As the winter holidays approach, cold weather and tasty snacks often mean that people wind up packing on a few extra pounds. But instead of denying yourself delicious holiday goodies, you can bake up some healthy Christmas cookies that taste delightful and leave behind the guilt.

Not only are all of these recipes guaranteed to satisfy even the strictest dietary requirements, but they’re also delicious. And if you don’t tell anyone they’re actually healthy, we promise not to tell either!

Gluten-Free Chocolate Turtles

If gluten is a problem for you, your family, or your coworkers, don’t worry – there are delicious recipes that are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth like these gluten-free chocolate turtle cookies. These delights look fantastic and taste even better!

Paleo-Friendly Ginger Snaps

If you or someone you know is following the paleo diet, this is a great choice. Tasting almost exactly like traditional ginger snaps, this recipe results in a scrumptious, chewy cookie with a paleo-approved caramel sauce.

Cinnamon Spiced Almond Cookies

Grain-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free, these paleo-friendly sugar and spice cookies are heavenly. Perfectly soft, anyone who tries them is sure to fall in love.

Low-Fat Gingerbread Cookies

One of the all-time great staples of Christmas cookie-making, this recipe for gingerbread cookies has half the fat of standard cookies but all the same delicious flavour.

Raw Coconut/Goji Cookies

If you or anyone you know is on the raw diet, this tasty recipe will have them begging for more. Best of all, it’s packed full of goji fruit, considered to be one of nature’s most powerful superfoods.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

When they come out of the oven, you’ll swear that they’re standard, high-fat chocolate chip cookies. But this incredibly delicious recipe is actually gluten-free. You can also make dairy-free and vegan without sacrificing taste.

Roasted Cashew Butter Cookies

With all the sweet deliciousness of a nutty cookie only without any risk of triggering someone’s allergies to peanuts, this recipe is both delicious and easy to make.

Almond Flour Sugar Cookies

Sugar cookies are a must-have around the holidays, and this gluten-free, paleo and vegan-friendly sugar cookie recipe fills that spot. Plus, there are some healthy frosting recipes to try too!

With these fantastic recipes, it’s easy to bake and enjoy healthier versions of classic Christmas cookies. Whether you’re following a paleo, vegan, or low-fat diet, these recipes allow you to stay within your guidelines and yet still enjoy a fantastic sweet treat this holiday season. But don’t be fooled by the unusual ingredients – all of these healthy Christmas cookies are guaranteed to be mouthwateringly delicious!

Originally published Dec 7, 2017; updated Dec 9, 2022

Author: Sereena S.

Mom of two, wife to one, and a dog lover. Although cats can be okay too, but only sometimes...