15 Decadent Holiday Treats That Are Actually Healthy

Updated on 12/21/2019 at 8:05 AM

You might have the best intentions of eating healthy during the holidays, but we all know there's nothing quite like a batch of cookies or a piece of pie to get you in the festive spirit. Luckily, you don't have to sacrifice fun or flavor this Winter to stay on track with your goals. With some simple swaps, many of your favorite holiday desserts — like peppermint chocolate fudge or pecan pie — can be made healthier and, in some cases, even vegan. To get you started, we've rounded up 15 rich, delicious treats to choose from. Who's ready to start baking?

Gingerbread Cookies

These cookies contain less butter, sugar, and eggs than many other recipes, making them a spicy delight.

Get the recipe: gingerbread cookies

Mint Chip Truffles

If you're on the Paleo train, these creamy mint chip truffles are right up your alley.

Get the recipe: mint chip truffles

Vegan Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

This take on a holiday classic is so delicious, you won't believe they're vegan.

Get the recipe: vegan peanut butter kiss cookies

Apple Cranberry Crisp

Cranberries give this warm and comforting treat the festive flair it needs to be a perfect holiday dessert.

Get the recipe: apple cranberry crisp

Vegan Pumpkin Cookies

Pumpkin-lovers can rejoice this holiday season! These vegan, grain-free cookies are a soft and chewy treat.

Get the recipe: vegan pumpkin cookies

Carrot Cake Snowballs

This no-bake treat is an excellent take on snowballs and is loaded with protein.

Get the recipe: carrot cake snowballs

Vegan Peanut Butter Brownie Bites

Whether you let your guests in on it or not, the fact that these treats are vegan won't keep them away.

Get the recipe: vegan peanut butter brownie bites

Pecan Pie

With an almond flour crust and rich nut butter in place of caramel, there's no reason to dodge your favorite dessert this holiday season.

Get the recipe: pecan pie

Vegan Chocolate Mousse-Filled Strawberries

These 100 percent edible mousse cups are just begging you to indulge in more than one.

Get the recipe: vegan chocolate mousse-filled strawberries

Chocolate Raspberry Protein Balls

The only regret you'll have after making these ornament-like balls is how they'll look so pretty you'll want to hang them up almost as much as you'll want to eat them up.

Get the recipe: chocolate raspberry protein balls

Vegan Chocolate Fruit Dip

Chocolate hummus, can it really be true? In fact it is; the secret ingredient in this decadent fruit dip is chickpeas.

Get the recipe: vegan chocolate fruit dip

Paleo Pumpkin Bread

This healthier version of pumpkin bread is made with warm notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

Get the recipe: Paleo pumpkin bread

Vegan Sugar Cookies

Who doesn't love a good sugar cookie? We know it can be hard to stick to just one, and if you can't, this vegan version will make you feel a little less guilty about indulging.

Get the recipe: vegan sugar cookies

Peppermint Chocolate Fudge Balls

This no-bake dessert is made with ingredients like tapioca flour and coconut oil to deliver the same minty chocolate flavor with fewer carbs.

Get the recipe: peppermint chocolate fudge balls

Cranberry Pecan Oatmeal Cookies

This colorful variation puts a lovely holiday spin on ordinary oatmeal raisin cookies.

Get the recipe: cranberry pecan oatmeal cookies