The holidays are a time for joy, family, and of course, delicious treats! But let's be honest, those sugary Christmas cookies can sometimes leave us feeling a little sluggish. This year, why not indulge in the festive spirit with these healthy Christmas cookie recipes? These delightful treats are packed with flavor and holiday cheer without the excessive sugar and unhealthy fats, making them perfect for guilt-free holiday baking. Get ready to impress your loved ones with these homemade cooking masterpieces – the best recipes for a healthier Christmas!
Ingredients: (Makes about 24 cookies)
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup chopped cranberries (dried or fresh)
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Optional: Chocolate chips (dark chocolate preferred)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, shredded coconut, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients first ensures even distribution of flavor throughout your delicious cookies.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, applesauce, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix well until a dough forms. If the dough seems too dry, add a tablespoon of milk or water at a time until it comes together.
Step 4: Mix in Extras
Stir in the chopped cranberries and nuts (if using). This is where you can customize your cookies! Feel free to experiment with other dried fruits or nuts.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter). Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie. Gently flatten each ball with a fork. Baking them slightly flattened ensures even cooking and a nice, crisp texture.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. Ovens vary, so start checking at 12 minutes.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Tips for Success:
- For a chewier cookie, use less almond flour. For a crispier cookie, use more.
- If you don’t have maple syrup, honey or agave nectar can be substituted.
- Feel free to get creative with the add-ins! Dried cherries, chopped apricots, or even some orange zest would be delicious additions.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Cranberry: Add 1/4 cup of dark chocolate chips along with the cranberries.
- Ginger Spice: Increase the amount of ginger to 1 teaspoon for a stronger ginger flavor.
- White Chocolate Macadamia: Use white chocolate chips (dairy-free preferred for a healthier option) and macadamia nuts instead of pecans.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
Calories: 80-100, Fat: 4-5g, Protein: 2-3g, Carbohydrates: 12-15g, Fiber: 2-3g. *Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
These healthy Christmas cookie recipes are a perfect way to enjoy the festive season without compromising your health goals. They're easy recipes, making them ideal for quick dinner ideas or a fun holiday baking project. Enjoy the deliciousness and the satisfaction of making homemade cooking a part of your Christmas celebration!