These Salted Maple Frosted Cookies Will Win Every Holiday Cookie Exchange

Women's Health

Fri, November 8, 2019 at 12:00 PM UTC

These Salted Maple Frosted Cookies Will Win Every Holiday Cookie Exchange — Nothing says "holiday vibes" quite like a giant plate of cookies. Can you think of a better way to get in the Christmas spirit than with a fresh sheet of homemade treats, a giant mug of mulled wine, and a campy-but-weirdly-good Netflix movie? I think not.
From gingerbread to macaroons to frosted sugar cookies to chocolate chip, the classics never disappoint this time of year. But if you need a new recipe for your family's annual cookie exchange—or just want to put your baking skills to the test—there are plenty of new-to-you, decadent, creative, and (dare I say) healthy Christmas cookie recipes out there just waiting to be baked.
Wait, did I really just say “healthy Christmas cookies?” Why yes, yes I did. What makes a holiday cookie healthier, exactly, really depends on your own goals and preferences, explains integrative nutritionist Marisa Moore, RDN.
Adding dried fruit or oats, for example, adds filling fiber to your cookies. Subbing out gluten-containing ingredients for gluten-free ones, meanwhile, would be healthy for anyone with celiac disease or a gluten intolerance. And, swapping out dairy for plant-based ingredients is a great choice for vegans or anyone who’s edging towards a more plant-based diet. And, of course, cutting back on added sugar will help you stay below the recommended daily limit of about 12 teaspoons of the stuff.
However, there’s *absolutely* such a thing as going too far when it comes to giving holiday cookies a healthy makeover. Even Moore doesn’t recommend making totally no-sugar-added cookies or using ~all~ whole grains, ~all~ the time.
If you look forward to your kitchen sink cookies all year long, don’t tamper with em. But if you’re looking to add some healthier Christmas cookies to your holiday rotation, here are 35 sweet-as-can-be recipes you’ll enjoy all season long.
Ambitious Kitchen

Peppermint Meringues — These light, minty meringues are just as festive as candy canes, but contain about half the sugar. They’re also naturally gluten-free, if that’s your thing.
GET THE RECIPE
*Per serving (3 cookies): 21 calories, 0 g fat (0 g sat fat),6 mg sodium, 5 g carbs, 5 g sugar, 0.5 g protein*
Skinnytaste

Damn Good Paleo Chocolate Chunk Tahini Cookies — You'd never know these cookies are grain-free! Tahini adds a deep savory flavor that’s a little reminiscent of nut butter.
GET THE RECIPE
*Per cookie: 202 calories, 14.7 g fat (5.2 g sat fat), 16.7 g carbs, 10.5 g sugar, 3.5 g fiber, 4.4 g protein*
Ambitious Kitchen

Vegan, Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies — As long as you buy oats labeled "gluten-free" to minimize cross-contamination risk, these hearty classic cookies are great for any gluten-free eaters.
GET THE RECIPE
*Per cookie: 219 calories, 12.8 g fat (9.6 g sat fat), 27.1 g carbs, 15.6 g sugar, 2.6 g fiber, 1.9 g protein*
Ambitious Kitchen

Almond Flour Crescent Cookies — Almond flour gives these melt-in-your-mouth crescent cookies a satisfying chewy texture. They’re great with coffee, or as a quick after-dinner treat.
GET THE RECIPE
*Per cookie: 63 calories, 5 g fat (2 g sat fat), 3 g carbs, 2 g sugar, 1 g fiber, 1 g protein*
Eating Bird Food

Grandma's Carrot Cake Cookies — These cookies are made with nutritious ingredients like carrots, walnuts, raisins, and oats. Thanks to plenty of spice, they’re also quite festive.
GET THE RECIPE
*Per cookie: 215 calories, 12 g fat (5 g sat fat), 42 mg sodium, 26 g carbs, 10 g sugar, 4 g fiber, 5 g protein*
Well Plated

Chocolate-Drizzled Coconut Macaroons — Fans of chocolate-coconut candy bars will flip for these cute, holiday-worthy macaroons.
GET THE RECIPE
*Per serving (2 macaroons): 105 calories, 5.5 g fat, 15 mg sodium, 13 g carbs, 12 g sugar, 1 g fiber, 2 g protein*
Skinnytaste

