A Healthier Take on Santa's Favorite Treats
Growing up, the magic of Christmas Eve always came with two special traditions in our house: leaving cookies for Santa and sharing a warm glass of eggnog while we decorated the tree. I can still picture my mom in her festive apron, teaching me how to carefully separate egg yolks for her famous eggnog, and the way the whole house would fill with the aroma of chocolate cookies baking in the oven.
As the years passed and I started my own family, I wanted to keep these cherished traditions alive but with a modern, healthier twist. After all, even Santa needs to watch his sugar intake these days! Through lots of trial and error (and many taste tests from my willing family), I've perfected these paleo versions of our favorite holiday treats that taste just as magical as the originals.
## Santa's New Favorite: Paleo Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
These fudgy, rich chocolate crinkles look just like they've been dusted with fresh snow. The best part? They're made with wholesome ingredients like almond flour and natural sweeteners, so you can feel good about leaving them for the big guy in red.
### Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 1/4 cups almond flour
- 1/4 cup raw cacao powder
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 egg
For the Maple Powdered Sugar Coating:
- 2 tablespoons powdered maple sugar
- 1.5 tablespoons arrowroot powder
### Instructions
1. In a mixing bowl, combine almond flour, coconut sugar, cacao powder, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.
2. Add eggs, vanilla, maple syrup, and oil, stirring until a dough forms. Let rest for 10 minutes at room temperature.
3. Preheat oven to 350°F.
4. Make the coating by grinding maple sugar in a coffee grinder until powdered. Mix with arrowroot powder.
5. Using a 1.5 tablespoon cookie scoop, form dough balls and coat generously in the powdered mixture.
6. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
7. Cool completely on the pan before storing.
## Grandma's Eggnog Gets a Makeover
This dairy-free version of our family eggnog recipe still has all the creamy richness and warm spices of the original, but with a lighter, cleaner ingredient list. It's become our new Christmas Eve tradition, and honestly, I think it's even better than the original!
### Ingredients
- 2 cups unsweetened nut milk
- 2 cups coconut cream or coconut milk
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg, plus more for garnish
- 6 egg yolks
- 1/2-3/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/2-1 cup dark rum or bourbon
### Instructions
1. In a medium saucepan, combine nut milk, coconut cream, cinnamon stick, and nutmeg. Simmer for 8-10 minutes to infuse the flavors. Remove from heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk egg yolks and maple syrup until light and fluffy.
3. Gradually temper the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
4. Return everything to the saucepan and cook over medium-low heat for 8-10 minutes, or until the mixture reaches 160°F and coats the back of a wooden spoon.
5. Strain into a clean bowl and stir in vanilla and optional liquor.
6. Chill for at least 6 hours. Before serving, stir well and thin with additional nut milk if needed.
## A Note from the Kitchen
These recipes prove that you don't have to give up holiday traditions to embrace a healthier lifestyle. My kids now help make these treats just like I used to help my mom, and the joy on their faces when they leave the cookies for Santa is just as bright. Plus, I have a feeling Santa appreciates the more nutritious fuel for his long night of deliveries!
Store your cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days (though they rarely last that long in our house!), and the eggnog will keep well in the refrigerator for up to a week. Happy baking, and may your holidays be filled with the warmth of tradition and the joy of creating new memories!
