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The festive season fills our homes with warmth, laughter, and an abundance of sweet treats. While these moments are cherished, the high sugar content in traditional holiday desserts can sometimes leave us feeling sluggish. But what if you could enjoy classic Christmas flavors without the sugar overload? This easy recipe for healthy snowball cookies offers the perfect solution! Our low sugar Christmas dessert is not only delicious but also simple to make, ensuring a guilt-free indulgence for everyone.
Why You’ll Love This Low Sugar Christmas Dessert
You will adore these healthy snowball cookies for so many reasons, making them a perfect addition to your holiday baking. For instance, the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health provides insights into the potential dangers of excessive added sugar, including its impact on heart health and inflammation. health risks of high sugar consumption
- Enjoy festive treats without the typical sugar crash or guilt.
- The recipe uses simple, minimal ingredients you can easily find.
- These cookies are perfect for those with special dietary needs, like gluten sensitivities.
- They deliver a truly delicious, classic Christmas flavor that everyone enjoys.
- Preparation is quick and easy, ideal for busy parents and beginner bakers.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delightful low sugar Christmas dessert:
- 1 cup finely ground almond flour
- 3 Tablespoons softened organic butter (ghee or vegan butter (I used Earth Balance))
- 5–6 Tablespoons organic confectioners’ sugar (divided*) – refer to notes for low-carb option
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup finely chopped pecans
Notes & Substitutions
For the “organic confectioners’ sugar” listed, we actually use a powdered low-carb sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit blend. These options taste great without the added sugar. You can also substitute the organic butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version, ensuring it’s solid but soft. Feel free to swap pecans for walnuts or pistachios for a different nutty flavor. Almond flour makes these cookies naturally gluten-free and adds a tender texture.
Equipment
You don’t need any fancy gadgets for this straightforward low sugar Christmas dessert recipe. Gather these essential tools to get started:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
Instructions
Creating this delightful low sugar Christmas dessert is a breeze. Follow these steps for perfect, guilt-free treats.
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 11 cookies
- Preheat the oven to 325°F. This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking.
- Prepare the baking sheet. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, or simply use a non-stick baking sheet. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Combine ingredients for the dough. In a small bowl, mix the almond flour, softened butter, 3 Tablespoons of your chosen powdered low-carb sweetener, vanilla, and salt. Keep mixing until a cohesive dough forms. It might seem a little dry at first, but just continue to mix. The dough will come together.
- Fold in the pecans. Once the main dough is combined, mix in the finely chopped pecans. If needed, use your hands to help incorporate them fully into the dough.
- Roll the cookies. Take tablespoons of the dough and roll them into neat balls. Place these dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. This ensures they bake evenly without touching.
- Bake the cookies. Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake the cookies for approximately 20 minutes. Look for them to turn a light golden brown on the bottom, which indicates they are done.
- Cool slightly on the pan. Remove the cookies from the oven. Let them cool on the baking pan for about 5 minutes. This helps them firm up slightly before moving.
- Transfer and cool completely. After the initial cooling, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack. Allow them to cool for 10 minutes more, or until completely cool.
- Coat with sweetener. Place the remaining 2-3 Tablespoons of powdered low-carb sweetener in a shallow bowl. Roll each completely cooled cookie in the sweetener until it is thoroughly coated. Let the cookies cool completely and then enjoy your delicious low sugar Christmas dessert!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving perfect snowball cookies every time is easy with a few simple tricks.
- Dough Consistency: If your dough feels too crumbly, add a tiny bit more softened butter or a teaspoon of water until it holds together. If it’s too sticky, add a sprinkle of almond flour.
- Rolling Cookies: Use your hands to really compress the dough balls. This prevents crumbling later and helps them hold their shape during baking.
- Even Baking: Rotate your baking sheet halfway through the baking time. This promotes consistent browning across all your snowball cookies.
- Preventing Crumbling: Ensure your butter is truly softened, not melted. Over-mixing can also lead to tough or crumbly cookies; mix just until combined.
- Coating Sticks: Only roll your cookies in the powdered sweetener once they are completely cool. Warm cookies will absorb the sweetener, making them look less “snowy.”
