This time of year calls for the smell of freshly baked cookies in the house so why not kick off this year’s holiday season with some healthy recipes that the whole family will love! I’ve shared my favourite holiday cookie recipes that are both healthy and easy to make with gluten-free and dairy-free options.

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Caramel Cookies – gluten-free

Makes 12 cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup almond flour
• 1 tbsp coconut flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• Pinch of Himalayan salt (or sea salt)
• 4 tbsp grass-fed butter (room temperature)
• 2 tbsp honey
• ¼ cup dolce de leche

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325 F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine the almond flour, coconut flour, baking powder and salt.
3. Mix in the butter and honey until combined.
4. Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, form small balls and place dough on baking sheet. Use your thumb and press into the centre of each cookie to form a well.
5. Bake cookies for 8-10 minutes or until slightly browned.
6. Remove from oven and let cookies completely cool. Using a teaspoon, spoon a small amount of dolce de leche into the centre of each cookie.

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Maple Cranberry Cookies – gluten-free

Makes 24 cookies

Ingredients:

• 2 cups almond flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp Himalayan salt (or sea salt)
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/3 cup grass-fed butter (melted)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 large egg (or 1 flax egg)
• ¾ cup dried cranberries

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix together the almond flour, baking soda and salt.
3. Add in the melted butter, maple syrup, egg and vanilla and mix well to combine.
4. Fold in the cranberries.
5. Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, form small balls and place dough on baking sheet. Using the back of a spatula, gently press to flatten the cookies.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until cookies are slightly browned. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

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Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies – dairy-free & gluten-free

Makes 24 mini cookies

Ingredients:

• 2 cups almond flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
• ¼ cup coconut oil (melted)
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup
• ½ cup Enjoy Life mini chocolate chips
• ½ cup crushed walnuts

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine almond flour, baking soda, sea salt, coconut oil and maple syrup until dough begins to form. Fold in chocolate chips and crushed walnuts.
3. Form cookies and place on baking sheet.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, remove from oven and allow to cool.

These healthy cookies are a staple in my house year-round!

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Almond Flour Shortbread Cookies – dairy-free & gluten-free

Makes 12 cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup almond flour
• 2 tbsp coconut sugar
• 2 tbsp coconut oil (melted)
• 1-2 tbsp water
• Pinch Himalayan salt (or sea salt)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix all ingredients to form a dough.
3. Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, form dough into 12 even balls and place on baking sheet. Flatten cookie dough balls with the back of a spatula.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges of cookies are golden.
5. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Enjoyed this post on healthy cookies for the holidays? Check out my post on swaps for healthy holiday baking here.