11 Healthy Holiday Dessert Recipes That are Festive and Easy

By Candace Braun Zafirellis
Published 11/19/2025
In This Article
11 Healthy Holiday Dessert Recipes That are Festive and Easy
Photo Credit: Adobe Stock

The holidays are the sweetest time of year, but traditional desserts often come loaded with sugar, fat and empty calories. But you don’t have to skip dessert to stay on track with your health goals. These holiday dessert recipes from Health eCooks enable you and your family to celebrate with treats that feel indulgent but are lighter and better for you.

By using natural ingredients like fruit, dark chocolate, whole grains and nut butters, these healthy holiday desserts balance festive flavors with smart nutrition. Each one is a fun twist on classic holiday baking recipes, making it easy to bring joy to the table without worrying about ruining your diet.

From cookies and brownies to pudding and trifles, this list has something for everyone to enjoy during the holiday season. Whether you’re planning a big party, baking for a cookie swap, or just want some easy holiday desserts to share with the family, these healthy holiday dessert recipes will keep your celebrations both merry and mindful.

Cookies: Classic Holiday Favorites

Cookies are a holiday must-have, and these lighter recipes bring joy without the extra sugar and fat. From jam-filled classics to chocolatey favorites, these holiday cookie recipes are festive and better for you.

  • Linzer Cookies

    Heart Healthy Linzer Cookies
    Photo Credit: Shutterstock
    75 mins

    These jam-filled cookies are dusted with powdered sugar for a festive touch, while whole grain flour and less butter give them a healthier spin.

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  • Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

    Heart Healthy Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    45 mins

    This holiday classic, topped with a chocolate kiss, is lightened up with smarter ingredients so you can still enjoy the nostalgic flavor you love.

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  • Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

    Heart Healthy Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
    Photo Credit: iStock
    45 mins

    Coated in powdered sugar and filled with rich cocoa flavor, these cookies look snowy and festive while keeping the sweetness in check.

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Cakes, Brownies and Bars: Festive Holiday Baking Recipes

Cakes, brownies and bars always feel celebratory, and these versions are lighter but still decadent. Each recipe brings the taste of classic holiday baking recipes with a healthier spin.

  • Santa Hat Brownies

    Heart Healthy Santa Hat Brownies
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    60 mins

    These fudgy brownies are topped with strawberries and whipped cream to look like Santa hats, making them a heart healthy dessert that’s both festive and fun.

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  • Chocolate Cake with Raspberry Sauce

    Heart Healthy Chocolate Cake with Raspberry Sauce
    Photo Credit: Kara Foran Photography, Baldwin Publishing
    75 mins

    Pairing dark chocolate with tangy raspberry sauce, this cake feels indulgent but is made lighter for a more balanced holiday treat.

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  • Chocolate Peanut Butter Oat Squares

    Heart Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Oat Squares
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    30 mins

    Chewy and satisfying, these bars combine oats, peanut butter and chocolate for a simple holiday dessert that’s both wholesome and delicious.

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Puddings and Trifles: Light and Festive Dessert Ideas

Puddings and trifles are perfect for serving at parties because they’re creamy, colorful and easy to make ahead. These festive dessert ideas balance indulgence with lighter ingredients.

  • Cranberry Chocolate Pudding

    Heart Healthy Cranberry Chocolate Pudding
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    45 mins

    This creamy pudding blends rich chocolate with tart cranberries, creating a healthy chocolate dessert that’s both refreshing and satisfying.

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  • Black Forest Trifle

    Heart Healthy Black Forest Trifle
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    30 mins

    With layers of cake, light cream and cherries, this trifle looks indulgent but is prepared in a lighter way, making it perfect for the holiday table.

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Fudge: Easy Holiday Dessert Recipe

Fudge is a holiday favorite that’s usually rich and heavy, but this version is creamy and balanced. It’s proof that healthy holiday desserts can be simple and festive.

  • Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge

    Heart Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge
    Photo Credit: Shutterstock
    15 mins

    Made with dark chocolate and natural peanut butter, this smooth fudge offers all the richness of a classic treat with a healthier twist.

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Holiday Dessert Recipes Packed with Healthy Ingredients

The holiday season wouldn’t be complete without dessert, and these recipes show you can enjoy sweets while still eating smart. These 11 holiday dessert recipes are festive, delicious and still support a healthier lifestyle. By choosing healthy holiday desserts made with smarter ingredients, you can enjoy cookies, cakes and trifles that feel special without being overly heavy. With these easy holiday desserts, you’ll be ready to celebrate with treats that are just as memorable as the moments you share.

Check out these other healthy holiday recipes from Health eCooks:

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