Healthier Holiday Cookies

There are many ways to go about holiday cookie-making without gobs of butter and sugar—really, there are! Here are some ways to indulge sensibly.

Related To:

There are many ways to go about holiday cookie-making without gobs of butter and sugar—really, there are!  Here are some ways to indulge sensibly.

For those with children to please, get them involved!  Try these adorable classic gingerbread boys and girls (pictured above).  Set up a decorating station with frosting, sprinkles and maybe even some gum drops—it’s a fun activity and delicious treat rolled into one.

00:35

 Want your morsels to be as wonderful to look at as they are to eat? Giada offers up dainty meringues that are sure to add elegance to any dessert spread. Try her light, airy Espresso Chip Meringues, above.

Giada's Lemon Ricotta Cookies with Lemon Glaze

Giada's Lemon Ricotta Cookies with Lemon Glaze

Photo by: Tara Donne

Tara Donne

And watching your waistline doesn't mean you have to give up frosting forever. These Lemon Ricotta Cookies are topped with a lemony glaze that's loaded with flavor, but not all the fat and calories that traditional frosting packs on a cookie.

No Bake Chew Truffle Cookies

No Bake Chew Truffle Cookies

Photo by: Tara Donne

Tara Donne

Don’t have the time or space in your oven for cookies? Try some No-Bake Truffle Cookies (above) or Ellie's Cherry Almond Chocolate Clusters.

For more better-for-you cookie ideas, visit our gallery of 14 Healthy Holiday Cookies.

What's your favorite holiday cookie?

Next Up

6 Easy Holiday Cookies to Make with Kids

Put all their extra energy to good use!

7 Red and White Christmas Cookies to Deck Your Holiday Table

Because red and green aren’t the only Christmas colors!

How to Put Together the Perfect Christmas Cookie Gift Box

Choose a fun variety of cookies, bake them up efficiently, pack them beautifully, and earn warm smiles from all your friends and family.

Change Up Your Cookie Swap — With a Cootie Catcher!

Or maybe you call it a fortune teller. Either way, it's the most fun way to make cookies.

Homemade Rainbow Cookies Are How I’m Honoring Christmas Tradition

I made the best of extra holiday time by recreating a family classic — and learned a few tricks along the way.

Food Network Stars Share Their Best No-Bake Holiday Cookie Recipes

We've got picks from Ree Drummond, Molly Yeh and more!

Why I Ruin a Few Christmas Cookies Every Year

It’s my meaningful way to keep past holiday memories alive.

Gluten-Free Holiday Baking

During holiday baking season, those who are sensitive to or intolerant of gluten needn’t miss out on all the sweet seasonal treats.

This Beloved Family Dish Is Always on My Orthodox Christmas Table

My grandmother made Podvarok every Christmas, and now I do too.