Healthy Christmas Cookies for guilt-free indulgence
Are you looking for a Christmas cookie recipe that is vegan, gluten-free, and healthy? You’ve come to the right place! As a nutritionist and food blogger, I’m passionate about creating recipes that are not only delicious but also good for you. And what better time to indulge in some sweets than during the holidays?
Most traditional Christmas cookies are loaded with sugar, butter, and flour – all of which can wreak havoc on your health. But fear not! These healthy Christmas cookies will satisfy your sweet tooth without derailing your diet. They’re made with wholesome ingredients like almond flour, coconut oil, and maple syrup that won’t leave you feeling guilty after eating them.
But just because they’re healthy doesn’t mean they skimp on flavor. From classic sugar cookies to chewy oatmeal raisin, there’s something for everyone on this list. So go ahead and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to these scrumptious treats this holiday season. You won’t regret it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Looking for the perfect festive treats to add to your holiday spread without compromising on taste and health? Look no further because these Vegan and Gluten Free Christmas Cookies are just what you need! Not only do they taste amazing, but they also come packed with a variety of wholesome ingredients that will leave you feeling satisfied and guilt-free.
With a healthy vegan twist, these cookies feature simple yet effective substitutions such as coconut oil instead of butter, almond flour instead of regular flour, and flaxseed instead of eggs – making them dairy-free, gluten-free, and suitable for vegetarians.
But how do they taste, you ask? Trust me when I say that these cookies are absolutely delicious. With warming spices like cinnamon and gingerbread that beautifully infuse into every bite, they offer the perfect blend of softness and crunchiness. Whether you’re a fan of classic sugar cookies or love to indulge in rich chocolatey goodness, our recipe has got you covered with an array of options to choose from.
Plus, it’s not just about the taste here. These cookies have also been thoughtfully designed to provide the health benefits that come with using natural plant-based ingredients. From reducing inflammation thanks to almond flour being used instead of processed wheat flour, to regulating blood sugar levels due to the absence of refined sugars – these little treats offer much more than just fleeting moments of sweet satisfaction.
So go ahead and indulge this holiday season knowing that with every bite, your body is getting nourished with goodness. Give our Vegan and Gluten-Free Christmas Cookie recipe a try today – we promise it won’t disappoint!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make these delicious healthy Christmas cookies.
- 1 ¼ cup of gluten-free all-purpose flour
- ½ cup of almond flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/3 cup of coconut oil, melted but cooled to room temperature
- ½ cup of unrefined cane sugar or maple syrup
- 1 egg or vegan “flax egg” (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
Optional:
- Vegan sprinkles for decorating
Note: It is important to measure accurately for good results. You can also adjust the sugar amount to suit your taste preferences.
The Recipe How-To
Are you ready to whip up some delicious healthy Christmas cookies? Follow my simple steps and enjoy these vegan and gluten-free treats!
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Before starting, make sure you have all the ingredients gathered in one spot. For this recipe, you will need:
- 4 cups of almond flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt
- 1 tablespoon of cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 cup of softened coconut oil
- 3/4 cup of maple syrup
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, sea salt, and cinnamon (if using) until they are fully combined.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the softened coconut oil and maple syrup. Use a whisk or an electric mixer to combine them into one mixture.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir them together until everything is well incorporated. You’ll want to use an electric mixer if possible because the dough will be quite thick.
Step 5: Chill and Gradually Add Flour
Chill the dough in the fridge for about an hour so it can firm up. After this time, you may need to add more flour until you reach the desired consistency. The longer the dough sits in the fridge, the thicker it will become. So make sure to check it often and add flour as necessary.
Step 6: Roll out and Cut Your Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Once chilled, remove the dough from the fridge and roll it out on a floured surface. Use cookie cutters to cut out the shapes you want for your cookies.
Step 7: Bake and Enjoy
Place the cookies on a lined baking sheet and bake them for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown. Once baked, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool. Then sit back and enjoy your delicious and healthy Christmas cookies!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking for ways to switch up the ingredients in this recipe based on your preferences or dietary needs? Look no further! Here are some substitutions and variations that will still get you delicious, healthy Christmas cookies:
– Butter: Swap out butter for vegan butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
– Egg: Use a flaxseed or chia egg instead of a regular egg to make these cookies vegan.
– Flour: This recipe calls for a gluten-free flour mix, but if you’re not gluten intolerant, you can use regular all-purpose flour instead.
– Sugar: You can use coconut sugar, brown sugar, or even pure maple syrup instead of granulated sugar for a healthier option.
– Spices: While cinnamon is commonly used in Christmas cookies, feel free to pack in more flavors by adding ginger, nutmeg, or cloves to your taste.
– Mix-ins: From cranberries to pecans to chocolate chips, you can add any mix-ins that you’d like! Oatmeal raisin cookies and peppermint-chocolate thumbprint cookies are also great variations.
You can experiment with these variations and even come up with your own. These swaps can be tailored to accommodate dietary restrictions like vegan, gluten-free sites or refined sugar-free lifestyles. Beyond that, including different kinds of fruits and nuts can personalize and add texture to your holiday desserts. Just remember, regardless of how you switch things up, the goal is always to create yummy and healthy Christmas cookies!