Fudgy Vegan Brownie Cookies — Can’t decide between cookies and brownies? Make these vegan crossovers!
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*Per cookie: 185 calories, 11.9 g fat (5.2 g sat fat), 83 mg sodium, 19.1 g carbs, 13.8 g sugar, 3.3 g fiber, 3.3 g protein*
Minimalist Baker

One-Bowl Vegan, Gluten-Free Ginger Cookies — Ginger isn’t for everyone, but if you love its sweet spiciness, add these one-bowl cookies to your holiday rotation.
GET THE RECIPE
*Per cookie: 208 calories, 6.8 g fat (4 g sat fat), 80 mg sodium, 36.8 g carbs, 19 g sugar, 2 g fiber, 1.7 g protein*
Minimalist Baker

Grain-Free Gingerdoodles — If you’re headed to a cookie swap and looking to impress, these gorgeous gingerdoodles will stand out from the crowd.
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*Per cookie: 203 calories, 13.4 g fat (5.5 g sat fat), 19.1 g carbs, 11 g sugar, 4.1 g fiber, 4.2 g protein*
Ambitious Kitchen

One-Bowl Vegan Coconut Snowballs — Basically a cross between macaroons and sugar cookies, these vegan and grain-free snowballs are dense, chewy, and sweet.
GET THE RECIPE
*Per cookie: 218 calories, 19.5 g fat (17.1 g sat fat), 19 mg sodium, 11.6 g carbs, 6 g sugar, 4.4 g fiber, 1.9 g protein*
Minimalist Baker

Chocolate Pecan Sweet Potato Breakfast Cookies — Keep the Thanksgiving vibes going all season long with these festive breakfast cookies.
GET THE RECIPE
*Per cookie: 149 calories, 8 g fat (5 g sat fat), 18 g carbs, 8 g sugar, 2 g fiber, 2 g protein*
Eating Bird Food

No-Bake Chocolate Coconut Cookies — No room in your oven for dessert? No problem! These vegan cookies require zero heat to make.
GET THE RECIPE
*Per cookie: 118 calories, 7.4 g fat (4 g saturated), 24 mg sodium, 12 g carbs, 6.9 g sugar, 1.6 g fiber, 2.4 g protein*
Minimalist Baker

Chocolate Chip Cloud Cookies — A lighter alternative to traditional chocolate chip cookies, these cloud cookies are made from egg white meringue.
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*Per cookie: 54 calories, 2.5 g fat (1.5 g sat fat), 9.5 mg sodium, 8.5 g carbs, 7 g sugar, 1 g fiber, 0.5 g protein*
Skinnytaste

Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies — Need to get rid of leftover canned pumpkin from Thanksgiving? Bake these chewy cookies.
GET THE RECIPE
*Per cookie: 90 calories, 3 g fat, 15 g carbs, 2 g sugar, 1 g protein*
Eating Bird Food

Healthy Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Salted Maple Frosting — Maple is a pretty underrated holiday flavor. Bring it back this year with these soft maple-frosted cookies.
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*Per serving: 159 calories, 12.3 g fat (4.9 g sat fat), 10.2 g carbs, 5.9 g sugar, 2.6 g fiber, 2.9 g protein*
Ambitious Kitchen

The Best-Ever Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies — No holiday cookie spread is complete without classic chocolate chip. These vegan and paleo-friendly cookies do the trick.
GET THE RECIPE
*Per cookie: 135 calories, 9 g fat, 11 g carbs, 5 g sugar, 1.5 g fiber, 2.5 g protein*
Cotter Crunch

Three-Ingredient Almond Butter Cookies — If you’re in a pinch, whip up a batch of these easy, three-ingredient cookies. You probably already have the ingredients in the fridge.
GET THE RECIPE
*Per cookie: 63 calories, 6 g fat, 27 mg sodium, 7 g carbs, 4 g sugar, 1 g fiber, 3 g protein*
Skinnytaste

Vegan Chocolate Chunk Cookies with Peppermint — These might be the most holiday-worthy cookies on the internet. Crushed peppermint and decorative sugar completely transform these chocolate chunk cookies.
GET THE RECIPE
*Per cookie: 200 calories, 10.3 g fat (6.4 g sat fat), 140.4 mg sodium, 27.3 g carbs, 16.5 g sugar, 1.8 g fiber, 2 g protein*
Cotter Crunch

