Is there anything better than baking cookies for the holiday season and the irresistible smell that fills your house from the oven? Whether it’s gingerbread, sugar cookies, or festive spiced treats, holiday cookies are a big part of the season’s joy. With a few simple swaps, you can create healthier versions of your Christmas favourites without losing the magic of the season.

Here are a few of our favourite tricks to make holiday baking healthier: 

Replace Oils with nutrient-dense alternatives

Butter and oil are staples in baking, but they can easily be swapped for ingredients that reduce calories and add nutrients:

Unsweetened Applesauce: Use in place of butter or oil at a 1:1 ratio. This swap cuts down on fat and adds natural sweetness.

  • Mashed Avocado: Works well in rich recipes like chocolate-dipped cookies, providing healthy fats and a creamy texture.

  • Greek Yogurt: Substituting yogurt for butter or sour cream adds protein and keeps your cookies soft and chewy.

Reduce sugar without losing sweetness

Holiday cookies are known for being sweet, but you can achieve this without overloading on sugar:

  • Natural Sweeteners: Replace white sugar with coconut sugar, maple syrup, or honey for a more nutrient-rich option.

  • Mashed Bananas or Dates: Add natural sweetness and moisture to cookies.

  • Stevia or Monk Fruit: Great for recipes that need a lower-calorie sweetener.  *Xylitol is also an option, but keep in mind that it is poisonous to dogs if you have a pup at home or are gifting the cookies. 

Switch to better flours

Enhance the nutritional profile of your cookies with these alternatives:

  • Almond Flour or Coconut Flour: Naturally gluten-free, these flours work well in rich or spiced cookies.

  • Whole Wheat Pastry Flour: A lighter option that retains fibre and nutrients while keeping cookies soft.

  • Oat Flour: Adds a nutty flavour and is high in fibre.

Enhance Nutritional value

Take your holiday baking to the next level by sneaking in extra nutrients:

  • Chia or Flaxseeds: Add a tablespoon or two for omega-3s and fibre.

  • Cacao or Dark Chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips or chunks for a boost of antioxidants.

  • Holiday Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves aren’t just for flavour—they come packed with health benefits like anti-inflammatory properties.

dairy-free and vegan-friendly options

Ensure everyone at your holiday table can enjoy the treats:

  • Plant-Based Milks: Almond, oat, or soy milk works as a 1:1 substitute for dairy milk.

  • Flax Eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water to replace one egg.

  • Coconut Cream: Ideal for dairy-free frosting or fillings.

Conclusion

With these healthier swaps, you can indulge in holiday baking without compromising your health goals. Don’t forget to try our Healthier Christmas Spice Cookie Recipe for a festive treat that incorporates many of these swaps. It uses almond and oat flours, coconut oil, and natural sweeteners to create soft, spiced cookies that are perfect for the holidays. Click here to view the full recipe and start baking today!