50 Healthy Christmas Cookies for Clean Eating

Holiday baking can be festive without loading up on refined flour, corn-syrup candy bits, and mountains of butter. The cookies below rely on wholesome swaps such as nut flours, natural sweeteners, and better-for-you fats while still tasting like Christmas. Mix, bake, and share—your cookie platter will sparkle with flavor and a lighter nutritional profile.

1. Almond-Flour Gingerbread People

Ground almonds provide protein and a tender crumb, while blackstrap molasses lends that classic gingerbread bite with extra minerals. A mix of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves perfumes the dough so your kitchen smells like the North Pole. Use natural food-color gels for decorating if desired, or keep them plain for an even cleaner treat.

2. Dark Chocolate Peppermint Thumbprints

Cocoa powder and a splash of maple syrup sweeten the oat-flour dough, while a square of 70 % dark chocolate melts into each thumbprint as they finish baking. A dusting of naturally dyed peppermint bits adds crunch and holiday flair. The result feels decadent yet keeps sugar totals modest.

3. Oatmeal Cranberry-Pistachio Rounds

Old-fashioned rolled oats bring fiber and a chewy texture, while unsweetened dried cranberries supply tart contrast. Chopped pistachios offer healthy fats and that red-and-green color scheme we all love. Sweeten the batter with honey, then bake until edges are just golden.

4. Maple Snowball Cookies

These buttery snowballs trade refined sugar for pure maple syrup and use finely ground pecans in place of most of the flour. Once cooled, roll them in monk fruit confectioners’ sweetener for the classic look without a sugar spike. They practically melt on the tongue.

5. Vegan Molasses Crinkle Cookies

A flaxseed “egg” binds these plant-based favorites, and avocado oil stands in for butter. Coconut sugar lends caramel notes, while deep molasses provides iron and a ginger-forward kick. Expect soft centers and crisp edges—perfect for dunking in almond milk.

6. Chai-Spiced Shortbread

Blended cashew and whole-wheat pastry flours create a tender, sandy shortbread that isn’t overly delicate. Ground cardamom, cinnamon, and a pinch of black pepper give a cozy chai profile. Slice-and-bake convenience means the dough can chill for days before you bake off fresh rounds.

7. Gluten-Free Raspberry Linzer Stars

Almond flour keeps these sandwich cookies tender and grain-free. Instead of powdered sugar, a quick blitz of monk fruit sweetener covers the tops without overt sweetness. Fill with low-sugar raspberry jam for classic color and tang.

8. Keto Pecan Tassies

A coconut-flour crust cradles a maple-erythritol syrup studded with chopped pecans. They taste like mini pecan pies yet clock in at just a few net carbs each. Cool completely so the filling sets and becomes delightfully chewy.

9. Matcha White Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ceremonial-grade matcha infuses earthy antioxidants and a festive hue. A modest measure of coconut sugar keeps sweetness balanced, while cacao butter-based white chips melt into creamy pockets. They pair beautifully with peppermint tea.

10. Pumpkin Spice Snickerdoodles

Pumpkin purée supplies moisture so less oil is needed, and whole-grain spelt flour delivers a nutritional upgrade. Roll the dough in coconut sugar mixed with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for that signature crinkle. They stay soft even after a few days in a tin.

11. Hazelnut Espresso Biscotti

Ground oats and almond meal give these biscotti structure without relying solely on white flour. Instant espresso powder intensifies cocoa notes and pairs well with roasted hazelnuts. Dip one end in 85 % dark chocolate for an extra treat.

12. Coconut Macaroon Wreaths

Shredded unsweetened coconut, whipped egg whites, and a drizzle of honey keep the ingredient list short and wholesome. Form the mixture into small rings so each cookie resembles a tiny snow-kissed wreath. Decorate with bits of dried cranberry “berries” before baking for color.

13. Orange-Cardamom Almond Crescents

Almond meal combines with arrowroot starch to mimic traditional Viennese crescents but reduce gluten and refined flour. Fresh orange zest brightens each bite, while ground cardamom supplies warmth. They’re delicate, so let them cool fully before transferring to tins.

14. Sesame-Tahini Honey Cookies

Tahini lends a nutty richness and pairs naturally with honey’s floral notes. Whole-wheat pastry flour boosts fiber without making the texture rough. A sprinkle of mixed sesame seeds on top adds crunch and visual appeal.

15. Spelt Flour Chocolate Snowflakes

Spelt flour imparts a mild, almost sweet flavor while offering extra B-vitamins. Dutch-process cocoa deepens the color for a dramatic snowflake silhouette. Chill the dough for clean edges when you cut out the shapes.

