Christmas cookies have a long history, dating back hundreds of years ago and are still a part of many family’s traditions today. You may be looking for a more nutritiou

Christmas cookies have a long history, dating back hundreds of years ago, and are still a part of many family traditions today. You may be looking for a more nutritious alternative or potentially avoid certain food allergens/sensitivities while still enjoying a delicious Christmas treat.

 

Below is a cookie recipe that is sure to please! It’s loaded with spice and sweetness coming from cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and maple syrup. Almond flour also makes these gingerbread gems gluten-free!

 

Cinnamon and cloves are also loaded with antioxidants that help to eliminate free radicals that may weaken the immune system and are loaded with antiviral, antiseptic, and antimicrobial properties.

 

Although cookies shouldn’t be a staple item in anyone’s diet, if you are looking for a Christmas cookie that you don’t feel bad about you should give this recipe a try!

Ingredients

1 1/2 cup almond flour

3/4 cup tapioca starch

3/4 tsp ground ginger

1 tsp ground cinnamon 

1 dash ground cloves 

1 dash salt

3 tbsp melted coconut oil 

2 1/2 tsp pure maple syrup

3 tbsp molasses

1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

two paleo gingerbread cookies with christmas background

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour, tapioca starch, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.

Step 3: Add the coconut oil, maple syrup, molasses, and vanilla to the dry ingredients and beat with an electric mixer until a thick dough forms (It will resemble wet crumbs that stick together when you pinch them with your finger). You may need to mix for a minute or two until the dough comes together. Don’t worry about over-mixing the dough, since it contains no gluten you can’t over-develop it and cause tough cookies. (It’s important to use an electric mixer or the ingredients won’t be able to combine enough to get wet.)

Step 4: Combine the dough by pressing it together by hand, until it forms one large ball.

Step 5: Place the dough in-between two sheets of parchment paper. Roll out the dough to a 1/4″ thickness and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 6: Peel the top layer of parchment off the sheet of dough. Cut out gingerbread man shapes with a cookie cutter and place the gingerbread men 1″ apart on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 7: Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes. Let cool on the pan and store in an airtight container immediately. To keep soft while storing, add a piece of bread to the container or one of those clay bears soaked in water.

Step 8: Decorate with desired icing and toppings!

 

For more healthy recipes, specific dietary needs, or personalized meal plans, contact Julia at 704-577-8066