21 No Added Sugar Holiday Cookie Recipes

Holiday baking is even sweeter with these 21 No Added Sugar Holiday Cookie Recipes!

From classic Christmas favorites, like buttery shortbread and festive gingerbread cookies, to chocolate thumbprint cookies, peanut butter cookies, and delicate Linzer cookies, this collection has something for everyone.

Why you will like these recipes made without added sugar.

These delicious sugar free holiday cookie recipes are perfect for filling Christmas cookie trays, sharing at holiday gatherings, giving as homemade gifts, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa or coffee.

Here is what else you will like about these recipes.

• Classic Holiday Favorites. Enjoy sugar free versions of popular Christmas cookies, including gingerbread, shortbread, Linzer cookies, and Mexican wedding cookies
• Easy and Approachable Recipes. Whether you are an experienced baker or just getting started, this collection includes simple recipes with familiar baking techniques.
• Great for Homemade Gifts. Many of these cookies are ideal for packaging in decorative tins, holiday boxes, or gift bags to share with family and friends.
• Perfect for Holiday Gatherings. I like to serve these sugar free cookies at Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, family celebrations, or other seasonal get-togethers.
• Something for Everyone. From rich chocolate cookies to buttery classics and peanut butter favorites, there is a cookie for nearly every taste preference.

Tips for making the best Sugar Free Holiday Cookies.

I find that making delicious sugar free holiday cookies is easier than you may think! Whether you are baking classic Christmas sugar cookies, buttery shortbread, festive gingerbread, or chocolate favorites, these helpful tips can make your holiday baking a success.

More tips for you.

1. Choose the Right Sugar Alternative. When baking, I always suggest that you use a sugar alternative that measures like sugar and that can also be baked with. Not all sugar alternatives are made to be baked with.
2. Don't expect all sugar free cookies to look 100% like theie sugar counterparts. Keep in mind that different sweeteners can affect the texture, spread, and browning of cookies which means that your cookies may not always look like cookies that have been baked with sugar in them.
3. Use Room Temperature Dairy Ingredients. Unless the recipe specifies otherwise, allow butter, eggs, and other refrigerated ingredients to come to room temperature before mixing. This helps the ingredients combine evenly for a more consistent cookie dough.
4. Combine without overmixing. This is really relevant to about any recipe that calls for adding flour to a wet ingredient mixture. Overmixing can develop too much gluten, resulting in cookies that are tougher than desired. It is best to simply mix just until the ingredients are combined.
5. Chill the Cookie Dough When Needed. There are some cookie recipes where refrigerating cookie dough can help prevent excessive spreading and makes the dough easier to shape. This is especially helpful when making cut-out style cookies, shortbread, and other shaped holiday cookies.
6. Make Cookies a Uniform Size. My cookie recipes often use a cookie scoop to scoop out the cookie dough. This is because cookies that are similar in size will bake more consistently.
7. Store Different Cookies Separately. Crisp cookies, such as shortbread, can soften when stored with moist or chewy cookies. Keep different varieties in separate airtight containers to help preserve their textures and flavors.

FAQ

• What is the best sugar substitute for baking holiday cookies?
  The best sugar substitute depends on the type of cookie you are making. Granulated monk fruit blends and erythritol-based sweeteners often work well in sugar cookies and shortbread, while allulose can help create softer, chewier cookies. For the best results, use the sweetener recommended in the individual recipe.
  
• Why do my sugar free cookies spread too much?
  Sugar free cookies can spread too much if the butter is overly soft, the dough is too warm, or the ingredients are not measured accurately. Certain sugar substitutes can also affect how cookies spread during baking. Chilling the dough before baking can help cookies maintain their shape.
  
• Why are my sugar free cookies dry or crumbly?
  Dry or crumbly cookies can result from adding too much flour, overbaking, or using a sugar substitute that does not retain moisture like regular sugar. Measuring ingredients carefully, following the recommended baking time, and using the suggested sweetener can help improve the texture.
  
• Can I decorate sugar free Christmas cookies?
  Absolutely! Sugar free Christmas cookies can be decorated with sugar free frosting, melted sugar free chocolate, powdered sugar alternatives, and other festive toppings. You can also use cookie cutters to create holiday shapes such as Christmas trees, stars, snowflakes, and gingerbread people.
  
• Are all no added sugar cookies sugar free?
  No. Some recipes may have other ingredients, such as dried fruit, that are not sugar free. Some sugar alternatives and ingredients may contain naturally occurring sugars, so checking ingredient labels and the nutritional information for each recipe is important.