Better-For-You Buckeyes — These lightened-up PB treats are dairy-free and vegan, and made with simple ingredients like peanut butter, oats, dates, chocolate, and coconut oil.
GET THE RECIPE
*Per ball: 107 calories, 6 g fat, 13 g carbs, 10 g sugar, 1 g fiber, 2 g protein*
Eating Bird Food

Chocolate Macaroons — Sweetened with maple syrup and dairy-free chocolate chips, these vegan macaroons are also gluten-free.
GET THE RECIPE
*Per cookie: 135 calories, 11 g fat, 9 g carbs, 6 g sugar, 2 g fiber, 2 g protein*
Eating Bird Food

Grain-Free Sugar Cookies — Made with blanched almond flour and coconut flour, these grain-free sugar cookies are anything but basic.
GET THE RECIPE
*Per cookie: 160 calories, 8 g fat, 52 mg sodium, 22 g carbs, 18 g sugar, 2 g fiber, 3 g protein*
Fit Foodie Finds

Paleo Hot Cocoa Cookies — With plenty of rich cocoa flavor, these almond butter-based paleo cookies hit the spot.
GET THE RECIPE
*Per cookie: 252 calories, 17 g fat, 22 g carbs, 16 g sugar, 4 g fiber, 7 g protein*
Fit Foodie Finds

Almond Flour Shortbread Cookies — Trust me, you and your guests won't even realize these shortbread cookies are made with almond flour instead of the usual wheat.
GET THE RECIPE
*Per cookie: 162 calories, 12 g fat, 67 mg sodium, 14 g carbs, 10 g sugar, 2 g fiber, 2 g protein*
Fit Foodie Finds

Chai Cookies — Cozy, fragrant chai tea is a must-have when it's cold out, and these creative cookies make it easy to enjoy at family gatherings and office parties alike.
GET THE RECIPE
*Per cookie: 185 calories, 8.9 g fat (6.5 g sat fat), 494 mg sodium, 24.1 g carbs, 9.1 g sugar, 0.7 g fiber, 2.4 g protein*
SkinnyMs.

Gluten-Free Chewy Peppermint Sugar cookies — This sweet recipe uses spinach to create that minty green hue, but no judgment if you opt for the easy route with a little food coloring.
GET THE RECIPE
*Per cookie: 91 calories, 5.6 g fat (3.4 g sat fat),, 35 mg sodium, 9.5 g carbs, 1.6 g sugar, 0.4 g fiber, 1.1 g protein*
Food Faith Fitness

These Salted Maple Frosted Cookies Will Win Every Holiday Cookie Exchange

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Nothing says "holiday vibes" quite like a giant plate of cookies. Can you think of a better way to get in the Christmas spirit than with a fresh sheet of homemade treats, a giant mug of mulled wine, and a campy-but-weirdly-good Netflix movie? I think not.

From gingerbread to macaroons to frosted sugar cookies to chocolate chip, the classics never disappoint this time of year. But if you need a new recipe for your family's annual cookie exchange—or just want to put your baking skills to the test—there are plenty of new-to-you, decadent, creative, and (dare I say) healthy Christmas cookie recipes out there just waiting to be baked.

Wait, did I really just say “healthy Christmas cookies?” Why yes, yes I did. What makes a holiday cookie healthier, exactly, really depends on your own goals and preferences, explains integrative nutritionist Marisa Moore, RDN.

Adding dried fruit or oats, for example, adds filling fiber to your cookies. Subbing out gluten-containing ingredients for gluten-free ones, meanwhile, would be healthy for anyone with celiac disease or a gluten intolerance. And, swapping out dairy for plant-based ingredients is a great choice for vegans or anyone who’s edging towards a more plant-based diet. And, of course, cutting back on added sugar will help you stay below the recommended daily limit of about 12 teaspoons of the stuff.

However, there’s absolutely such a thing as going too far when it comes to giving holiday cookies a healthy makeover. Even Moore doesn’t recommend making totally no-sugar-added cookies or using ~all~ whole grains, ~all~ the time.

If you look forward to your kitchen sink cookies all year long, don’t tamper with em. But if you’re looking to add some healthier Christmas cookies to your holiday rotation, here are 35 sweet-as-can-be recipes you’ll enjoy all season long.

Ambitious Kitchen

All I want for Christmas is these cookies.

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These Salted Maple Frosted Cookies Will Win Every Holiday Cookie Exchange

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