‘Tis the season for holiday baking!
I love healthier holiday desserts, and here are eight of my favorites. Each one is made without refined sugar and is quick and simple to prepare—perfect for a girls’ night in, a Thanksgiving contribution, or gifting to friends and neighbors during the holidays.
Holiday Desserts That Are Quick & Easy
One of the best things about healthier baking is the short, wholesome ingredient list. I avoid refined sugar and rely on coconut sugar, maple syrup, and honey for sweetness. These swaps deliver all the holiday flavors you love without the intense sugar crash. Enjoy these recipes this season. — Rach
Healthy Holiday Cookies
These Christmas Sugar Cookies are a festive, better-for-you take on the classic holiday favorite. Soft and chewy, they’re sweetened with maple syrup instead of refined sugar and use wholesome, real-food ingredients for a nostalgic cookie with cleaner ingredients.
Peanut Butter Balls (Healthy!)
These no-bake, gluten-free Peanut Butter Balls are a crowd-pleasing treat made with a few simple ingredients. This better-for-you version skips powdered sugar while keeping the rich, nutty flavor everyone loves—an easy holiday classic you can feel good about serving.
Pecan Bars
Making a whole pie can be time-consuming, so these pecan bars are my no-fuss alternative. They capture all the flavor of classic pecan pie in an easier, more approachable format—just as indulgent but far less work.
Peanut Butter Blossoms
Peanut Butter Blossoms quickly became a favorite—soft, salty, and sweet with a nostalgic bite. They’re perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday platters, or wrapped up as thoughtful edible gifts. Once you make them, they’ll likely become a seasonal staple.
Paleo Apple Crisp
This Paleo Apple Crisp is a crowd-pleaser: warm, comforting, and perfectly crumbly. It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free, making it an ideal choice for diverse holiday tables without sacrificing classic apple-crisp flavor.
Tahini Chocolate Chunk Cookies
For chocolate lovers, these Tahini Chocolate Chunk Cookies are a dream. The nutty richness of tahini pairs beautifully with chunks of chocolate for a cookie that’s both decadent and made with wholesome ingredients. You’ll want to bake them again and again.
Salted Maple Cookie Bars
These salted maple cookie bars deliver about 9 grams of protein per serving and balance sweet maple with flaky sea salt. They’re an elevated, protein-packed twist on classic cookie bars and a great option for a satisfying holiday treat.
20-Minute Paleo Pear Crisps
These individual Paleo Pear Crisps are single-serve desserts you can make in about 20 minutes. They’re ideal for Friendsgiving, Thanksgiving, or any cozy gathering when you want a warm, fruit-forward dessert with minimal effort.