Healthier holiday sweet treats: 5 guilt-free favorites

The holidays are a time for joy, celebration and, of course, sweet treats. But indulging doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your health goals. These festive recipes are packed with flavor, nutrients and seasonal cheer. Whether you're hosting a gathering or just want something cozy to snack on, these better-for-you bites are sure to satisfy.

Peppermint hot chocolate cookies

These cookies bring together the cozy flavors of hot chocolate and peppermint in a soft, chewy treat. Mallow bits and dark chocolate chips make them extra festive.

Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup whole wheat or almond flour
• ⅓ cup cocoa powder
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp corn starch
• ⅛ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• ½ tsp peppermint extract
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• 2 tbsp dark chocolate chips
• 2 tbsp mallow bits

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, baking powder, corn starch and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together butter, egg and peppermint extract. Stir in brown sugar, breaking up any lumps.
4. Stir the flour mixture into the batter until it’s just blended. Fold in chocolate chips and half of the mallow bits.
5. Drop dough in rounded scoops onto baking sheet and flatten slightly. Press the remaining mallow bits into tops.
6. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes. Cool on pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Cherry almond chocolate clusters

These rich, crunchy clusters are a perfect blend of dark chocolate, tart cherries and toasted almonds. Chia seeds add a subtle crunch and extra nutrition.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup toasted raw or unsalted almonds, coarsely chopped
• ½ cup dried cherries, coarsely chopped
• 6 oz dark chocolate, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp chia seeds

Instructions:

1. Line a baking sheet with waxed paper. In a medium bowl, combine the almonds and cherries.
2. Melt half the chocolate in the top of a double boiler over slightly simmering water, stirring frequently.
3. Remove the melted chocolate from the heat and stir in the remaining chocolate.
4. Replace the simmering water with warm tap water to keep the chocolate warm.
5. Stir the fruit-and-nut mixture into the chocolate. Spoon heaping tablespoon-sized clusters onto the baking sheet, about 1 inch apart.
6. Let the clusters set in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. Store and serve at room temperature.

Spiced sweet potato mini muffins

These bite-sized muffins are warm, comforting and full of holiday spice. Sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and fiber, while whole wheat flour brings a nutty flavor and balance.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mashed sweet potato (about 1 medium potato)
• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a mini muffin tin.
2. In a bowl, mix sweet potato, eggs, maple syrup, applesauce and vanilla.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices and salt.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
5. Spoon the batter into a muffin tin and bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Cool and enjoy.

Cranberry pistachio energy bites

These no-bake bites are perfect for a quick snack or a festive addition to your holiday spread. Tart cranberries and crunchy pistachios make them both beautiful and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• ½ cup natural peanut butter or almond butter
• ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
• ⅓ cup dried cranberries
• ⅓ cup shelled pistachios, chopped
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
2. Chill the mixture for 30 minutes.
3. Roll into 1-inch balls and store in the fridge.
4. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Apple cinnamon oat cookies

These soft, chewy cookies are like a warm hug in dessert form. Apples and oats bring fiber and texture, while cinnamon adds that classic holiday flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• ¾ cup whole wheat flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ cup coconut oil or butter, melted
• ⅓ cup maple syrup
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup finely chopped apple (peeled if preferred)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk oil, syrup, egg and vanilla.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, then fold in chopped apple.
5. Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet and flatten slightly.
6. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until golden. Cool before serving.

Enjoy the season with treats that are as wholesome as they are delicious. These recipes are simple, festive and perfect for sharing — or keeping to yourself. Happy holidays from your friends at NKC Health!

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Trevin Lambert

Trevin is the Content Development Coordinator at North Kansas City Hospital. In his position at NKCH, he creates a variety of written materials utilized throughout the hospital and online for both internal and external audiences. He and his wife, Maddie, recently moved to Kansas City with their dog, Indiana Jones, and their cat, Keanu Reeves.