35+ Healthy Christmas Cookies for a Joyful & Guilt-Free Holiday Season

The holiday season is synonymous with joy, warmth, and, of course, an abundance of delicious treats! After a brief post-Thanksgiving hiatus, we are thrilled to present our ultimate collection of over 35 healthy Christmas cookie recipes designed to delight your taste buds without compromising your wellness goals. This festive roundup features an incredible array of options, including wholesome whole wheat, delightful gluten-free, nourishing paleo, and indulgent vegan varieties, ensuring there’s a perfect cookie for everyone at your holiday table.

We understand that navigating dietary needs and preferences during the bustling holiday season can be challenging. That’s why we’ve meticulously curated this list, focusing on recipes that are not only incredibly flavorful but also incorporate healthier ingredients. These selections prove that you can truly indulge in festive sweets without the guilt often associated with holiday binging. Many of these delightful recipes have been personally tested and absolutely loved, making them tried-and-true additions to your annual holiday baking repertoire.

To make your search effortless and enjoyable, we’ve thoughtfully organized these healthy Christmas cookies into distinct categories. Whether you’re looking for a specific dietary option, exploring new baking ideas, or simply seeking healthier alternatives to classic holiday treats, you’ll easily find exactly what you need. Get ready to explore a world of wholesome ingredients and irresistible flavors that will make your holiday celebrations even sweeter, more satisfying, and decidedly healthier!

Whole Wheat Christmas Cookies

Embrace the goodness of whole grains without sacrificing any of that classic holiday flavor. These whole wheat Christmas cookies offer a more nutritious twist on festive favorites, providing fiber and wholesome ingredients while still delivering that irresistible cookie satisfaction. Perfect for mindful indulgence during the most wonderful time of the year.

Kick off your wholesome holiday baking with these incredibly decadent yet healthy Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies from Texanerin Baking. These festive treats are a true marvel, boasting an unbelievably soft and chewy texture that practically melts in your mouth. The rich chocolate perfectly complements the warm, aromatic gingerbread spices, creating a truly irresistible flavor profile. What makes them even better for your healthy Christmas cookie tray is their versatility: they can be prepared with either wholesome whole wheat flour or traditional all-purpose flour, catering to different preferences. Plus, they are naturally dairy-free, making them an excellent choice for those with lactose sensitivities or vegan friends (when using whole wheat flour).

Prepare to fall in love with these perfectly chewy and soft Chewy 100% Whole Wheat Gingersnaps. This recipe delivers everything you crave in a classic gingersnap – a delightful balance of sweet and just a hint of spicy warmth – all while being made entirely with whole wheat flour. Their tender interior and subtly crisp edges make them utterly addictive. These gingersnaps are destined to become your go-to recipe for the holiday season, offering a healthier twist on a beloved comfort cookie that everyone will adore.

For a truly nourishing and traditional holiday treat, these Gingerbread Cut-Out Cookies from Butter For All are an exceptional choice. They utilize sprouted wheat flour, enhancing their nutritional value and digestibility, and are naturally sweetened with dates, offering a delightful sweetness without refined sugars. These healthy Christmas cookies are not only perfect for decorating with nuts and raisins – making them fun for the whole family – but they also embody a no-compromise approach to wholesome holiday indulgence. Enjoy a truly nourishing and festive baking experience.

Get ready for a magical baking experience with these innovative Peppermint White Chocolate Chickpea Cookies from Two Healthy Kitchens. These cookies cleverly replace most of the butter found in “typical” cookie recipes with a ingenious chickpea puree. This smart swap dramatically slashes the fat content while simultaneously boosting the nutritional value with loads of protein and fiber. The result? A chewy and satisfying cookie that feels just like a “normal” indulgent treat, but is significantly healthier. The refreshing peppermint and sweet white chocolate make them a perfect festive delight for the holidays.

Prepare your taste buds for an explosion of flavor with these decadent Vegan Chocolate Ginger Cookies from Allergy Girl Eats. These cookies are a true delight, combining rich chocolate with the warm, spicy notes of ginger, making them a holiday sensation. They are magnificently topped off with a simple yet incredibly decadent vegan cocoa frosting, adding an extra layer of sweetness and indulgence. While the original recipe calls for all-purpose flour, it’s been successfully adapted with whole wheat flour in similar chocolate cookie recipes, making it a confident choice for a wholesome whole wheat version here too. A must-try for vegan and whole wheat enthusiasts!

