35 Healthy and Easy Holiday Cookie Recipes
Article posted in: Diet & NutritionBaking and sharing cookies are popular holiday traditions because they come with that genuine homemade feeling. Plus, there are so many tempting cookie varieties that nearly everyone has a few favorite holiday cookie recipes that they love.
Now here’s good news for you: you can enjoy making and eating holiday treats that are not only delicious but also healthy! We’ve given over a dozen holiday cookie recipes a healthy makeover so you can join in the fun. They’re all so sweet and delicious that you’ll be proud to give them as gifts—and only you will know they are made with better-for-you ingredients. Best of all, they’re quick and easy to make, even if you have no baking experience!
1. Chocolate Snowball Cookies
Peanut butter, cocoa powder and coconut are the flavorful stars of these soft bites. You can whip up a batch in just 10 minutes, so you can eat them fresh whenever you have a craving for a treat.
Get the Chocolate Snowball Cookie recipe.
2. 3-Step Cinnamon Pecan Cookies
The nutty crunch of pecans and the naturally sweet taste of cinnamon come together in these simple-to-make crispy cookies. You’ll get a little burst of protein from the nuts and the metabolism-boosting power of cinnamon, while everyone else raves about the delightful flavor.
Get the Cinnamon Pecan Cookie recipe.
3. Iced Protein Peppermint Cookies
With bananas, the handy Vanilla Nutrisystem Shake Mix and a bit of peppermint extract, you can make soft, frosted cookies with that cool, holiday taste. Add some festive sprinkles and let the party begin!
Get the Iced Protein Peppermint Cookie recipe.
4. Pumpkin Spice Cookies
If you love the aroma of warm spices in your home and the seasonal tastes of pumpkin and maple syrup, make a batch of these simple but flavorful cookies. They’re very low in calories and high in satisfaction.
Get the Pumpkin Spice Cookie recipe.
5. Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
The richness of chocolate and the cool sensation of mint give these cookies the perfect balance of sensational flavors. Even better, you’ll be amazed that they have less than 50 calories each.
Get the Chocolate Peppermint Cookie recipe.
6. 4-Ingredient Easy Thumbprint Cookies
Jelly-filled thumbprints are a staple of many family cookie traditions and you don’t have to pass on them when you’re trying to lose excess weight. These are made with four simple, healthy ingredients but don’t compromise on taste. Holiday cookie recipes don’t have to be complicated!
Get the Easy Thumbprint Cookie recipe.
7. Strawberry Oatmeal Cookies
Oatmeal cookies are a classic treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee, tea or non-fat milk. These come out of the oven warm and moist every time because they’re made with applesauce, yogurt and naturally sweet strawberries.
Get the Strawberry Oatmeal Cookie recipe.
8. Gluten Free Sugar Cookies
Avoiding gluten as well as excess fat and sugar doesn’t mean you can’t join in on holiday cookie recipes. Our recipe developers took the classic sugar cookie and made it low in calories and satisfyingly sweet, as well as gluten free.
Get the Gluten Free Sugar Cookie recipe.
9. Double Chocolate Cherry Cookies
Each bite of these moist and chewy treats will light up your taste buds with the flavors of real chocolate and tart cherries. They’re so good, your family is sure to clamor for them all year long.
Get the Double Chocolate Cherry Cookie recipe.
10. Gluten Free Chewy Ginger Cookies
Ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg spice these cookies with the flavors of the season. Plus, they’re made with molasses, so they’re perfectly sweet but not loaded with excess sugar.
Get the Gluten Free Chewy Ginger Cookie recipe.
11. Cranberry Cookies Made with Sweet Potato
Mashed sweet potato makes these cookies lightly sweet and nicely tender, while real cranberries provide the tart contrast in every bite. It takes just five simple steps to bake a batch, so you don’t have to spend hours preparing them when you’re craving cookies that taste like the holidays.
Get the Sweet Potato Cranberry Cookie recipe.
12. Maple Walnut Cookies
If you love holiday cookie recipes that are both a bit salty and lightly sweet, these glazed cookies will hit the spot. They’re made with crunchy nuts, real maple syrup, the tang of apples and a hint of cinnamon, so you get a medley of seasonal flavors in each one.
