIENTS

• ⅔ C real maple syrup
• ¼ C coconut oil
• 5 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• ½ C natural peanut or almond butter
• 2 C regular rolled oats [Use gluten-free oats for GF recipe.]
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

Get the full healthy cookie recipe here.

Cranberry Apple Oatmeal Cookies

Cranberries and apples dance together in a delicious and healthful dessert cookie to enjoy with friends and family.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 whole ripe mashed bananas
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup raw honey
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup chopped cranberries

Get the full healthy cookie recipe here.

Notes: Oats are surprisingly powerful food for gut health and preventing disease. But, there are some concerns about the oatmeal you may be eating. Find out all the benefits and concerns about oats here.

Honey is a natural superfood that’s loaded with nutrients and minerals. Discover all the benefits of honey here.

Quinoa Cookies

Put these fluffy quinoa cookies in the "I can't believe it's healthy!" category!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup quinoa flour
• 1 cup finely ground whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 egg

Get the full healthy cookie recipe here.

Tip: If you are a vegan and don’t want to use an egg, put 1 tablespoon of ground flax seed in 2 tablespoons of water for a few minutes until it gels.

Note: Years ago, Brigham Young University’s alum magazine ran a story on some researchers who distributed quinoa cookies to starving populations.

The idea is that quinoa is a very nutritious food that’s high in protein, which is vital for people in third-world countries.

I altered the recipe in that publication to be much healthier so you can enjoy it.

Rawtacular Lemon Cookies

What happens when you add the incredible flavor of cashews with the spectacular-ness of lemons? You get some amazing cookies that will turn any frown upside down.

Pro-Tip: Try one before your kids magically make them disappear.

INGREDIENTS

• 4 cups raw cashews
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1 large whole lemon
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/2 cup raw honey

DIRECTIONS

1. Soak cashews for 4 hours.
2. Grate lemons for zest, squeeze all the juice out, and remove the seeds.
3. Using a food processor with the “S” blade, combine all ingredients and grind until the mixture becomes a “dough.”
4. Make star shapes with a cookie decorator tube or anything you like, or you can just press on Teflex sheets in the dehydrator.
5. Dry below 116 degrees for 12 hours.
6. Place the cookies on mesh, and they will be ready to eat after drying for a couple more hours!

You want to honor your body with good, healthy food. And you also want treats, right?

Having a few healthy cookie recipes on hand is an excellent way to enjoy your holiday season and beyond while prioritizing your health. Try these recipes. I bet you and those you care about will love them!

 

Read Next: Need a Healthy Treat? 6 Easy Swaps for Your Favorite Recipes