16. Rosemary Olive Oil Sugar Cookies

Extra-virgin olive oil lightens the classic sugar cookie and provides heart-healthy fats. Fresh rosemary balances sweetness with piney notes that feel right at home during winter. Roll the dough slightly thicker to keep centers soft.

17. Protein-Packed Peanut Butter Blossoms

Natural peanut butter and a scoop of vanilla protein powder add satiety to these iconic cookies. Replace the usual milk chocolate kiss with a sugar-free dark chocolate drop. They satisfy cravings without derailing a workout routine.

18. Low-Sugar Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Sour cherries provide bursts of flavor, letting you reduce sweetener to just a few tablespoons of coconut sugar. Use bittersweet chips to keep total sugars down while still hitting that chocolate note. A base of white whole-wheat flour keeps texture tender.

19. Quinoa-Flake Almond Joy Bites

Toasted quinoa flakes stand in for oats, giving a crunchy texture packed with complete protein. Unsweetened coconut and chopped almonds echo the candy bar flavor profile. Sweeten lightly with date syrup, then drizzle with 72 % chocolate for polish.

20. Apple-Cinnamon Thumbprint Cookies

Whole-wheat pastry flour and almond meal create a sturdy base that holds homemade apple compote without sogging. The filling is simply diced apples simmered with cinnamon and a splash of cider. They taste like mini apple pies in cookie form.

21. Mint-Chocolate Avocado Brownie Cookies

Ripe avocado replaces butter, adding creaminess and healthy fats. Peppermint extract threads cool holiday flavor through rich cocoa. Bake just until set for a brownie-like bite.

22. Spirulina Snowy Meringues

A pinch of spirulina adds a muted green tint plus trace minerals without altering flavor. Whipped aquafaba (chickpea brine) stands in for egg whites, making these vegan. Finish with coconut sugar dust for sparkle.

23. Ginger-Turmeric Biscuit Cookies

Turmeric lends earthy color and anti-inflammatory benefits, while fresh grated ginger wakes up the palate. Use a blend of rye and almond flours for depth of flavor. They’re not too sweet, making them great alongside afternoon tea.

24. Walnut-Date Rugelach

A yogurt-based dough lowers saturated fat and keeps the crescents flaky. Dates act as a whole-food sweetener, blitzed with toasted walnuts and cinnamon. Slice refrigeration-chilled logs into tidy spirals before baking for even layers.

25. Lemon-Poppy Seed Biscotti Stars

Bright lemon zest and juice cut through winter richness, while poppy seeds supply crunch. After the first bake, cut into stars and toast briefly to achieve biscotti crispness. Dip tips in naturally sweetened white chocolate for a snowy effect.

26. Sweet Potato Spice Cookies

Mashed sweet potato replaces much of the oil and sugar, keeping cookies moist and vitamin-rich. Add warming spices like cinnamon and allspice for a gingerbread-adjacent vibe. White whole-wheat flour keeps them soft but sturdy.

27. Maple-Pecan Sandies

Ground pecans and coconut oil give these shortbread-like cookies a delicate texture and rich taste. Real maple syrup binds the dough and sweetens naturally. Let them cool fully so the crumb firms up.

28. Chocolate-Dipped Orange Peels

Blanching orange peels removes bitterness before a light simmer in honey creates a thin candy shell. Once dried, dip each strip into melted 85 % chocolate for a sophisticated treat. They’re technically candy, yet the sugar load remains modest.

29. Gluten-Free Pfeffernüsse

These German spice cookies use almond and tapioca flours for a bouncy texture. Ground white pepper, anise, and allspice create their signature kick. Roll in powdered monk fruit while still warm so the coating sticks.

30. Hemp-Seed Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Nutty hemp hearts add omega-3s and protein, while coconut sugar keeps sweetness subdued. Use big irregular chunks of 70 % chocolate so each bite feels special. Slightly underbake for gooey centers that firm as they cool.

31. Apricot-Almond Biscotti Bites

Chopped dried apricots lend natural sweetness and a pretty orange pop. Almond flour aids crispness without too much grain. Twice-bake the sliced logs until golden, then store airtight—they stay crunchy for weeks.

32. Cashew-Coconut Snowflakes

Finely ground cashews and coconut flour create shortbread-style cookies that hold intricate snowflake shapes. Sweeten lightly with agave and vanilla extract. Toasted coconut flakes on top deliver texture and subtle sweetness.

33. Black Sesame Molasses Cookies

Blackstrap molasses provides depth and iron, while black sesame seeds add smoky crunch. A mix of buckwheat and whole-wheat flours keeps the crumb tender. Bake until the edges set but centers remain soft for best chew.

