Healthy Holiday Swaps: Christmas Cookies Edition

Christmas is almost here, and with it comes the delightful aroma of cookies wafting from kitchens everywhere. But if you’re on a weight loss journey or simply trying to make healthier choices, those sugary treats might feel like a test of your willpower. The good news? You can still enjoy the magic of holiday baking without derailing your progress. With a few ingredient swaps, you can bake cookies that are just as festive and delicious but much better for your health.

5 Ways to Make Healthier Cookies

Opt for Almond Flour Instead of White Flour

White flour might be a staple in most cookie recipes, but it often lacks nutrients. Instead, try almond flour. It is rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber, making it a great low-carb alternative. 

Swap Butter for Coconut Oil or Greek Yogurt

Love buttery cookies? Coconut oil is a great plant-based alternative, adding a subtle tropical flavor. Greek yogurt is another versatile option that keeps your cookies moist and adds a protein boost—all while cutting down on saturated fats.

Add More Fiber with Chia Seeds or Flaxseeds

Boost the nutritional value of your cookies by adding chia seeds or ground flaxseeds. These tiny powerhouses are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein, making your treats more filling and heart-healthy.

Swap Sugar for Natural Sweeteners

You don’t need a sugar rush to make your cookies shine. Natural sweeteners like monk fruit or Stevia® keep things sweet while being friendlier to your blood sugar levels. You can even add dried fruit (like unsweetened cherries or dried apricots), which can add natural sweetness to your cookies and can replace some of the sugar in recipes.

Holiday Treats to Make (and Share)

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Nothing beats a chocolate chip cookie—except one that’s healthier and just as satisfying! These cookies have all the gooey goodness you love, with almond flour and monk fruit sweetener doing the heavy lifting to keep them low-carb and guilt-free.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups almond flour
• ¼ cup monk fruit sweetener
• 4 Tbsp dark chocolate chips (70% cacao or higher)
• 4 Tbsp coconut oil, melted
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix almond flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add the melted coconut oil, monk fruit sweetener, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir until combined.
4. Fold in dark chocolate chips.
5. Scoop dough onto the baking sheet, flattening slightly with your fingers.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.

Chia Seed Lemon Cookies

Bright, zesty, and packed with omega-3s, these cookies are perfect for anyone who loves a little tang in their treats. Plus, the chia seeds give them a satisfying crunch!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup almond flour
• ¼ cup monk fruit sweetener
• 1 egg white
• 2 Tbsp chia seeds
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• Pinch of salt

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix almond flour, monk fruit sweetener, chia seeds, lemon zest, and salt in a bowl.
3. Add egg white and lemon juice, stirring until a dough forms.
4. Roll dough into small balls and flatten slightly on the baking sheet.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.

Peanut Butter Protein Cookies

When you need a cookie that doubles as a pick-me-up, these protein-packed treats are here for you. Perfect for a post-workout snack or a midday energy boost.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup almond flour
• ¼ cup RM Vanilla Protein Drink
• 2 Tbsp unsweetened peanut butter
• 2 Tbsp monk fruit sweetener
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix almond flour, protein powder, monk fruit sweetener, and salt in a bowl.
3. Add peanut butter and vanilla extract, stirring until combined.
4. Form dough into small balls and flatten with a fork.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes.

Cinnamon Spice Pumpkin Cookies

Is it even the holidays without the smell of pumpkin spice wafting through your kitchen? These cookies are everything you love about fall, rolled into one delicious, healthy bite.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 cup almond flour
• ¼ cup monk fruit sweetener
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ½ tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix almond flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
3. Stir in pumpkin puree and monk fruit sweetener until well combined.
4. Scoop dough onto the baking sheet and flatten slightly.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until set.