Delightful Paleo Christmas Cookies: Recipes for a Healthy Holiday Treat

The holiday season is synonymous with delicious treats, and Christmas cookies hold a special place in many hearts. However, traditional Christmas cookies are often loaded with sugar, wheat flour, and other ingredients that may not align with a paleo lifestyle. Fortunately, you can enjoy festive and flavorful cookies without compromising your health goals. This article explores a variety of paleo-friendly Christmas cookie recipes that are both delicious and nutritious, ensuring a happy and healthy holiday season.

The Paleo Advantage: Why Choose Paleo Cookies?

Many traditional cookie recipes rely on ingredients that can cause inflammation and other health issues. By opting for paleo Christmas cookies, you can avoid these pitfalls and enjoy treats that are actually good for you.

For example, wheat flour, a common ingredient in conventional cookies, is known to cause inflammation in some individuals. Paleo recipes often substitute almond flour, which can improve your health by helping to lower cholesterol levels. Similarly, refined sugar, another frequent culprit, is replaced with natural sweeteners like maple syrup, which is packed with essential nutrients, antioxidants, and phytochemicals.

Paleo Reindeer Sugar Cookies

These cookies are not only adorable but also a healthier twist on the classic sugar cookie. The recipe is specifically focused on decorating the sugar cookies to look like reindeer, you can still make these cookies year round. They are good enough to stand on their own with or without decoration.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups almond flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup melted ghee
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Dark chocolate and coconut oil (for decorating)
• Cranberry powder (for the reindeer nose)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, combine the almond flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add the egg, maple syrup, melted ghee, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
4. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
5. Roll out the dough between two pieces of parchment paper to about ¼ inch thick.
6. Cut into rounds using a circular cutter.
7. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 8-12 minutes.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
10. To decorate, melt some dark chocolate and coconut oil separately. Pour the melted chocolate into a pastry bag so that you can draw the eyes and antlers for your reindeer.
11. To make the nose of the reindeer, combine the coconut oil and sifted cranberry powder. Apply a small drop of the mixture on each cookie to draw the nose.
12. Refrigerate for one hour to allow the decorations to set.

These tasty holiday treats are a perfect choice to leave out on a plate along with a glass of milk for Santa and his reindeer on Christmas Eve.

Read also: Paleo Granola Recipes

Paleo No-Bake Christmas Cookies

For those who prefer a quicker, no-bake option, these cookies are a fantastic choice. They taste like chocolate peanut butter cookies but without the peanuts, making them ideal for those with allergies.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons cacao powder
• ½ cup unsweetened desiccated/shredded coconut
• 1 ¼ cups mixed nuts (almonds, pecans, pumpkin seeds, etc.), unsalted
• 3 tablespoons dried cranberries (optional)
• Pinch of pink or coarse salt to taste
• ¼ cup melted coconut oil
• ⅓ cup almond butter or sunflower seed butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons maple syrup (or alternative sweetener)
• Shaved chocolate, shredded coconut, chopped nuts (for toppings)

Instructions:

1. Finely blend the dry ingredients in a food processor until the nuts and berries are finely ground (about 1.5 to 2 minutes). You might need to scrape the bowl a few times to grind the nuts evenly.
2. Add the wet ingredients and blend again until everything is well combined (about 1.5 minutes). Scrape the bowl a few times to distribute the almond butter well. You should have a pretty sticky cookie ‘dough’ at this point. If not, keep blending until a cookie ‘dough’ forms.
3. Taste test and add more salt or sweetener if desired.
4. Line a large sheet pan or flat plate with parchment paper.
5. Use a cookie scoop to form about 18 cookies. If it feels hard to form shape, use your fingers to press/pinch the ‘dough’ together. The cookies will look similar to coconut macaroon with a flat bottom and a dome top.
6. Sprinkle with toppings of choice, if using.
7. Flash freeze the cookies in the freezer for 15-20 mins.

These Paleo No Bake Christmas Cookies are low in sugar and they freeze well.

Paleo Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

These crinkle cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday cookie platter. The combination of chocolate and a powdered sugar coating makes them irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups almond flour
• ½ cup coconut sugar
• ¼ cup cacao powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
• 2 tablespoons maple sugar (for powdered sugar coating)
• 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder

Instructions:

1. Combine the almond flour, coconut sugar, cacao powder, salt, baking soda, and baking powder into a mixing bowl and stir to combine.
2. Mix in the eggs, vanilla, maple syrup, and oil and stir to form a dough.
3. Let the dough sit for at least 10 minutes at room temperature.
4. Preheat the oven to 350℉ (175°C).
5. Prepare the powdered sugar by placing 2 tablespoons of maple sugar into your coffee grinder and pulsing until all the large granules are gone. You don't want the sugar to become too fine or powdery, otherwise it will soak into the cookie. If you're using your blender for this step, you may need to add a little more maple sugar into the blender to be able to turn it into a powder. Just be sure not to over-blend.
6. Place the powdered maple sugar into a medium sized bowl along with the arrowroot powder, and stir until well combined.
7. Using a 1.5 tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop the dough directly into the powdered sugar bowl. Shake the bowl around to coat the cookie dough liberally with the powdered sugar mixture.
8. Remove the dough, and place on a parchment lined baking sheet.
9. Bake the cookies for 10 - 12 minutes and let them cool to room temperature on the pan.