Gluten-free Christmas Cookies

For those avoiding gluten, the holidays can still be incredibly delicious! This section features delightful gluten-free Christmas cookies that are full of flavor and texture, ensuring everyone can enjoy festive treats. These recipes focus solely on being gluten-free, while later sections will introduce options that are also grain-free, paleo, and vegan.

Note: All the cookies below this section are also gluten-free! The next few cookies are just the ones that are “only” gluten-free and not grain-free / paleo.

These exquisite Gluten-Free Butterscotch Oatmeal Cookies from Emily Kyle are a sweet treat that promises to be a hit with the entire family. Infused with delightful butterscotch chips, these cookies offer a harmonious blend of crispy edges, a wonderfully chewy center, and a satisfying sweetness all at once. Crafted with wholesome, whole-grain oats, they provide a nourishing indulgence that tastes fantastic. These butterscotch oatmeal cookies are truly a family favorite that can be enjoyed not just during the holidays but all year round, bringing joy with every gluten-free bite.

Simplicity meets extraordinary flavor in these Gluten-free Peanut Butter Cookies from Texanerin Baking. These incredibly easy-to-make cookies are entirely flourless, making them a fantastic option for those seeking gluten-free treats. Requiring just a few basic ingredients and mere minutes to prepare, they are perfect for spontaneous holiday baking. Beyond being gluten-free, they are also naturally grain-free and dairy-free, catering to multiple dietary needs without compromising on that classic, rich peanut butter taste. Their rich texture and nutty flavor make them an instant hit.

Elevate your holiday coffee or tea break with these elegant Gluten Free Cranberry Almond Biscotti. These Italian-inspired cookies are sweetened with raw sugar, offering a subtle and natural sweetness that perfectly complements the tartness of cranberries and the nutty flavor of almonds. Their satisfying crunch and delicate flavor make them an ideal companion for a warm beverage on a chilly winter morning or a delightful after-dinner treat. These biscotti are a sophisticated and healthy gluten-free addition to any Christmas cookie platter, promising a delightful culinary experience.

Grain-free Christmas Cookies

Dive into a world of grain-free deliciousness with these holiday cookie recipes. Perfect for those following specific dietary paths or simply looking for lighter alternatives, these treats prove that rich flavor and satisfying textures can be achieved without grains. Many of these options also overlap with paleo and gluten-free categories for maximum versatility.

Note: Almost all the cookies in the sections below are also grain-free!

Indulge in pure decadence with these extraordinary Peppermint Chocolate Puddle Cookies. What makes them truly remarkable is that they are naturally gluten-free, grain-free, and dairy-free, yet you would never guess it from their rich, indulgent taste and texture. Each bite offers a fudgy and gooey interior, perfectly contrasted by a crisp, crackly top, reminiscent of a gourmet brownie. The refreshing burst of peppermint combined with deep chocolate makes them an ideal festive treat for the holidays, proving that healthy can be utterly luxurious.

For a wonderfully simple yet satisfying holiday cookie, try these delightful Almond Flour Pecan Sandies from Fresh April Flours. These cookies are incredibly easy to make, making them a perfect last-minute addition to your Christmas baking list. They are both egg-free and gluten-free, offering a delicious option for those with specific dietary requirements. The rich, buttery flavor combined with the crunch of pecans and the tender crumb from almond flour creates a truly irresistible treat. Their simplicity and delicious taste will make them a holiday staple.

Relive the nostalgia of classic holiday butter cookies with a wholesome twist by baking these charming Grain-free Butter Cookies from Everyday Maven. They look and taste just like the beloved traditional versions, complete with festive sprinkles, but come with the added benefits of being not only grain-free and gluten-free but also 100% dye-free. Enjoy the buttery richness and melt-in-your-mouth texture without any of the common allergens or artificial ingredients, making them a perfect guilt-free indulgence for your Christmas celebrations.

Satisfy your sweet tooth with these wonderfully simple and delectable Chocolate Dipped Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies. These cookies are super fast and easy to whip up, making them ideal for those busy holiday moments. What makes them truly special is their rich peanut butter flavor, perfectly complemented by a luxurious dip in dark chocolate and a generous sprinkle of crushed peanuts for an extra textural crunch. Being naturally gluten-free, grain-free, and dairy-free, they offer a wholesome yet utterly indulgent treat that everyone can enjoy.

