The holidays are right around the corner, and around here that means treats! Before we go any further, let me assure you I do believe in balance and moderation in all things. We definitely splurge a little at this time of year (especially this year), but holiday treats and desserts don’t have to mean unlimited amounts of sugar. It’s totally possible to make healthier holiday treats you and your family can enjoy without the guilt.
Whether you’re looking for Christmas cookies to bake with the kids or a special holiday dessert to surprise your family with, check out this collection of delicious cookies, cakes, and holiday treats that are both good and good for you. Every recipe here is also gluten-free for anyone who’s avoiding gluten.
This collection of tempting treats is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy some goodies this holiday season without blowing up your healthy diet. When it comes to delicious vegan, gluten-free, or simply less sugary holiday treats, we’ve got you covered!
Healthier Holiday Cookie Recipes
1. Caramel Pecan Thumbprint Cookies
This easy caramel pecan turtle cookies recipe looks and tastes so delicious! No one will believe these thumbprint cookies are sugar-free and gluten-free.
2. Paleo Sugar Cookies
Soft and chewy, no one will know these easy paleo sugar cookies are completely gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan. Made with cassava flour and almond flour, these sugar cookies are so much fun for the holidays!
3. 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
The classic American cookie now with a gluten-free, vegan, grain-free, keto, and sugar-free recipe. These healthy 3-ingredient old-fashioned peanut butter cookies are so quick and easy to make, and they taste just like grandma’s!
4. Gluten-Free Ginger Snap Cookies
Ginger snap cookies are a must at Christmas! Make them chewy or crunchy, you won’t be able to tell these ginger cookies are gluten-free.
5. Gluten-Free Vegan Thumbprint Cookies
These vegan thumbprint cookies are made with pecans and coconut for a twist on the classic. Plus they’re gluten-free, oil-free, and refined sugar-free!
6. Vegan Slice and Bake Christmas Tree Cookies
These festive vegan Christmas tree cookies are completely grain-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free! Sweet and “buttery,” these slice and bake cookies are a fun holiday baking activity for kids and adults alike!
7. Gluten-Free Snickerdoodles
The holiday season isn’t complete without a batch of snickerdoodles! This recipe is gluten-free, allergy-free, vegan, sugar-free, and oil-free. Not only can everyone enjoy this snickerdoodle recipe, but Santa won’t feel bad about the extra dessert!
8. Healthy Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies
These soft peanut butter cookies are naturally sweetened and require just one bowl!
9. Healthy Vegan Thin Mints
Holiday treats can he healthy, and these vegan and gluten-free thin mints are the perfect combination of chocolate and mint. Whip up a batch of these for yourself or to give as a gift. They’ll get gobbled right up.
More Healthy Gluten-Free Holiday Treats
10. Gingerbread Loaf
This healthy gingerbread loaf is perfect to bake and take on-the-go! It’s sweet, festive and makes the perfect holiday treat. Plus it’s only 100 calories per slice – you won’t even know it’s good for you!
11. Pomegranate and Pistachio Dark Chocolate Bark
This pomegranate and pistachio dark chocolate bark is an incredibly easy-to-make, delicious, healthy treat. So festive-looking and perfect for the holidays!
12. Pomegranate Parfaits
Beautiful and delicious, this pomegranate parfaits made with pistachios and Mascarpone cream is a perfect Christmas dessert. These rich, creamy, festive, and gorgeous looking layered parfaits take just 15 minutes to make!
13. Strawberry Santas
Sometimes at the holidays, you need to serve a treat for kids of all ages. These Strawberry Santas are just that. They even have little strawberry Santa hats! These are made dairy-free and vegan, and are naturally gluten-free. It’s a Christmas dessert and sweet treat for all!
14. Vegan Chocolate Truffles
Create the perfect healthy desert for any occasion without baking in twenty minutes flat. This vegan chocolate truffle recipe is so easy. They’re chocolatey on the outside and chewy on the inside. The best part is that they are ultra healthy without sacrificing deliciousness.
15. Vegan Peanut Butter Cups
These healthy peanut butter cups are easy to make and only require four simple ingredients. They’re rich, chocolatey, and filled with peanut butter goodness!
16. Vegan Gingerbread Bundt Cake
This easy vegan gingerbread Bundt cake is full of holiday spice and flavor, yet completely gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free!
17. Salted Raspberry Chocolate Bark
You’ve got to try this gorgeous, jeweled gluten and sugar-free chocolate bark. The perfect sweet treat for your holiday guests or just yourself!
18. Vegan Flourless Salted Caramel Chickpea Blondies
Fudgy and gooey vegan salted caramel blondies made from chickpeas. This recipe is super healthy, flourless, and can be made gluten-free!
19. Easy Vegan Turtles
These vegan turtles are easy to make with just 3 simple ingredients and perfect for the holidays! All you need to make them is dates, chocolate and pecans.
20. Healthy Raw Brownie Bites
These raw brownie bites taste like brownie batter! They are an absolute delicious treat for the holiday season.
When it comes to delicious gluten-free and healthy holiday treats, the sky’s the limit! There’s no need to choose health over taste when you can have both with these healthy and delicious treats. Whether you’re looking for classic holiday cookies, delicious family treats, or decadent Christmas desserts, I think you’ll find something here to tempt you.
I’m not on a Gluten Free diet but a couple of my friends are – thanks for the recipes.
So many wonderful recipes will definitely be trying a few out my husband has a sweet tooth.
A nice selection of recipes. I would like to try the Caramel Pecan Thumbprint Cookies and the Pomegranate and Pistachio Dark Chocolate Bark look really good too.
Wow, these recipes are amazing, especially the Caramel Pecan Thumbprint Cookies
So many choices for gluten free Holiday treats .I would like the cookie recipes.
These are so delish and I can see the weight coming.
It’s going to be hard in getting cassava flour and almond flour for gluten-free recipes
Amazon has both, but almond flour at Costco is a great deal!
These are some great gluten free recipes.
Caramel Pecan Thumbprint Cookies – I won’t wait for holidays for this recipe.
What creative ideas!
Thanks for the recipes. So many of them look absolutely delicious. Hard to choose but I think I will make the Pomegranate and Pistachio Dark Chocolate Bark first (just because it seems so different yet tasty.)
Looking at all these delicious recipe. Time for planning Christmas baking soon.
Pinning for later! I have some Gf friends and will keep these recipes in mind.
So many great gluten free recipes, wonderful!
Just to say thanks for the post how to cook a half turkey .
It turned out perfect ,a full turkey would be too much and I have tried the turkey crown but you don’t get the same flavour and juices .
They would be great recipes for any season.
I would love to make the caramel pecan turtle cookies The cookies all look amazing
those strawberry santas are BEYOND adorabie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
These healthy holiday treats all look super yummy & easy to make!
Thanks so much for sharing all of these awesome recipes, I’m looking forward to trying them!