Get the Maple Walnut Cookie recipe.
13. Soft and Chewy Breakfast Cookies
Yes, you can have cookies for breakfast—or just about any time you need to fuel up—with these hearty treats. They’re made with real oats, so you get a bit of fiber, plus nut butter and pumpkin seeds for a quick shot of protein to power up your day.
Get the Soft and Chewy Breakfast Cookie recipe.
14. Whole Grain Black and White Cookies
If you thought you’d never be able to enjoy these classic frosted treats and stay on track with your weight loss plan, we’ve got happy news for you. With this version, you can make a batch whenever you want and enjoy three of them in each serving.
Get the Whole Grain Black and White Cookie recipe.
15. Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies
Peanut butter and chocolate chips give you two great tastes in one deliciously healthy cookie. Make them in the air fryer and you keep the mess to a minimum and the goodness to the maximum.
Get the Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe.
16. Hot Chocolate Cookies
Crispy exterior, soft and gooey interior, bursting with the comforting flavors of hot chocolate. Sounds like a dream come true, doesn’t it? These Hot Chocolate Cookies aren’t your ordinary Christmas dessert; they’re also loaded with nutritious ingredients, making them a guilt-free and delicious option.
Get the Hot Chocolate Cookie recipe.
17. Pumpkin Snickerdoodles
Introducing our seasonal treat, the Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies! These delectable delights combine the classic snickerdoodle with the goodness of pumpkin, resulting in a healthier and equally delicious alternative. With a soft and chewy texture, these cookies are bursting with the flavors of pumpkin and warm spices.
Get the Pumpkin Snickerdoodle recipe.
18. Christmas Fruitcake Biscotti
Looking for a delicious and healthy twist on the classic Christmas dessert? Try our Christmas Fruitcake Biscotti recipe! This delightful treat combines the flavors of fruitcake and crunchy cookies, while using nutritious ingredients like whole wheat flour, almond flour and dried fruit.
Get the Christmas Fruitcake Biscotto recipe.
19. 23-Calorie Almond Meringue Cookies
These delectable meringue cookie bites are an ideal addition to your holiday menu. These gourmet cookies have the appearance and flavor of bakery-fresh treats, guaranteed to impress your family and guests. They make a wonderful Christmas dessert and are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings.
Get the Almond Meringue Cookie recipe.
20. Cookies and Cream Cookies
Who can resist the timeless allure of cookies and cream? Whether in milkshakes or ice-cream sandwiches, these beloved treats are a true classic! But why limit yourself to just dessert? Indulge in the delectable delight of Cookies and Cream Cookies, a sweet treat that perfectly captures the essence of this signature flavor.
Get the Cookies and Cream Cookie recipe.
21. Chocolate Coconut Rum Balls
Looking for a scrumptious and festive Christmas treat? Search no more! These Chocolate Coconut Rum Balls are not only delicious, but they’re also gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan. Perfectly sized for guilt-free snacking, they’re a healthy choice for the holidays.
Get the Chocolate Coconut Rum Balls recipe.
22. No-Bake Samoa-Inspired Cookies
Indulge in the ultimate No-Bake Samoa-Inspired Cookie Recipe that surpasses your chocolate coconut fantasies. Who needs Girl Scout cookies when you can whip up this delectable treat? This simple and nutritious dessert is loved by nutritionists and can be easily made at home. Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth with this raw delight!
Get the No-Bake Samoa-Inspired Cookie recipe.
23. Double Chocolate Black Bean Cookies
This delightful black bean chocolate chip cookie recipe is absolutely amazing. You won’t believe that they’re made with black beans! Not only are they incredibly easy to make, but they also provide a healthy and scrumptious alternative to regular chocolate chip cookies. These cookies are packed with fiber and protein from the black beans, while the cacao powder adds a dose of antioxidant benefits.
Get the Double Chocolate Black Bean Cookie recipe.
24. 5-Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Our mouthwatering Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie are packed with melty chocolate chips and bursting with bold banana flavor. These cookies are perfect for holiday baking or as a healthy sweet snack. Try our ooey gooey oatmeal cookies today and satisfy your cravings!
Get the Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe.
25. Holiday Gingerbread Rice Krispies
Celebrate the holidays with a delightful dessert that brings together two classic sweet treats. Our Holiday Gingerbread Rice Krispies are perfect for the whole family, combining the warm and spicy flavors of fresh-baked gingerbread with a chewy, marshmallowy texture. These cute, charming and creative treats will surely be a hit!
Get the Holiday Gingerbread Rice Krispies Treats recipe.
26. Gluten Free Cinnamon Roll Cookies
If you love cinnamon rolls but find making them a hassle, you’re in luck! Check out our unique and easy-to-make gluten-free cinnamon roll cookies recipe. Discover how to enjoy all the cozy flavors of a classic cinnamon roll in a delightful cookie form.
Get the Gluten Free Cinnamon Roll Cookie recipe.
27. Matcha Cookies
Are you a matcha lover searching for snacks infused with this delightful flavor? Look no further! Our chewy and delectable cookies are bursting with the nutty and earthy essence of green tea, along with a range of wholesome ingredients. Get ready to indulge in a batch of mouthwatering matcha cookies!
Get the Matcha Cookies recipe.
28. No-Bake Coconut Gingerbread Bites
Whip up these scrumptious No-Bake Coconut Gingerbread Cookie Bites, packed with wholesome ingredients. Perfect for your Christmas gathering, these irresistible treats are guaranteed to vanish in no time! Try making them today and delight your guests with this holiday favorite.
Get the No-Bake Coconut Gingerbread Bites recipe.
29. Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
Prepare yourself for a delightful treat of luscious strawberries, velvety cheesecake filling, and a delectable cookie base that will leave you craving for more. These delicious cookies bring together the beloved flavors of a classic strawberry cheesecake with the added convenience of a cookie, all while ensuring low calories and high nutritional value.
Get the Strawberry Cheesecake Cookie recipe.
30. Healthy Apple Cinnamon Cookies
Indulge in the delightful taste of soft, chewy apple cinnamon cookies. Made with fresh apples, whole wheat flour and a sprinkle of warm cinnamon, these treats taste like homemade apple pie in cookie form!
Get the Apple Cinnamon Cookie recipe.
31. Gluten Free Chocolate Almond Biscotti
This gluten-free treat is a perfect companion to your coffee, boasting low carb content and a blend of wholesome ingredients. Made with almond flour for added protein and healthy fats, our Chocolate Almond Biscotti recipe features unsweetened cocoa powder, coconut oil, egg whites, vanilla, almond extract and slivered almonds. Enjoy this nutritious biscuit that aligns perfectly with your weight loss goals.
Get the Gluten Free Chocolate Almond Biscotti recipe.
32. 14-Calorie Mint Chocolate Meringues
With just 14 calories per cookie, these Mint Chocolate Meringues are perfect for satisfying your chocolate cravings. Our recipe combines fluffy egg whites, cream of tartar and cocoa, creating a unique twist that will leave you craving for more. Sweetened naturally with stevia and infused with a subtle peppermint flavor, our meringues are simply magical.
Get the Mint Chocolate Meringues recipe.
33. Healthy 3-Ingredient Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
These 3-Ingredient Oatmeal Raisin Cookies have a secret ingredient – mashed banana. Not only are they incredibly easy to make, but they are also irresistibly delicious. For an extra burst of flavor, don’t forget to sprinkle some cinnamon before popping them in the oven.
Get the 3-Ingredient Oatmeal Raisin Cookie recipe.
34. Effortless Tiramisu Cookies
Our Tiramisu Cookie recipe combines rich almond butter, cocoa powder, and coffee for a fine-dining experience right in your own kitchen. No baking required – these cookies are just as yummy without it. Plus, the use of oat flour and other nutritious ingredients makes this Tiramisu Cookie recipe completely dietitian-approved.
Get the Tiramisu Cookie recipe.
35. Chocolate Gingerbread Men Rice Krispies
Who needs an oven for gingerbread men? These cute, no-bake chocolate rice krispies are a delightful addition to your Christmas dessert spread. With their rich chocolaty goodness and gooey marshmallows, they’re a snack that the whole family will love.