34. Glazed Carrot Cake Cookies

Grated carrot and crushed pineapple supply natural moisture, reducing added fat. A quick glaze of Greek yogurt and maple rounds out the carrot-cake feeling. A sprinkle of toasted walnuts finishes things off with crunch.

35. Peppermint Protein Meringue Drops

Egg whites whipped with vanilla whey powder create lofty, stable peaks. A hint of peppermint extract and a natural beet juice swirl give candy-cane style without artificial dye. They’re practically calorie-free yet pack a bit of protein.

36. Pistachio-Rose Shortbread Coins

Whole-meal spelt flour balances buttery richness while crushed pistachios lend color and healthy fats. Dried edible rose petals offer subtle floral notes that feel celebratory. Slice the chilled log into coins for consistently round cookies.

37. Teff-Flour Chocolate Crinkles

Nutritious teff flour stands up well to intense cocoa powder, producing a brownie-like interior. Rolling balls in monk fruit sweetener before baking yields the classic snowy look without refined sugar. Expect rich flavor with extra fiber.

38. Chia-Apricot Breakfast Cookies

These hearty cookies double as grab-and-go breakfasts thanks to oats, almond butter, and chia seeds. Diced dried apricots add just enough sweetness and vitamin A. Bake until edges brown and centers firm, then store in the fridge for a week of easy snacks.

39. Macadamia-Lime Snowballs

Ground macadamias create a buttery base that pairs remarkably with bright lime zest. Coconut flour helps the dough stay together without eggs. Roll in powdered erythritol while still slightly warm for a thin, sweet coating.

40. Cinnamon-Sunflower Seed Lace Cookies

Sunflower seeds and a touch of almond butter create the delicate netting effect typical of lace cookies. Coconut sugar caramelizes during baking, weaving seeds into crisp, see-through rounds. Sprinkle with cinnamon before they set for a subtle spice note.

41. Whole-Grain Chocolate Peppermint Biscotti

White whole-wheat flour and unsweetened cocoa form a sturdy dough that slices clean after the first bake. A dip in sugar-free white chocolate adds sweetness without much sugar. Crushed sugar-free peppermint candies stick to the coating for crunch and color.

42. Fig-Walnut Oat Bars

These bar cookies sandwich a fragrant fig paste between chewy oat layers lightly sweetened with honey. Toasted walnuts in both crust and topping supply healthy fats and depth. Cut into bite-size squares for a cookie platter or larger rectangles for energy bars.

43. Cardamom-Honey Shortbread Triangles

Replacing refined sugar with raw honey lends floral undertones and helps the dough brown nicely. Cardamom seeds pop with aroma in every bite. Score the round dough before baking, then break into neat triangles once cooled.

44. Cocoa-Nib Oatmeal Cookies

Cocoa nibs supply chocolate flavor, antioxidants, and crunch without added sugar. A ripe mashed banana stands in for some of the fat and sweetener. Bake until edges are deeply golden so the nibs toast slightly.

45. Blueberry-Lavender Tea Cookies

Dried blueberries lend natural sweetness, while culinary lavender provides a calming scent perfect for winter evenings. Use a mix of almond flour and tapioca starch for a melt-in-your-mouth crumb. Keep lavender modest so it remains delicate, not soapy.

46. Maple-Glazed Ginger Scones

Think of these as cookie-size scones, tender from Greek yogurt and dotted with chewy crystallized ginger. Whole spelt flour offers nutty flavor while keeping them light. A thin maple glaze sets quickly, so you can stack them for gifting.

47. Sesame-Date Pinwheel Cookies

A soft whole-wheat dough rolls around a paste of dates, tahini, and cinnamon. Before baking, the log is rolled in toasted sesame seeds that become fragrant in the oven. Slice crosswise for perfect spirals that look complicated but are quite simple.

48. Rye-Chocolate Chunk Marshmallow Cookies

Nutty rye flour partners with dark chocolate for a grown-up flavor profile. Mini clean-label marshmallows melt into pockets of chewiness reminiscent of hot cocoa. Limit sweetener to coconut sugar so they’re not cloying.

49. Cranberry-Orange Almond Biscotti

Sweetened dried cranberries and toasted almonds stud these crisp biscotti, while orange zest brightens each dunkable slice. Replace half the flour with almond meal for richness. They store for weeks, making them perfect care-package fare.

50. Peppery Chocolate-Dipped Ginger Thins

A bit of freshly ground black pepper intensifies ginger and adds gentle heat. Roll the dough very thin so cookies bake crisp in minutes. After cooling, dip edges into melted 78 % chocolate for snap and sheen.

Stock a few tins with these healthier options and your friends and family may never miss the extra refined sugar and white flour. Happy baking, and may your season be merry, bright, and full of wholesome treats.