The holidays are a time to enjoy your favorite treats, but they don’t have to be packed with sugar to taste great. With a few easy changes, you can make desserts that are just as festive and delicious while being better for you. From naturally sweetened cookies to rich, healthier hot cocoa, there are plenty of tasty options to try. Whether you’re baking for a party or treating yourself, these recipes let you enjoy the season without regret. Let’s dive into some simple, healthier takes on holiday classics!
Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
(Recipe from Food Network Kitchen)
Ingredients:
1/2 cup rolled oats (not quick-cooking)
1 cup whole-wheat pastry flour, spooned and leveled
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup packed light-brown sugar
3 tablespoons agave nectar
1 large egg, room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped, or 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Directions:
Prepare Dry Ingredients: Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a food processor, blend the oats, flour, baking soda, and salt until the mixture is well blended.
Mix Wet Ingredients: Mix butter, brown sugar, and agave nectar until fluffy. Blend in the egg and vanilla until the mixture is smooth.
Combine: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Fold in the chocolate.
Shape and Chill: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Bake and let Cool: Bake for 12–14 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through, until edges are golden. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 1 minute, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Hot Cocoa
(Recipe from Megan Gilmore)
Ingredients:
1 cup almond milk (or milk of choice)
1 tablespoon raw cacao powder
1 Tablespoon pure maple syrup
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
pinch of fine sea salt
Directions:
Mix and Heat: Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk until smooth and warm (no need to boil).
Adjust Flavor: Taste and adjust as needed—add more cocoa powder for richness or maple syrup for sweetness.
Serve: Pour into a mug and enjoy warm. Top with coconut whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or your favorite toppings, if desired.
Almond Flour Thumbprint Cookies
(Recipe from Brittany Mullins)
Ingredients:
1 cup finely ground almond flour, packed
3 tablespoons ghee, softened butter, or vegan butter (e.g., Earth Balance)
3 tablespoons maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons jam (homemade or store-bought)
Directions:
Preheat oven: Set the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use an un-greased baking stone.
Make dough: In a small bowl, mix almond flour, butter, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt until a dough forms. It may seem dry at first, but keep mixing.
Shape cookies: Scoop a tablespoon of dough, roll it into a ball, and place it on the baking sheet. Use your thumb to make an indentation in each cookie, then fill with 1/2-1 teaspoon of jam.
Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges turn golden brown.
Cool and serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely before serving.
We hope you enjoy these healthy and delicious holiday snack recipes! With nourishing ingredients and simple steps, they’re a great way to treat yourself while staying mindful of your health. Happy cooking, and here's to fueling your body with wholesome, tasty goodness!
How Tria Can Help
Changing your diet and finding healthier options isn’t always easy. Tria Health knows how hard it can be to stick to a healthy lifestyle, and we’re here to help you along the way. Our Choose to Lose program offers one-on-one support from a personal health coach who provides weekly check-ins to guide your health journey. Paired with Tria Health's app, which lets you track your health and nutrition habits, this program keeps you informed, addresses your concerns, and helps you take charge of your wellbeing. Tria’s services are offered through select healthcare plans, so if you’re eligible, take this chance to connect with a professional who can simplify your health journey and help you make confident, informed choices.
Questions?
For any questions related to your health, medications, or chronic condition(s), you can reach out to the Tria Health Desk at 913-322-8456.
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