Serving, Storage & Variations
These healthy snowball cookies are wonderfully versatile for the holiday season.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delightful cookies alongside a warm cup of coffee, herbal tea, or a festive sugar-free hot cocoa. They make charming, edible gifts for neighbors, friends, or teachers, presented in a decorative tin or bag. You can also arrange them beautifully on a holiday dessert platter, adding a lighter option to your spread. Their elegant appearance makes them a fantastic low sugar Christmas dessert for any gathering.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. This helps maintain their crisp texture and ensures the powdered sweetener coating doesn’t absorb moisture and disappear. For longer storage, freeze them in an airtight freezer-safe bag or container for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature or briefly in the fridge before serving.
Variations
Get creative with your snowball cookies!
- Extracts: Add a few drops of peppermint extract for a minty twist, or almond extract for a richer nut flavor.
- Citrus Zest: Include finely grated lemon or orange zest in the dough for a bright, refreshing note.
- Nuts: Experiment with different finely chopped nuts like walnuts, pistachios, or hazelnuts.
- Chocolate: Fold in a small amount of sugar-free dark chocolate chips for a rich, decadent touch.
Nutrition (Estimate for a low-sugar version)
These healthy snowball cookies are a smart choice for your holiday festivities. They offer lower sugar and carbohydrate counts compared to traditional versions. Almond flour provides healthy fats and fiber, while pecans add additional good fats and protein. Enjoy a satisfying treat that supports your wellness goals. This truly is a thoughtful low sugar Christmas dessert.
| Nutrient | Per Cookie (Estimated) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90-100 |
| Total Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 10mg |
| Sodium | 20mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 3g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Net Carbs | 2g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Added Sugar | 0g (using erythritol) |
FAQ
You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers to help you master this delightful low sugar Christmas dessert.
- Can I make these vegan? Yes, easily! Simply use a high-quality vegan butter substitute, like Earth Balance, and ensure your powdered sweetener is plant-based.
- What’s the best low-sugar sweetener? Powdered erythritol or a monk fruit/erythritol blend are excellent choices. They mimic confectioners’ sugar texture and sweetness without the sugar. The International Food Information Council (IFIC) explains how non-nutritive sweeteners like monk fruit and erythritol provide sweetness without contributing to tooth decay. non-nutritive sweeteners and dental health
- Can I use a different flour? For this specific recipe, almond flour is key for texture and low-carb benefits. Other flours might require significant recipe adjustments.
- How to prevent dry cookies? Ensure your butter is perfectly softened, not melted, and measure your almond flour accurately. Over-baking can also lead to dry cookies, so watch them closely.
- Are these suitable for diabetics? Since they use a low-carb sweetener and almond flour, these cookies are generally suitable for diabetics. However, always consult a healthcare professional for specific dietary advice.
Conclusion
This healthy snowball cookie recipe proves that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or festive cheer to enjoy a mindful holiday season. With their delightful texture, nutty flavor, and simple preparation, these cookies are the perfect low sugar Christmas dessert for any occasion. Encourage yourself and your loved ones to try this guilt-free indulgence. You can easily make this beginner-friendly recipe a new tradition. Get baking and enjoy the holidays with delicious, healthier treats!
Delicious Low Sugar Christmas Dessert: Healthy Snowball Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix almond flour, softened butter, 3 tbsp of the sweetener, vanilla extract, and salt until a dough forms.
- Fold in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
- Roll tablespoons of dough into balls and place on prepared baking sheet, 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 20 minutes, until bottoms are golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- Transfer cookies to a wire rack and cool completely for 10 minutes.
- Roll cooled cookies in remaining 2–3 tbsp powdered sweetener until well coated.
Notes
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Emily Thompson is a home cook and food enthusiast who believes that great meals bring families together. She loves exploring creative twists on classic American comfort food, always testing new ideas in her kitchen. Emily is passionate about sharing simple, practical recipes and time-saving tips to help busy people enjoy cooking at home. Her approachable style makes every dish accessible, delicious, and perfect for those seeking inspiration for everyday meals and special occasions. Find Emily’s latest creations and kitchen wisdom on yumeasymeals.com.