Embrace the festive spirit with these delightful, grain-free Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies from A Calculated Whisk. These cookies are the epitome of holiday cheer, combining rich chocolate with a refreshing burst of peppermint in a perfectly balanced sandwich cookie. They are not only delicious but also beautifully presented, making them just the thing for thoughtful gifting, lively cookie swaps, or simply enjoying as a plain old snack from now until the new year. Their wholesome, grain-free nature ensures you can indulge responsibly throughout the holiday season.

Experience a burst of citrusy chocolate goodness with these exquisite Flourless Chocolate Orange Puddle Cookies. These delectable treats are designed to be gooey and luscious in the middle, offering a rich, melt-in-your-mouth experience. This delightful texture is perfectly contrasted by a smooth, wonderfully crispy, and crackly top, reminiscent of the best homemade brownies. The vibrant zest of orange beautifully complements the deep chocolate flavor, making these cookies a sophisticated and healthy addition to your holiday dessert table. Plus, being flourless, they are naturally grain-free and gluten-free.

Cookies that are both Gluten-Free / Grain-Free + Vegan

Discover the best of both worlds with this incredible selection of cookies that cater to multiple dietary needs. These recipes are not only gluten-free and grain-free but also entirely vegan, ensuring everyone can enjoy delicious, festive treats. From classic flavors to innovative twists, these wholesome cookies are perfect for inclusive holiday celebrations.

These comforting Molasses Cookies from Texanerin Baking offer a classic taste of the holidays, made a little healthier for guilt-free enjoyment. These cookies boast a wonderfully soft and chewy texture that is simply irresistible. What makes them truly versatile are the multiple options available: they can be made gluten-free, vegan, 100% whole grain, and dairy-free, ensuring they can accommodate a wide range of dietary needs. The warm, spiced molasses flavor is quintessential for Christmas, making these cookies a heartwarming addition to your festive spread.

Brighten up your holiday season with these enchanting Gluten-Free Vegan Sugar Cookies from Rhian’s Recipes. These cookies are a festive dream, featuring a soft, chewy, and slightly fluffy texture that melts in your mouth. They are generously covered in a rich, creamy cashew frosting, making them a truly luxurious treat. What’s even better is that they are naturally sweetened, allowing for pretty and colorful decorations without artificial ingredients. These healthy Christmas cookies are among the best for celebrating the festive season, offering both visual appeal and wholesome deliciousness.

Prepare for an incredibly satisfying treat with these delicious Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies from Texanerin Baking. These cookies are a peanut butter lover’s dream, featuring an amazing chewy texture and an abundance of rich, nutty flavor. They are also incredibly versatile, being naturally grain-free and gluten-free, with additional options to make them paleo or keto/low-carb. This adaptability ensures that almost everyone can enjoy these wholesome, flavorful cookies. They are the perfect healthy Christmas cookie to add to your holiday dessert table, offering a guilt-free indulgence.

Quick, easy, and bursting with flavor, these Cinnamon Sugar Cookies from Veggie Inspired are an absolute must-try for the holidays. These perfectly chewy, sweet cookies are packed with the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon, making them a festive delight. You’ll only need 6 simple ingredients and about 15 minutes to whip up these quick and easy, gluten-free wonders. Their simplicity and incredible taste make them an ideal choice for last-minute holiday baking or when you simply crave a delicious, healthier treat. What are you waiting for? Get baking!

Delight in the sweet simplicity of these charming Almond and Jam Thumbprint Cookies from Food by Jonister. These delightful treats are a wholesome addition to your holiday cookie platter, crafted to be refined sugar-free and entirely vegan. They are made with a nourishing blend of oats and almonds, offering a wonderful texture and rich, nutty flavor. While the recipe calls for all-purpose flour, it highlights the flexibility for a healthy approach. The sweet jam center adds a burst of fruity flavor, making these thumbprint cookies a truly heartwarming and healthy choice for your festive celebrations.

