30 Healthy Holiday Desserts that are perfect for healthy Christmas baking. Everything you need from healthy Christmas cookies to cakes & pies-there’s something yummy for everyone!
This post was originally shared in November of 2017. It has since been updated. This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Click here to read my policy and more about affiliate links.
Who’s excited for holiday baking?! I look forward to this ALL year.
I’ll be honest and say that when it comes to holiday treats, I prefer to go the unhealthy route. We have so many classic family recipes that I love SO much.
However – I totally get that you might want a healthier holiday dessert – so I’ve got a bunch of options for you!
We have amazing healthy dessert recipes on our site that are perfect for any occasion, but I wanted to round up some of my favorite healthy holiday treats from some of my food blogging friends.
They were nice enough to let me share them here. Not only do these recipes look outstanding.. there’s something for everyone here. Paleo, vegan, gluten free, dairy free.. you’ll find it all and more below!
Most of these recipes have less sugar and fat than regular holiday desserts. We hope you enjoy them!
If you’re still building your holiday menu, be sure to check out these Paleo Holiday Side Dishes, Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes, or 55 Healthy Christmas Recipes
Healthy Christmas Cookie Recipes
Paleo Gingerbread Biscotti (Paleo, Gluten Free, Dairy Free) are one of my all time favorite cookies. They’re great with a cup of coffee or a latte
Whole Wheat Snickerdoodles (Dairy Free, Nut Free) from Fit Mitten Kitchen are a healthier twist on a classic cookie.
Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookies are delicious and made with wholesome ingredients!
Paleo Pumpkin Snickerdoodles (Paleo, Vegan, Gluten Free) are one of my favorite treats. A healthier twist on one of my favorite cookies – Pumpkin Snickerdoodles from my friend Madison
Chewy Gingerbread Cookies (Paleo, Vegan, Gluten Free) from Physical Kitchness are everything you could ask for in a healthy Christmas cookie
Healthy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are the best treat! A Gluten Free Cookie Recipe everyone will love. Easy to make and delicious!
Healthy Anginetti Cookies (Gluten Free) are my healthy twist on a cookie I grew up eating. They’re SO easy and fluffy!
Easy Chocolate Macaroons (Paleo, Dairy Free, Gluten Free) from Confessions of a Fit Foodie are definitely making an appearance on my cookie tray this year. They only have 8 ingredients!
Fudge Dipped Almond Cookies (Vegan, Gluten Free, Paleo) from Fooduzzi not only taste delicious but are so pretty!
Healthy Gluten Free Gingersnaps (Gluten Free) are the perfect holiday treat! Low in sugar, gluten free and so delicious- they will be your new favorite cookie!
Healthy Holiday Bar Recipes
Healthy Lemon Bars (Paleo, Gluten Free, Dairy Free) are SO delicious. They have a rich, luscious center with a buttery cookie base.
Healthy Pecan Pie Bars (Paleo, Gluten Free, Dairy Free) are one of the best pecan pie recipes! Gluten free, paleo, and refined sugar free – an easy holiday dessert you’ll love!
Healthy Pumpkin Pie Bars (Paleo, Gluten Free, Dairy Free) are the best healthy pumpkin dessert! Just like classic pumpkin pie, in a bar! Paleo, gluten free, and dairy free – these are great for a fun fall treat or the holidays.
Dairy Free Millionaire Bars (Gluten Free, Dairy Free) from One Wholesome Life need to be added to your holiday baking list. Millionaire bars are typically loaded with refined sugar and fat – these are a much healthier version!
Healthy Holiday Truffle Recipes
Healthy Chocolate Truffles (Paleo, Vegan, Gluten Free) – Our own recipe 🙂 Might be biased but they’re pretty darn amazing.
Peppermint Truffles (Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Vegan) from Downshiftology look incredible. Chocolate + mint are a delicious combo!
