5 Low-Sugar Christmas Cookies Kids Will Love
Christmas is the season of cookies, but with so many sugary treats around, it’s nice to have a few options that are a little healthier. These low-sugar cookie recipes are delicious, festive, and sure to make your kid's faces light up! Perfect for Christmas celebrations, these cookies bring all the holiday cheer without the sugar rush.
1. Peanut Butter Banana Snowballs
These soft, chewy cookies are naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and have a hint of peanut butter – perfect for little ones who love a treat but don’t need the extra sugar!
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
- Unsweetened shredded coconut (for rolling)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix together mashed banana, peanut butter, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add oats and stir until combined, then fold in chocolate chips if desired.
- Scoop the dough into small balls, roll in shredded coconut for a “snowball” effect, and place on baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Let cool, then enjoy!
These “snowballs” are a fun and festive cookie option, giving your boys a tasty treat with added fiber and protein.
2. Holiday Almond Butter Oatmeal Cookies
With a hint of cinnamon and a sprinkle of chopped nuts, these cookies are cozy, nutty, and festive without the sugar overload. Almond butter brings healthy fats, while oats keep them filling and nutritious.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine almond butter, applesauce, and cinnamon.
- Add in oats and stir until everything is well mixed.
- Scoop onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and flatten slightly.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden. Allow to cool before serving.
These cookies are warm, cozy, and perfect for winter snacking by the Christmas tree!
3. Gingerbread Men with a Healthy Twist
No Christmas cookie list is complete without gingerbread men! This low-sugar version keeps the classic holiday flavor while reducing the sugar content.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 tsp ginger
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup molasses (for a touch of sweetness)
- 2 tbsp melted coconut oil
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Add in applesauce, molasses, and melted coconut oil, mixing until a dough forms.
- Roll out dough and use cookie cutters to create gingerbread shapes.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes.
- Let cool and, if desired, decorate with low-sugar icing.
These healthier gingerbread men will be a hit with kids who love holiday shapes and flavors.
4. Cinnamon Apple Thumbprint Cookies
Sweetened with applesauce and a sprinkle of cinnamon, these thumbprint cookies have a jam-filled center that gives them a festive holiday touch.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Sugar-free jam or apple butter for filling
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine almond flour, applesauce, vanilla, and cinnamon.
- Roll dough into small balls, place on a baking sheet, and press a thumbprint into the center of each.
- Fill each thumbprint with a small spoonful of jam or apple butter.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, then let cool.
These cookies are a fun way to bring holiday flavors and colors to your dessert table!
5. Chocolate Peppermint “Snow” Bites
These bite-sized chocolate treats are low in sugar but big on flavor, with a hint of peppermint to bring out that classic Christmas taste.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- Unsweetened shredded coconut for rolling
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix almond butter, cocoa powder, applesauce, and peppermint extract until smooth.
- Roll into small balls and coat in shredded coconut for a snowy effect.
- Chill in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before serving.
These festive “snow” bites are perfect for little hands and full of holiday cheer without all the sugar.
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