Experience a sensational fusion of rich chocolate and vibrant orange with these extraordinary Grain-Free Chocolate Orange Cookies from The Fit Cookie. These delightful cookies are not only vegan and grain-free, making them suitable for various dietary needs, but they are also mostly sugar-free, with a specific sugar-free/paleo option available. This thoughtful formulation allows you to indulge in the classic holiday flavor combination without any guilt. Their moist texture and intense flavor make them a sophisticated and healthy choice for your Christmas cookie spread, truly a treat for the senses.

Reinvent your favorite classic with these innovative Snickerdoodles (or Bananadoodles) from Hello Spoonful. This recipe cleverly utilizes wholesome ingredients like bananas, oat flour, and applesauce to keep these snickerdoodle cookies on the healthier side, all while preserving their irresistible flavor and chewy texture. Enjoy the classic cinnamon-sugar coating and soft interior without compromise. These healthy snickerdoodle cookies are perfect for pairing with your afternoon coffee, serving as a late-night treat, or sharing with loved ones during the festive holiday season.

Paleo Christmas Cookies

Embrace the ancient diet principles while enjoying modern holiday flavors with our selection of paleo Christmas cookies. These recipes focus on wholesome, unprocessed ingredients, free from grains, dairy, and refined sugars, offering a healthier way to indulge. Discover how delicious and satisfying treats can be when crafted with natural goodness.

For a unique and surprisingly delicious holiday treat, try these fantastic Spiced Paleo Sweet Potato Cookies from Raia’s Recipes. If you’re searching for a cookie that masterfully blends sweetness with health benefits, look no further. These cookies are infused with warming spices that perfectly complement the subtle sweetness of sweet potato, creating a moist and flavorful indulgence. What’s truly remarkable is that they are even a hit with those who claim not to be sweet potato lovers, proving their universal appeal. A great, wholesome addition to your paleo Christmas cookie collection!

Indulge in the quintessential taste of the holidays with these exquisite Grain-free Ginger Molasses Cookies from Recipes to Nourish. These cookies are a delightful balance of textures, featuring a wonderfully soft and chewy interior perfectly encased in a crisp, alluring outside. The warm, aromatic spices of ginger and the deep, rich notes of molasses create a truly comforting flavor profile that evokes the spirit of Christmas. What makes these healthy Christmas cookies even better is that they are naturally sweetened, allowing you to enjoy a guilt-free and utterly delicious festive treat.

Bring a playful and delicious tradition to your paleo holiday spread with these charming Paleo Almond Flour Gingerbread Men Cookies from Perchance to Cook. These delightful cookies are soft, perfectly chewy, and generously spiced with all the warm flavors you expect from classic gingerbread. Crafted with almond flour, they are naturally gluten-free, grain-free, and dairy-free, aligning perfectly with paleo dietary principles. They offer a wholesome way to enjoy the beloved tradition of gingerbread men, making them an ideal and healthy Christmas cookie for decorating and sharing with loved ones.

For every cookie lover, especially those adhering to a paleo or AIP diet, these remarkable Paleo and AIP Snickerdoodles from Eat Beautiful are a true wish come true. If you used to adore classic cookies but now limit yourself to only the best occasional desserts, these are for you. They miraculously taste just like the old favorites – with that characteristic soft chew and cinnamon-sugar coating – yet they are so much healthier, being egg-free and nut-free. Enjoy the nostalgic flavors without compromise, making them a perfect, guilt-free addition to your healthy Christmas cookie collection.

Indulge in the simple luxury of these incredibly easy-to-make Macadamia Chocolate Cookies from Irena Macri. These paleo delights are perfect for those seeking a quick yet sophisticated treat during the busy holiday season. The rich, buttery flavor of macadamia nuts pairs exquisitely with decadent chocolate, creating a cookie that feels truly indulgent. For added versatility, the macadamia nuts can easily be replaced with cashews or blanched almonds, allowing you to customize the flavor profile to your liking. A wholesome and delicious addition to any healthy Christmas cookie platter.

These exquisite Flourless Cashew Almond Butter Cookies from Running to the Kitchen are a unique and sophisticated addition to your holiday baking. These naturally flourless cookies boast a rich, nutty flavor from a blend of cashew and almond butter, creating a wonderfully chewy texture. They are then luxuriously dipped in dark chocolate and elegantly garnished with candied sage, offering a delightful herbal note that perfectly complements the sweetness. These cookies are a fun, chewy, and surprisingly healthy winter treat that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings during the festive season.