Cherry Chocolate Walnut Truffles (Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Vegan) from Veggie Inspired are the perfect healthier truffle. I love the nut/fruit combo!
Healthy Holiday Cake/Breads
Pumpkin Coffee Cake (Gluten Free) is calling my name. A slice with a big Paleo Pumpkin Spice Latte sounds like the perfect pairing
Healthy Gingerbread Loaf is a delicious holiday treat everyone will love. Made with whole wheat flour & simple ingredients – it’s full of holiday flavor!
Healthy Carrot Cake Recipe that tastes just like the real thing! This Healthy Carrot Cake is moist, fluffy and so delicious!
Vegan Cinnamon White Chocolate Cheesecake (Vegan, Gluten Free) is made with just 6 ingredients and a few steps!
Avocado Mint Cheesecake with a Brownie Bottom (Gluten Free) is one of my favorite treats. It is SO rich and decadent!
Mini Cheesecakes are one of our favorite lighter desserts! Here are some of our favorites: Key Lime Cheesecakes, Lemon Cheesecakes, Pumpkin Cheesecakes, and Berry Cheesecakes.
Healthy Holiday Pies:
Vegan Pumpkin Pie (Paleo, Gluten Free, Dairy Free) from Texan Erin looks AMAZING. I can’t believe it’s paleo!
Chocolate Pudding Pie (Vegan) I mean.. chocolate pie.. need I say more?
Paleo Apple Pie (Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Paleo) is definitely happening at my holiday table. It looks so tasty!
Other delicious holiday desserts:
Chocolate Chip Gingerbread Blondies (Paleo, Gluten Free) look so fudgey and delicious!
Healthy Apple Crisp is such a delicious treat. We make this year round!
Healthy Gingerbread Cashew Butter is the perfect homemade holiday dessert! It’s easy to make+ yummy!
Baked Apples– these are my favorite! Gluten free, dairy free + made with only 9 ingredients – they’re the perfect nutritious, fun treat!
Dark Chocolate Peppermint Bark is a super simple holiday dessert that you can enjoy for yourself or share as a DIY gift!
Vegan Rice Pudding is a dairy free twist on a classic holiday treat. So creamy + rich.
Healthy Holiday Drinks to enjoy with your treats:
Let’s be real, no dessert is complete without something warm + cozy to enjoy with it! These are some of our favorite holiday drinks.
Whole30 Gingerbread Latte – Just like Starbucks, but better and with WAY less sugar!
Paleo Pumpkin Spice Latte – This healthy pumpkin spice latte is made with real pumpkin and just a tiny bit of maple syrup. So delicious!
Healthy Peppermint Mocha – Another Starbucks copycat drink – this has less than 1/8 the sugar and is so creamy!
Healthy Hot Chocolate is the perfect cozy winter drink. Dairy free, vegan, refined sugar free, low calorie & made with only 3 ingredients!
Ta-da! Now get to baking! You know you want to 🙂
Here are some of my favorite things for baking that I think you’ll love too:
If you struggle to balance it all during the holidays, check out my 5 Tips for a Balanced Holiday.
Carla Patterson says
Wow, as much as 30 different tasty holiday desserts. Wow, thanks a lot <3 Also they are really healthy and as I'm on a strict diet, this is something that I have really needed!
Carla Patterson says
Oh god. Did I just find 30 totally awesome dessert recipes? No, no, no.. I’m on diet and I feel like I won’t be able to withstand it – they all look so delicious.. Okay, I will prepare one of those every week because this is just too good. Anyway, thanks for sharing – hopefully I will be able to try them all without hurting my diet too much!
The Clean Eating Couple says
Yes! They’re all healthy and delicious – I hope you love them 🙂
Anonymous says
Thanks for these simple recipes! They all look great, I’m going to try the pumpkin cookies for sure! ?
The Clean Eating Couple says
Hope you love them!!
marcie says
This collection is full of recipes I’d love! Thanks for including my coffee cake. 🙂