15 Lightened-Up Cookie Recipes That Are Perfect For the Holidays

The holidays really aren't the same without a cookie plate to share. Whether you're baking cookies for your own party or giving a plate to a friend, you can still have indulgent, tasty treats minus all the sugar and fat. From chocolate to peanut butter with plenty of seasonal spices thrown in, here are 15 healthy cookies to enjoy this holiday season.

Almond and Coconut Macaroons
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Almond and Coconut Macaroons

If you aren't into gluten-free flours, you'll want to make this recipe for almond and coconut macaroons. A little sugar, shredded coconut, and crushed almonds are all you need to enjoy this recipe!

A Lighter Sugar Cookie
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

A Lighter Sugar Cookie

If a slight adjustment can make a cookie a bit healthier while also still tasting delicious, we're all for it — like this recipe for lighter sugar cookies. Even though there's still fat and sugar in them, it's a heck of a lot less than what the original recipe calls for. For friends who don't eat dairy, try our recipe for vegan cut-out sugar cookies.

Vegan Thin Mints
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Vegan Thin Mints

Satisfy cravings for Thin Mints with this vegan and gluten-free recipe from NYC hot spot Babycakes. Finally, a cookie that both gluten-free and vegan friends can enjoy!

Whole-Wheat Biscotti
Fashion Edible

Whole-Wheat Biscotti

What better thing to go with a warm cup of cocoa, light eggnog, or mulled wine than whole-wheat biscotti? Filled with good-for-you almonds and fruit, each biscotti is under 60 calories.

No-Bake Trail Mix Cookies
The Fit Cookie

No-Bake Trail Mix Cookies

To make this healthy treat, you don't even have to turn on the oven. Made from only five ingredients, these gluten-free, vegan cookies contain quinoa, making them a protein powerhouse — and the sprinkle of coconut gives it the feel of a Winter wonderland!

Cranberry-Pecan Oatmeal Cookies
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Cranberry-Pecan Oatmeal Cookies

These oatmeal cookies are like your beloved ones, but with a kick. Cranberries and pecans make the treats superhealthy, while the taste itself is still finger-licking good.

Gingerbread Cookies
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Gingerbread Cookies

It wouldn't be the holidays without a little gingerbread! Our recipe for ginger molasses cookies uses less butter, eggs, and sugar than traditional recipes, and since it's packed with so much spicy flavor, one cookie easily satisfies your sweet craving. If you prefer a chewier cookie, try these dairy-free ginger cookies instead, which are made with good-for-you quinoa flour.

Cheese Spritz Cookies
Flickr user seadam

Cheese Spritz Cookies

Get sweet and savory with this recipe for the classic Indonesian cookie semprit sagu keju (cheese spritz cookies). A little cheesy, sweet goodness never hurt anyone, and the traditional star shape makes the cookie a seasonal favorite.

Chai-Spiced Meringues
My Fare Foodie

Chai-Spiced Meringues

At fewer than five calories each, chai-spiced meringues are the perfect sweet treat for friends who are watching their weight.

Oatmeal Wheat Germ Chocolate Chip Cookie
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Oatmeal Wheat Germ Chocolate Chip Cookie

Here's a Paleo chocolate chip cookie that still tastes decadent. Instead of butter, the recipe calls for beneficial coconut oil and cuts back on the all-purpose flour by using almond flour.

Flourless Cranberry Chocolate Chia Cookies
Hummusapien

Flourless Cranberry Chocolate Chia Cookies

If you've sworn off butter, sugar, or flour, you can still have the best cookies of your life. Case in point, these cranberry chocolate chia cookies.

Peanut Butter Kisses
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Peanut Butter Kisses

The chewy peanut butter cookie coupled with chocolate makes a perfect flavor combination in these vegan peanut butter kisses. The only downside is you may find it impossible to hold back from eating the entire batch before filling up your holiday cookie plates.

Vegan and Grain-Free Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Vegan and Grain-Free Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Fans of pumpkin pie, this pumpkin chocolate chip cookie recipe is right up your alley. It's soft, chewy, and only 86 calories. Plus, the recipe contains no eggs or grains.

Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
My Baking Addiction

Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

Even non-gluten-free-lovers will enjoy this chocolate chip cookie. They're chewy and tasty, and as an added bonus, you don't have to chill the dough.

Thumbprint Cookies
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Thumbprint Cookies

Thumbprint cookies are one of those classic cookies that everyone is sure to love. This recipe for vegan thumbprint cookies gets its crunchy texture from the pecans, while the raspberry jam provides the right amount of sweetness.

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