Prepare to be absolutely amazed by these incredible Paleo Cookies with Frosting (Lofthouse Style) from 40 Aprons. These paleo cookies are truly to die for, designed to mimic the beloved “Lofthouse” style cookies, known for their super fluffy texture and thick layer of delicious frosting on top. They are incredibly easy to cut with cookie cutters, allowing you to create beautifully shaped paleo cookies for every holiday and occasion. Enjoy all the nostalgic joy and indulgent flavor of a classic frosted cookie, but with wholesome, paleo-friendly ingredients. These are a game-changer for healthy Christmas cookies!

Paleo + Vegan Christmas Cookies

For the ultimate in healthy holiday baking, explore these incredible recipes that are both paleo and vegan. These cookies are free from grains, dairy, eggs, and refined sugars, yet they are bursting with festive flavors and satisfying textures. Discover truly guilt-free indulgence that caters to even the strictest dietary needs, ensuring everyone can partake in the joy of Christmas treats.

Get into the festive spirit with these perfectly soft, chewy, and irresistibly minty Paleo Vegan Peppermint Cookies from Texanerin Baking. These cookies are a holiday dream come true for anyone seeking both paleo and vegan options. Bursting with refreshing peppermint flavor, they offer a delightful seasonal treat that feels wonderfully indulgent without any of the guilt. Their incredible texture makes them a standout, proving that healthy holiday baking can be utterly delicious and satisfying. Perfect for sharing or enjoying by a warm fire.

These chewy, wonderfully dense yet doughy Almond Butter Blossoms from Joy Food Sunshine are an absolute revelation for healthy holiday baking. What makes them truly exceptional is their comprehensive list of dietary benefits: they are paleo, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, peanut-free, and entirely refined sugar-free! Yet, they deliver an incredibly satisfying texture and rich almond butter flavor. These delicious paleo Christmas cookies are easy to make and perfect for the season, offering a wholesome way to enjoy a classic cookie with a healthy twist.

Embrace the beloved tradition of gingerbread men with these fantastic Paleo Vegan Gingerbread Cookies from 24 Carrot Kitchen. These festive cookies are not only delightful to look at but also incredibly fun to decorate, making them a perfect activity for the whole family during the holidays. Beyond their charming appearance, they are wonderfully tasty, packed with the warm, aromatic spices of gingerbread. Being both paleo and vegan, they offer a wholesome and inclusive option for your Christmas cookie platter, ensuring everyone can enjoy a classic holiday treat.

Capture the essence of Christmas in cookie form with these delightful Eggnog Cookies from Whole New Mom. These unique treats are perfectly flavored with traditional eggnog, crafted into a soft, snickerdoodle-like cookie. To elevate their festive appeal, they are finished with a light eggnog spiced glaze drizzled on top, adding an extra layer of sweetness and aroma. These cookies are just right for Christmas gatherings, offering a distinct holiday taste that is both comforting and indulgent. A fantastic healthy choice for your paleo and vegan holiday baking!

Indulge in a sophisticated and warmly spiced treat with these exquisite Cardamom Orange Paleo Shortbread Cookies from The Roasted Root. These delicate shortbread cookies are made with wholesome almond flour, creamy coconut oil, and naturally sweet coconut sugar, offering a healthier twist on a classic. They are then luxuriously dipped in an orange-cardamom chocolate, creating a truly decadent treat that feels incredibly festive. The aromatic blend of cardamom and zesty orange makes them an unforgettable addition to your healthy Christmas cookie collection, perfect for a gourmet holiday experience.

We sincerely hope this extensive collection has provided you with abundant inspiration for your holiday baking adventures. From rich whole wheat delights to light and airy paleo options, and from sweet gluten-free treats to indulgent vegan creations, these healthy Christmas cookies prove that conscious eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or festive cheer. There’s truly something here for every palate and every dietary preference, making your holiday celebrations inclusive and delicious.

Whether you’re planning a cozy night in, preparing for a festive gathering, or looking for the perfect edible gift, these carefully selected recipes offer wholesome ingredients and incredible taste. Dive into your kitchen, embrace the joyful holiday spirit, and let us know which of these delightful healthy Christmas cookies you decide to bake first! We wish you and your loved ones a wonderfully delicious, healthy, and joyful holiday season filled with sweet memories.