From classroom to work holiday parties, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day festivities, and then all the fun planned for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, December is jam-packed with special occasions that organically revolve around food. And not just any food. Oh no. Quite often, the holidays are seen as a chance to bake or cook up and devour the richest, most decadent, most sugar- and fat-packed dishes around in the name of celebration. Eggnog, Christmas cookies, decadent layer cakes, boxes of truffles, pies a plenty! Between Santa's grand finale at the Macy's Parade up through the first full day of the new year is the season in which these crave-worthy treats take center stage, and temptation is at an all-time high.
For that reason, being on any kind of strict healthy eating regimen during the month of December can be especially challenging. It's no wonder people quite often feel it's best to just throw any super-specific rules or goals related to food out the window until it's January 2 (or perhaps a week or two later). With only one life to live, and one holiday season to enjoy annually, why not throw caution to the wind and eat the damn cookies? Hey, it's a truly valid question!
But being intent on sticking to a particular protocol is not only incredibly commendable but absolutely possible. For starters, a healthy eating regimen really works best when it's sustainable, no matter what time of year it is. And beyond that, Christmas recipes that fit all different types of diet styles abound. It's not nearly as tough as it used to be to find ways to make beloved, traditional dishes with less sugar, less fat, fewer carbs, etc. — and actually still have them turn out super-yummy. For anyone following the low-carb, high-fat Keto diet, there are a ton of dessert recipes that simply use natural, low-glycemic sugar substitutes like Swerve or stevia and lower-carb flours, like coconut or almond. Here are 20 Keto-friendly Christmas dessert recipes that won't disappoint.
Cinnamon Butter Cookies
These cinnamon butter cookies from Keto Size Me make the perfect canvases for a variety of toppings or add-ins, like chocolate ganache, nuts, or cream cheese icing.
Snickerdoodle Creme Cookies
These drool-worthy snickerdoodle creme sandwich cookies from A Sweet Life are sweetened with Keto-friendly Swerve.
Cranberry Orange Cookies
This festive cranberry orange cookie recipe from Fit to Serve Group is made with decadent cream cheese and an orange glaze.
Gingerbread Cake Roll
This gingerbread cake roll from All Day I Dream About Food looks as delicious as it tastes.
Peanut Butter Fudge
This peanut butter fudge from A Sweet Life would make a crowd-pleasing dessert at Christmas dinner or a lovely gift.
Four-Ingredient Butterscotch Candy
This butterscotch candy from Better Than Bread Keto is super easy and only requires four ingredients.
Chocolate Snowball Cookies
These chocolate snowball cookies from Butter Together Kitchen are pretty, simple, and sugar-free.
Eggnog
Made using low-carb almond milk and a sugar-free sweetener, this Keto eggnog from Savory Tooth is a healthier way to enjoy the holiday favorite.
Faux 'Ferrero Rocher' Fat Bombs
These "Ferrero Rocher" fat bombs from Hungry for Inspiration can be adapted as paleo or vegan.
Vanilla Crescent Cookies
These vanilla crescent cookies are a sweet option for a Christmas cookie exchange or post-Christmas dinner sweet tooth fix.
Crack Peppermint Melt-Away Bark
This crack peppermint melt-away bark is seriously festive and perfect for peppermint chocolate fans.
Cinnamon Star Cookies
These cinnamon star cookies from Hungry for Inspiration have a sweet but sugar-free meringue topping.
No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Pie
This no-bake peppermint cheesecake pie from Sugar Free Mom has candy cane-decorated flair.
Pecan Pie
Yes, sugary, decadent pecan pie can be made keto-friendly, thanks to this recipe from Keto Connect.
Christmas Cake
This Christmas cake from Ditch the Carbs is perfect for almond lovers.
Seven-Layer Bars
These decadent 7-layer bars from Fit Mom Journey are sure to be a hit with party-goers.
Chocolate Christmas Cake
This sugar-free chocolate Christmas cake has irresistible notes of cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves.
Shortbread Holiday Cookies
These shortbread holiday cookies from Resolution Eats offer a sugar-free twist on the traditional treat.
Cinnamon Rolls
These cinnamon rolls from Kimspired DIY are sure to delight on Christmas morning.
Christmas Peppermint Patties
These Christmas peppermint patties make a sweet gift or treat during the holiday season.
