Surprise!
Just popping in on Saturday to share with you a little collection of healthy holiday treat recipes. Say what? It’s true. Since doing the sugar free thing for a full 60 days earlier this year, I am looking at the cookie eating season a little differently this year.
Not to say I’m not eating cookies. Christmas for me is sort of inseparable from cookies and fun treats. You saw my cookie baking day with my mom and sisters, right? We had a blast and I made lots of cookies with lots of chocolate and almond bark and it was as it should have been. No regrets! Also, per the seasonal requirements, I have a standing 4pm date with peanut butter blossoms throughout the month of December.
But. But but but. In general, we’re still trying to have less sugar, more whole grains, and all that stuff that made us feel good during our 60 days of super healthful, sugar free eating.
That being said, here’s a quick and dirty list of 9 healthy holiday treats that ARE 100% NORMAL AND DELICIOUS. Can I get an amen? These are normal things with no secret weird ingredients (well, dates? do those count?) and these treats can help you celebrate the season of treats while still keeping your feel-good glow about you.
#1: CRANBERRY DARK CHOCOLATE BISCOTTI
Nothing better than cuddling up with crunchy, chocolate-y, cranberry biscotti + Christmas morning coffee. These pretty treats have less sugar, whole wheat, and the cranberries + dark chocolate will give you a little antioxidant boost.
#2: DARK CHOCOLATE COCONUT BITES
Basically like eating a happy little snowball. Plus they’re dipped in dark chocolate, so… yeah.
#3: PEANUT BUTTER COOKIE DOUGH BALLS
Inside that peanut butter bomb is a healthy cookie-dough-esque mix with 3 main ingredients: peanuts, peanut butter, and dates. This is basically a protein snack that tastes like dessert.
#4: HEALTHY GINGERBREAD MUFFINS
Just, if nothing else, do this one for the good house smells.
#5: HEALTHY DARK CHOCOLATE SEA SALT BARS
Snackable, giftable, dessertable. You might as well make a thousand of these. Healthy Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Bars for everyone!
#6: PEANUT BUTTER COOKIE DOUGH BITES
This is an oldie – the picture might be a dead giveaway – but it has stood the test of time! Swap your regular peanut butter blossoms for these cuties. No sugar added and lots of the peanut butter taste we NEEEEEED.
Fancy and fruity! Top these off with winter fruit and fun colors – think pomegranate seeds, mint leaves, orange slices, or grapefruit to be extra holiday-happy.
#8: INNER GODDESS CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES
Every thing about these truffles is a win. They’re healthy, fun to make, and sort of adorable. They’re made with dates and five other healthy ingredients, like a boss.
#9 FIVE MINUTE SINGLE SERVING APPLE CRISP
Apple crisp can be enjoyed anytime the temperature falls below 60. This one you don’t even have to share.
Lindsay, these are all so adorable looking and that oldie – well oldies even though they look not so pretty #ourphotoskills, are always the best!!! Yummm!
Great post, Lindsay! I love all of the nine holiday treats. This culinary season is so much fun!
I want to try those dark chocolate sea salt bars so badly!
All of these sound and look so amazing. I need to go through a major sugar detox starting December 26. Well, maybe December 27…
What a beautiful collection of goodies – and LOVE that they have a healthy twist!
Mary
I never knew that healthy snacks could look so delicious! If you say they’re healthy, then I believe you. And I’ll make, and most importantly, EAT, all of it!!! -Audrey | Brunch at Audrey’s
What a great desserts. Love them all!
Sign me up for a tray with all 9 of these on it, especially the sea salt bars! Pinned 🙂
All of these look delicious!!!
I made your healthy gingerbread muffins last week (subbing some applesauce for most of the coconut oil) and they were a huge hit at the office. Thanks for posting such a reliable recipe — the did, indeed, puff up beautifully!
I love hearing that! Thanks for the comment Catherine!
Thank you so much for sharing these recipes and then compiling them into a handy post like this! I’ve definitely bookmarked it. I feel like I’ve eaten so many treats in the last little bit (from office exchanges, holiday parties, etc.) that I could literally turn into a cookie, so these recipes are welcome and needed!
Kathryn
http://www.throughthethicket.ca
Hey Lindsay and Bjork! I have loved following your blog for the past year and just wanted to share that I finally started my own blog thanks to all of your great advice, resources and Food Blogger Pro. Bjork– love the classes, thanks!
I can’t wait to get everything up and rolling, right now I’m just really excited 🙂
Thank you again for the much needed information!
Congrats Aryn! 🙂
Ahhhh, I just shared a post on DIY real food gifts. Should have definitely included those dark chocolate coconut bites. So yummy!
I made the dark chocolate coconut bites this year and I love them! I can feel better about eating 2 or 3 🙂 Definitely will be making these again soon!
Love hearing that! Thanks Stephanie.
I’m drooling over all of these!
Those muffins look wonderful!
Wow these look great. i just purchased your foodbloggerpro course and am looking forward to learning how to do this.
Love hearing that Julie! Can’t wait to see you over there. 🙂
I haven’t eaten yet for the day, so looking at this makes my stomach rumble and mouth water lol. Thank you for sharing these EASY recipes! I can’t wait to try them (: