5 Sweet and Healthy Holiday Treats to Keep You Going All Season

Delicious treats that will have everyone hooked

Photo by StudioPeace on YayImages

Tired of feeling guilty about all the holiday treats? You don’t have to! Indulge in some delicious and festive healthy holiday treats that will give you the energy and satisfaction you need to make it through the season.

From healthy cookies to vegan chocolate truffles, these recipes will give your favorites a makeover that won’t compromise on flavor.

Find out how to savor the season without going overboard on sugar and fat.

1. Chocolate-Pistachio Orange Slices

Chocolate-Pistachio Orange Slices are the perfect way to end a meal! Not only are they delicious treats, but they also offer a variety of health benefits.

Pistachios, found in this tasty dessert, are a rich source of unsaturated fats, fiber, and vitamin B6.

This dessert can contribute to weight loss, lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and improve gut health, eye health, and blood vessel health.

The rind of this dessert provides an extra nutritional boost with minerals like potassium and calcium.

Finally, these slices are vegan, nut-free, and contain many dry fruits, making them an excellent choice for a healthy snack or dessert.

Ingredients:

• 1 orange, sliced into thin rounds
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped pistachios
• Candied orange peel, for topping

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Place the orange slices on the parchment paper and top with the white chocolate chips and chopped pistachios.

3. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the white chocolate is melted and the pistachios are lightly toasted.

4. Let cool for 5 minutes before topping with candied orange peel.

5. Enjoy!

2. Vegan Chocolate Truffles

Vegan Chocolate Truffles are a delicious and healthy treat that offers numerous benefits.

The ingredients in these truffles are all-natural, and they don’t have any unhealthy dairy products or refined sugars.

This makes them an excellent choice for vegan, paleo, or gluten-free people.

Vegan Chocolate Truffles are a delicious and nutritious treat that can be enjoyed all year round.

The truffles are made with just two ingredients, cacao powder, and dates, for a rich, creamy, and indulgent taste.

Adding cacao powder to the truffles adds high protein levels, healthy fats, and fiber for an energy boost.

Furthermore, these truffles are no-bake, making them an ideal summertime treat that won’t heat up your kitchen.

Vegan Chocolate Truffles Ingredients:

• 9 ounces vegan dark chocolate
• 7 Tbsp light (or full-fat) canned coconut milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa or cacao powder
• 10 ounces of vegan chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup of full-fat coconut milk from a can
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup of cocoa powder
• 3 tablespoons vegan butter
• 1/2 cup coconut cream
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla
• 1/3 cup high quality cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup crushed hazelnuts, peanuts, or almonds
• 1/3 cup ground freeze dried strawberries or
• 270 grams 69–70% dark chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup (120g) canned lite coconut milk, shaken first
• 1/4 cup (80g) pure maple syrup, room

Directions:

Add vegan chocolate chips or chopped chocolate to a mixing bowl.

2. Heat coconut cream to a simmer and pour over the chocolate chips. Stir until fully melted.

3. Add the vegan chocolate chips, coconut milk, and maple syrup to a microwave-safe bowl.

4. Whisk in the nut or seed butter and salt.

5. Refrigerate for two hours.

6. In a separate bowl, mix together the cocoa powder, crushed hazelnuts, peanuts, or almonds, and ground freeze dried strawberries or raspberries.

7. Take the mixture out of the fridge and roll into balls.

8. Roll the truffle balls in the cocoa powder mixture.

9. Combine chocolate chips and coconut oil in a small bowl and microwave until melted.

10. Dip each truffle in the melted chocolate and place them on a baking sheet.

11. Refrigerate for 30 minutes until the chocolate is set.

12. Serve and enjoy!

3. Cranberry-Pistachio Cornmeal Biscotti

Cranberry-Pistachio Cornmeal Biscotti is a delicious and healthy treat that’s packed with nutrition.

These biscotti include numerous health benefits, such as cornmeal, a great source of fiber, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals.

The dried cranberries provide a chewy texture and are a good source of antioxidants.

At the same time, pistachios are a great source of healthy fats and protein.

The biscotti are also low in calories and saturated fat, making them an excellent snack for those looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole-wheat flour
• 1/4 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup stevia sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup pistachios, chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, mix together the whole-wheat flour, yellow cornmeal, baking powder, and salt.

3. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Add the honey and eggs, and beat until fully incorporated.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, until a thick dough forms.

6. Fold in the dried cranberries and chopped pistachios.

7. Scoop out spoonfuls of the dough and shape into logs. Place onto the prepared baking sheet.

8. Bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.

9. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack. Enjoy!

4. Keto-Friendly Shortbread Cookies

Keto-Friendly Shortbread Cookies are a delicious and healthy treat with various health benefits.

Not only do these cookies help maintain a healthy weight, but they also promote a healthy heart and boost energy levels.

With their rich buttery flavor and soft, delicate, and chewy texture, these cookies are easy to make with just four simple ingredients.

They make the perfect base for other desserts and can be layered with caramel and hazelnuts for an ultimate low-carb treat.

Enjoy these Keto-Friendly Shortbread Cookies with a cup of coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or keto mocha for a guilt-free snack any time of year!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups blanched almond flour
• ½ cup confectioners erythritol
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F.

2. In a medium bowl, combine almond flour, erythritol, and baking soda.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and melted butter.

4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until everything is well combined. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky.

5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and scoop out 1 tablespoon-sized amounts of the dough. Flatten them with your fingers or a spoon.

6. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.

7. Allow the cookies to cool before serving. Enjoy!

5. Mendiants

Mendiants are a delicious, healthy alternative to traditional desserts.

These French-style medallions are made with antioxidant-rich dark chocolate and topped with fruits, nuts, and other tasty toppings.

They are full of essential nutrients that can help boost the immune system, lower cancer risk, and improve overall health.

Studies have shown that dark chocolate, the main ingredient in mendiants, is an excellent source of the following:

• magnesium
• copper
• iron
• and minerals that can help keep the body healthy and lower cholesterol.

Moreover, fruits like raisins, apricots, and cranberries are rich in vitamins and antioxidants that can help improve skin health and reduce inflammation.

If you’re looking for a tasty, nutritious treat, try making your own mendiants for a delicious, healthy way to do dessert!

This healthy Mendiants recipe is the perfect guilt-free treat!

Directions:

1. Start by melting 1 1/2 cups of dark melting wafers.

2. Once melted, add in your toppings such as dried and candied fruits, nuts, coconut flakes, pepitas, chopped apricots, and flaky sea salt.

3. Stir in 2 tablespoons of agave nectar, brown rice syrup, or honey and 1 tablespoon of Chia seeds.

4. Pour the mixture into a baking dish lined with parchment paper and sprinkle with sea salt flakes.

5. Place the dish in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes or until the chocolate has harden.

6. Finally, break the chocolate into small pieces and enjoy!

Enjoying the holiday season doesn’t have to mean neglecting your health goals. Healthy holiday treats are delicious and nutritious.

From homemade pumpkin-spiced goodies to peppermint-flavored desserts, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

With the right tips and tricks, you can have your cake and eat it too this holiday season!