6 healthy Christmas cookie recipes for sweet holidays

Christmas is not just about Santa Claus and Xmas trees. There are also some delicious holiday treats that are especially made around this time of year. Among various treats, gingerbread cookies are most commonly associated with Christmas. But does the sugar in these cookies make you worry about your health? Well, we have some healthy Christmas cookie recipes just for you!

What is a cookie?

A cookie is a sweet baked treat typically made from a mixture of flour, sugar and butter. They come in various shapes, sizes and flavours, and often include additional ingredients like chocolate chips, nuts or dried fruits. Sometimes they are soft and chewy or other times they are crisp and crunchy. The common thing is that cookies are always a delightful indulgence.

How to make healthy Christmas cookies?

To enjoy the festival, celebrated on December 25 every year, with delicious and healthy cookies, check out these recipes.

1. Oatmeal cranberry cookies

Ingredients

• 2 cups of rolled oats
• 1 and a half cup of whole wheat flour
• Half a cup of cranberries
• One cup of almond butter
• 3 teaspoons of honey
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.

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Method

• Mix rolled oats, whole wheat flour, cranberries, almond butter, honey, egg, and vanilla extract.
• Scoop onto a baking sheet and flatten all the cookies.
• Bake at 350 degree Fahrenheit for 10 to 12 minutes.

This is a healthy Christmas cookie, as the rolled oats that are rich in fiber can help to lower cholesterol and improve heart health, says clinical nutritionist Abhilasha V. It also has almond butter, which provides healthy fats, protein and vitamin E, promoting heart health and providing sustained energy.

2. Almond flour gingerbread cookies

Ingredients

• Two cups of almond flour
• One-fourth cup of molasses
• 3 tablespoons of coconut oil
• A teaspoon of ground ginger
• A teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• Half teaspoon of baking soda

Method

• Combine almond flour, molasses, coconut oil, ginger, cinnamon and baking soda.
• Roll dough into balls, flatten, and place them on a baking sheet.
• Bake at 350 degree Fahrenheit for eight to 10 minutes.

Almond flour is a nutrient-dense alternative to traditional flour. It is rich in healthy fats and protein. Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which may boost metabolism and support brain health, says the expert.

3. Coconut flour snowball cookies

Ingredients

• 2 cups of coconut flour
• 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
• 3 teaspoon of honey
• 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
• One cup of shredded coconut.

Method

• Mix coconut flour, coconut oil, honey, vanilla extract and shredded coconut.
• Form small balls and place on a baking sheet.
• Bake at 350 degree Fahrenheit for 12 to 15 minutes.

Coconut flour is high in fiber and low in carbohydrates, promoting digestive health and stable blood sugar levels.

4. Dark chocolate peppermint cookies

Ingredients

• One cup of melted dark chocolate
• 2 cups of almond flour
• 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
• One teaspoon of peppermint extract.

Method

• Mix dark chocolate with almond flour, melted coconut oil and peppermint extract.
• Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a baking sheet and bake

Dark chocolate is full of antioxidants that may help to have a healthy heart. Choose chocolate with higher cocoa content for more health benefits, says Abhilasha.

5. Cinnamon maple pecan cookies

Ingredients

• Half cup of pecans
• 2 cups of almond flour
• A teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• Two teaspoons of maple syrup
• 2 eggs

Method

• Blend pecans then mix with almond flour, cinnamon, maple syrup and egg. • Turn them into balls and flatten on a baking sheet then bake for 10 to 12 minutes.

Pecans are packed with healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants, supporting heart health and reducing inflammation.

6. Chia seed jam thumbprint cookies

Ingredients

• 2 cups of whole wheat flour
• 2 tablespoons of chia seed jam
• 3 teaspoons of coconut oil
• One teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Method

• Mix whole wheat flour, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and make small balls.
• Create an indentation in each cookie and fill with chia seed jam then bake for 12 to 15 minutes.

Chia seed jam is full of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants that are good for your health.

Cookies can be paired with winter drinks like turmeric latte, hot cocoa, saffron milk, ginger tea and masala tea. So, enjoy your Christmas in a healthy way.