These paleo chocolate crinkles are the perfect paleo Christmas cookie!

Paleo Christmas Cut-Out Cookies

Cut-out cookies are a classic Christmas tradition, and this paleo version ensures that everyone can partake in the fun.

Read also: Paleo Diet Delivered: What You Need to Know

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups almond flour
• ¼ cup coconut flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup grass-fed butter, softened
• ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine the almond flour, coconut flour, baking soda, and salt.
2. In a large bowl, add the butter, coconut oil, honey, and vanilla. Blend together until smooth and creamy. You can use a hand mixer if needed.
3. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and stir until thoroughly combined.
4. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least one hour (or up to 24 hours).
5. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
6. Divide the dough in half. Place half on a large sheet of parchment paper. Keep the other half in the fridge to stay cool.
7. Cover the dough with a second piece of parchment paper and roll it out to ¼ inch thick.
8. Remove the top parchment and use your favorite cookie cutters to cut shapes.
9. Remove the excess dough around the shapes gently, then using a thin spatula, remove the cut-out shapes to the parchment lined pan.
10. Repeat this process until all dough has been used. Place it back in the fridge as needed to chill.
11. Bake 6-8 minutes, until cookies begin to slightly brown around the edges.

These taste like real deal sugar cookies. They are buttery, sweet from the honey, and soft yet a little chewy around the edges.

Nut-Free Paleo Cut-Out Christmas Cookies

For those with nut allergies, this recipe provides a delicious and safe alternative to traditional cut-out cookies.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup coconut flour
• 1/2 cup arrowroot flour
• 1/4 cup palm shortening
• 1/4 cup maple sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. To make the crust, in a stand mixer fitted with the beater attachment, or using an electric handheld mixer, combine the coconut flour, arrowroot, palm shortening, maple sugar, vanilla extract, and salt and beat on medium speed until mixed.
2. Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll out to 1⁄4-inch thickness.
3. Remove the top parchment sheet. Dip a cookie cutter in a little flour, then cut out shapes, peeling away the excess dough.
4. Gather the excess dough into a ball and reroll it to make more cookies. If the dough starts to dry out or crack when rolled the second time, lightly moisten your hands with water before kneading the scraps to add a little moisture back into the dough.
5. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until golden around the edges.

Paleo Sugar Cookies

These easy cut-out Paleo Sugar Cookies are made with almond and coconut flour and sweetened with honey. The perfect sugar cookies for the holidays that no one will guess are Paleo.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups almond flour
• 1/4 cup coconut flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup grass-fed butter, softened
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Cream together the butter & honey.
2. Add the rest of the wet ingredients.
3. Mix the dry ingredients in a separate bowl, then add them to the wet ingredients.
4. Chill the dough. Form the dough into a disc and wrap it with plastic wrap. The dough itself it very easy to roll after about an hour of chilling in the fridge.
5. Roll out the dough. Since it’s still a moist dough, I prefer rolling it between two pieces of parchment paper for best results.
6. Cut out the cookies and bake. Cut out shapes using your favorite cookie cutters.
7. Cool and decorate.

AIP/Paleo Christmas Sugar Cookies

These AIP/Paleo Christmas Sugar Cookies are a classic! They're crispy and delicious, vegan, grain-free and coconut free, and perfect as cut-out cookies all year round!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup tapioca starch
• 1/2 cup palm shortening
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of sea salt

Instructions:

1. In a stand mixer or food processor, combine palm shortening with tapioca starch, maple syrup, vanilla extract and pinch of sea salt.
2. Whisk or pulse until combined.
3. Transfer cookies on parchment paper to a large baking sheet.
4. Bake at 350F for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

Tips for Perfect Paleo Christmas Cookies

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too thin during baking.
• Roll Between Parchment Paper: This prevents the dough from sticking and makes it easier to transfer cut-out shapes to the baking sheet.
• Use a Thin Spatula: A thin spatula helps to lift the cut-out cookies without distorting their shape.
• Don't Overbake: Paleo cookies can dry out quickly, so keep a close eye on them and remove them from the oven as soon as they start to brown around the edges.
• Consider Dietary Needs: When baking for others, be mindful of their dietary restrictions and allergies. Nut-free and dairy-free options are readily available.

Creative Paleo Cookie Decorating Ideas

Once your cookies are baked, the fun truly begins. Here are some ideas for decorating your paleo Christmas cookies:

Read also: Paleo Mayonnaise Recipe

• Paleo Icing: Combine coconut butter with honey for a simple paleo-friendly icing. Melt coconut butter by submerging the jar in very hot water for 10 minutes, then stir. You can also microwave in a glass dish on increments of 7-8 seconds, stirring after each, until drippy.
• Natural Food Coloring: Use natural food coloring derived from fruits and vegetables to add vibrant hues to your icing.
• Nuts and Seeds: Sprinkle chopped nuts and seeds on top of your cookies for added texture and flavor.
• Dried Fruits: Decorate with dried cranberries, blueberries, or other paleo-friendly dried fruits.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over your cookies for an elegant touch.

Storing and Freezing Paleo Christmas Cookies

To maintain the freshness and flavor of your paleo Christmas cookies, store them properly. Baked cookies should be wrapped and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze the dough before cutting the cookies out. Layer parchment paper between the cookies to prevent the icing from smearing when freezing decorated cookies.

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