Holiday cheer is in the air, and that means holiday treats are on the table. Indulging in something sweet is bound to happen this time of year, whether at the office or your family’s holiday party. The best part is that it doesn’t have to happen at the expense of your health.
Whether you’re looking for something easy, vegan, healthy, or allergy-friendly you can find something in these seven recipes. Whip up some of these treats at home and take them on the go. that way when you get to the office party you won’t be tempted to indulge in processed snacks. These cookies can also be used as an eco-friendly alternative conventional gifts, which are often imported and factory-made. Whatever you use them for, we hope you enjoy the process!
Homemade Peppermint Thin Mints
There’s something about peppermint this time of year that hugs the senses. It warms us when we drink it as tea, energizes us when used aromatically, and coupled with chocolate, it provides a refreshing kick for our taste buds. What I love about My Darling Vegan’s recipe is that she uses all-natural and zero calorie sweetener called Whole Earth Sweetener for guilt-free indulging.
Gingerbread Cookies
Would it really even be the holidays without gingerbread cookies? This recipe from Pickles & Honey is a vegan rendition on the Scott family’s famous secret recipe. These cookies are sweetened with coconut sugar and sprinkled with a hearty dose of cinnamon. If you are into decorations, there’s even a vegan icing for holiday cookie décor.
Hazelnut Cookies
This gluten-free sugar-free recipe from Gathering Dreams is ideal for health freaks or people who just love hazelnuts, of course. This glorious blend of cocoa powder, hazelnuts, and dates is a simple way to make an impressive dessert. Whether you’re bringing it to your friend’s dinner party or snacking on it during an afternoon slump at work, this recipe will deliver.
Cranberry Almond Molasses Cookies
My favorite kind of cookies are those that can be eaten as a breakfast bar too. These cookies, by Cotter Crunch do just that because they’re loaded in iron from both the almonds and the molasses. They’re also sugar, dairy, and gluten-free, making them the perfect holiday gift for people with strict diets.
Honey Almond Biscotti
Biscotti is one of my favorite winter treats. They’re thin and crunchy, and oh-so perfect with a cup of hot chai tea. What’s great about this recipe from The Spruce Eats is that it uses some of the most standard ingredients that you probably already have at home, so you can whip these up on a snowy or rainy day without having to leave the house.
No-Bake Peanut Butter Cookies
There’s nothing I love more than no-bake, peanut butter cookies. This recipe from The Spruce Eats takes 20 minutes to put together from start to finish, so they’re the perfect treat when friends come over unexpectedly, or when you have a late-night craving. Plus, they’re loaded with protein from the peanut butter and oats. For peanut-free options scroll to the bottom of the recipe.
Apple Cider Donuts
These apple cider donuts from Vegan Richa are a great alternative to conventional jelly-donuts. Whether you’re celebrating Chanukah or not, these bites are heavenly. They’re especially great for those with regulated diets as they are sugar-free, soy-free, nut-free, and have a gluten-free option! To top it off, they’re not even fried. That’s right, these bad boys are baked, making them the perfect treat for the whole family!