Serving and Pairing
Once these healthy and delicious vegan gluten-free Christmas cookies are fresh from the oven and have cooled to room temperature, you’ll want to serve them with a hot mug of cocoa or your favorite warm drink. I love to pair my cookies with a warm cup of almond milk or spicy chai tea, which complements the cinnamon and ginger flavors in the cookies. For a holiday party, you can also arrange your cookies on an elegant platter or a wooden serving dish for everyone to enjoy.
If you’re looking for a special treat to share with your loved ones, then these vegan gluten-free Christmas cookies are perfect for sharing. Dip them in melted dark chocolate, sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes, or drizzle them with honey or maple syrup for an added touch of sweetness. These cookies are also great as part of a holiday cookie exchange, wrapped as gifts, or packed in a festive tin.
Alternatively, if you’re eating alone and want to keep it simple, simply serve your cookies by themselves as a guilt-free treat that’s perfect for anytime. You can store leftover cookies in an airtight container for up to three days at room temperature or freeze them for up to one month. Just make sure they’re completely cooled down before storing them away.
Overall, these vegan gluten-free Christmas Cookies are versatile and go well with many types of drink pairings and dipping combinations, making them an exceptional addition to any festive celebration.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
The best part of these Healthy Christmas Cookies is that they can be made ahead of time and stored for later. This means you can spend more time enjoying the holidays with your loved ones, rather than being stuck in the kitchen.
To prepare ahead of time, simply mix and shape the dough into cookies as per the recipe instructions. Then, instead of baking them off immediately, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze overnight. Once frozen, the cookies can be transferred to a sealed container or freezer bag for storage for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to bake the cookies, simply remove them from the freezer and let them come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes while preheating your oven. Then bake as directed on the recipe card.
If you have leftover freshly baked cookies or want to store unbaked dough in the refrigerator, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. When reheating, lightly toast them in a toaster oven or on a skillet for a crispy texture.
These cookies are perfect for gift-giving during the holiday season. Just pack them in festive tin boxes or gift bags wrapped with colorful ribbons.
**Note:** Avoid stacking cookies on top of each other when storing or transporting as this could cause breakage or deformation.
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to baking cookies, achieving perfect results can sometimes be a daunting task. But with these tips, you can make sure your healthy Christmas cookies turn out just as expected, every time!
First and foremost, make sure to read the recipe carefully before starting. This will help you ensure that you have all the necessary ingredients on hand, as well as understand the instructions fully. Don’t skip steps or substitute ingredients unless absolutely necessary – this can significantly affect the final outcome of the recipe.
When measuring ingredients, accuracy is key. Precision measuring cups and spoons are vital for ensuring correct amounts of ingredients are used. Pay particular attention when working with flour – too much or too little can seriously alter the texture and structure of your cookies.
Room temperature ingredients are also important for achieving the best results. Eggs, butter and milk substitutes such as coconut oil should be brought to room temperature before beginning the recipe. This helps to ensure that all ingredients combine smoothly and evenly.
If chilling or resting dough is called for, don’t skip this step! Resting or chilling allows the dough to hydrate properly, setting essential textures and reducing spread during cooking. Follow recommended chilling times closely, and handle dough gently when rolling or cutting.
Finally, don’t forget about presentation – baking is an art form as much as a science! Use your imagination to decorate your healthy Christmas cookies in creative ways that reflect your holiday spirit. With these tips in mind, you’re guaranteed to wow your friends and family with delicious and beautiful baked goods this season.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, these healthy Christmas cookies are perfect for enjoying the holiday cheer while still maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The recipe is vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free, which makes it a great option for anyone with dietary restrictions. These cookies are so delicious that everyone in your family will love them. They’re made with high-quality and wholesome ingredients such as almond flour and coconut oil, so you can feel confident about serving them to your loved ones.
This holiday season, why not create magical memories with your family by baking these satisfyingly healthy Christmas cookies together? They make a great gift or centerpiece for any holiday party. Plus, they are easy to customize with different flavors and toppings to create your perfect cookie recipe. We hope this article has provided you with all the necessary tips, tricks, substitutions, and serving suggestions to make your cookie-baking experience stress-free and more enjoyable.
So don’t wait any longer! Whip up a batch of these delicious cookies and indulge in some festive spirit without compromising on nutrition! Happy Holidays!
Healthy Christmas Cookies, Vegan and Gluten Free Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter or 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1 egg (or egg replacer)
- 1/2 cup Stevia Truvia (I use palm sugar)
- 1 cup blanched almond flour
- 3/4 cup jay robb vanilla whey protein (soy or rice)
- 1/2 teaspoon celtic sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cream butter, egg, and sweetener together until very smooth. Add egg and mix until well combined. Sift the baking soda, cinnamon, salt and Jay Robb Whey Protein into the almond flour. Then slowly add almond flour mixture into butter mixture. Mix until well combined. Form into a tight ball and cool in fridge until chilled.
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Place dough onto non-stick surface (I used parchment paper), then top with another piece of non-stick surface (again, I used parchment paper). Roll dough out to approximately 1/4 inch thickness. Cut dough with Christmas cookie cutters, and place onto baking sheet.
- Bake for 7 minutes, or until lightly browned. Then turn off oven and leave cookies in for an additional 10 minutes. This will create a crispier cookie. Set the cookies out to cool and top with your favorite cream cheese frosting! Makes 2 dozen cutouts.