It is no surprise that many of us consume a lot of sugary treats during the holiday season. Santa included! And it’s tempting to do so when so many of our celebrations center around food and sugar-laden desserts. However, too much sugar can negatively impact you and your family’s teeth and overall health.

If you want to avoid cavities caused by too much sugar, we encourage you to keep your oral health in mind this holiday season and choose healthier alternatives and substitutes for your desserts. Continue reading to learn more about four delicious, sugar-free recipes for Santa’s cookies this year. We think Santa will thank you for it too!

THREE INGREDIENT SUGAR-FREE FLOURLESS COOKIES

Who doesn’t love a good sugar cookie? They are a holiday staple and often a family tradition to bake. But sugar cookies (as their name suggests) are loaded with sugar. If you want to bypass the sugar found in traditional sugar cookies, these sugar-free cookies only have three ingredients! They get their sweetness from monk fruit. Monk fruit sweetener is made from a natural stevia blend. It looks and feels like sugar, and it bakes well too. These cookies are also gluten-free, paleo and vegan.

Ingredients for the original version:

  • 1 cup almond butter (can substitute for any nut or seed butter of choice)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sweetener of choice (monk fruit stevia blend)
  • 1 large egg

Ingredients for the egg-free version: 

  • 1 cup smooth almond butter (can substitute for any nut or seed butter of choice)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sweetener of choice (monk fruit stevia blend)
  • 3-4 tbsp ground chia seeds

For the full recipe, click here

SOFT-BAKED GINGER COOKIES

Soft, chewy and a little spicy, these ginger cookies are filled with delicious flavors! They are the perfect treat for the holiday season. These cookies have no refined sugar in them — they only contain natural sweeteners found in honey and molasses. 

  • 1 ¼ cups (150g) whole wheat flour 
  • 1 ½ tsp (5g) baking powder
  • 1 ½ tsp (3g) ground ginger
  • ½ tsp (1g) ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp (2g) salt
  • 2 tbsp (28g) unsalted butter or coconut oil, melted
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 tsp (5mL) vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup (60mL) molasses
  • 5 tbsp (75mL) honey

For the full recipe, click here

CLASSIC GLUTEN-FREE, SUGAR-FREE SNICKERDOODLES

Snickerdoodle cookies are soft and chewy and oh-so-delicious! But traditional snickerdoodles are coated in a combination of cinnamon and sugar. These snickerdoodle cookies are sugar-free and gluten-free. And they just might be your new favorite holiday dessert! 

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups almond flour
  • ½ cup coconut flour
  • ½ tsp xanthan gum
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp cream of tartar
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter room temperature
  • ½ cup monk fruit sweetener
  • 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 egg room temperature
  • 2 tbsp xylitol
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon

For the full recipe, click here

SUGAR-FREE NO-BAKE COOKIES

Looking for a cookie that does not require an oven? Look no further than no-bake cookies. While traditional no-bake cookies contain sugar, these no-bake cookies are gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free and vegan-friendly. Best of all, they can be ready to enjoy in 30 minutes! 

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup creamy peanut butter
  • ¼ cup honey (or maple syrup for vegan)!
  • ¼ cup of coconut oil measured in a solid-state
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ¼ tsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 cup quick-cooking oats
  • ¼ cup shredded unsweetened coconut

For the full recipe, click here

VISIT YOUR DENTIST | THE LANDING DENTAL SPA

Everyone enjoys treats during the holiday season, but with a few ingredient changes, you can help protect your teeth and gums. And Santa’s too! 

Always brush your teeth after eating, and remember to keep your oral health up-to-date during the holidays (and throughout the year) with regular dental exams. It is recommended that you schedule check-ups with your dentist every six to 12 months. If you have any questions or need to schedule a dental appointment, please give us a call at 304-594-2200 or contact us online

Wishing you healthy and Happy Holidays from The Landing Dental Spa