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14 Healthy Treats for Christmas

By Ethan Boldt

December 9, 2025

When Christmas is around the corner, many of us eagerly anticipate many things: seeing loved ones, maybe some snow, the presents (giving or receiving!), time off from work … and, yes, the sweet treats! There’s something about a Christmas cookie that can hit just right. After all, it’s that time of year when even those who are pretty strict with their diets make allowances for a few more sweets.

That being said, it’s very easy to overdo it so you’d be better served by making up some healthy Christmas sweets and treats. This way you can enjoy a few more and consume many nutrients along the way.

Here’s 14 healthy Christmas treats, including drinks for breakfast all the way to Christmas cookies to a holiday mocktail to have at night.

1. Peppermint mocha

Tis the time of year when holiday drinks become popular. Some are great for parties while others, such as this homemade peppermint mocha, are suited for that little cozy time … just you and your hot drink with a blanket on your legs and reading a book. You can even start the day with it.

Of course, a certain coffee company serves a version of the peppermint mocha that is consumed at stores and expressway stops nationwide. But did you know that a large serving also delivers a whopping 440 calories, including 54 grams of sugar? Yikes.

Instead, make up this healthy peppermint mocha that is low in sugar and high in protein yet just as delish. And it’s just 195 calories!

2. Gingerbread overnight oats

Consider having these overnight oats to pair with that peppermint mocha for the perfect Christmas pair. It’ll put you in the mood for the holidays right away in the morning, with the delicious scents and flavors alongside good old-fashioned nutrition.

Overnight oats are one of the easiest breakfasts to cook, for after some minimal prep the night before, all you need to do the next morning is heat it up. This holiday-inspired gingerbread overnight oats recipe uses rolled oats as the base with the spices ginger, cinnamon and cloves to deliver that idyllic Christmas flavor.

3. Collagen crepes

Pancakes and waffles are popular breakfasts, but for many, crepes are an even more special treat. And with the berry compote that you put on top, they’re perfect for the holidays.

These are not hard to make (in fact, they make our list of easy breakfast ideas), and this batch of crepes goes one step further, as it's also a nutrition-rich and gluten-free recipe with collagen protein.

4. Peppermint protein smoothie

While we like to stick to our morning smoothie routine during the holidays, how about a Christmas twist by making up this peppermint protein smoothie? It’s super easy, delicious and, yes, holiday green!

This refreshing peppermint protein smoothie is a simple, nourishing way to fuel your day with high-quality protein (creamy vanilla whey), leafy greens and a cool burst of mint. It’s perfect for breakfast, post-workout or an afternoon pick-me-up.

This higher-protein peppermint smoothie delivers 249 calories per serving and an impressive 31.9 grams of protein, making it especially supportive for muscle repair, satiety and post-workout recovery. It provides a moderate 15.8 grams of carbohydrates with 14.5 grams of natural sugars and 7 grams of total fat, contributing to balanced energy and a creamy texture.

5. Pumpkin coffee cake

If you dig some pumpkin around holiday time, what about pumpkin coffee cake for a nice change of pace? Have with your afternoon coffee or tea.

This recipe uses our popular Bone Broth Protein Pumpkin Spice that’s loaded with amino acids and collagen. You’ll mix Paleo flour and a few other ingredients to create the cake and then top with a crumble that uses walnuts and pepitas for extra flavor kick and energy-providing fats.

6. Pfeffernüsse cookies

This German or Dutch cookie is made with several spices and usually dusted with powdered sugar, and it’s a world favorite at Christmas time. Fortunately, you can make these relatively low-sugar cookies just as delicious.

These cookies usually combine different nuts like almonds and hazelnuts. Our version uses Paleo flour and almond flour. Rather than use just one spice, these Pfeffernüsse cookies use several, such as cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg and cloves. These are a must-make this time of year!

7. Christmas sugar cookies

This holiday you can have the famous Christmas sugar cookie, but it'll be relatively sugar-free, gluten-free and with some good-for-you collagen. This recipe checks all three boxes, and it's absolutely delicious.

Each cookie is only 117 calories, with 33 grams of carbs (only 0.2 grams of sugar), 10 grams of fat and 2 grams of protein.

8. Pumpkin spice cookies

The pumpkin spice cookie is popular throughout the fall, but this recipe also adds ginger and cinnamon for a full-rounded holiday cookie that goes great at Christmas.

While the recipe calls for Bone Broth Protein Pumpkin Spice, you can substitute vanilla-flavored protein powders.

9. Snickerdoodle bars

Snickerdoodles are a classic. This soft, chewy, cinnamon-flavored cookie relies on flour, fat, sugar and salt.

Here’s a healthy twist on the snickerdoodle that turns the cookie into a bar. With the aid of Ancient Nutrition’s new cinnamon-flavored vanilla protein powder Whey Protein + Fat Loss Blend and a few other ingredients, snickerdoodle bars are not just easily doable but also delicious and health-minded.

10. Pecan pie bars

Speaking of bars that work at holiday time, have you ever had a pecan pie protein bar? Likely not, so make your own.

Many of us seek to get more protein into your day, but snack time can be the trickiest. This pecan pie protein bar recipe that includes 8 bars gives a perfect high-protein snack, including before or after a workout. In fact, it's a great recipe to add to your high-protein meal prep list.

It’s also one of the most balanced bars, with 20 grams of carbs, 13 grams of fat and 17 grams of protein.

11. Apple crumble

A classic winter treat is an apple crumble, aka an apple crisp. Even better, you can make a healthy version that tastes divine, especially with a nutrition-rich apple filling and an oat streusel topping.

Compared to other apple-centric desserts like apple pie, the apple crumble is easy to make. Warm apples, oats, holiday seasoning like nutmeg and allspice, and pecans make for the most comforting, delicious combination. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you want to be a little decadent!

12. Collagen fudge

Collagen fudge is the perfect “feel-good” dessert — it’s rich and indulgent yet packed with functional nutrition. Unlike traditional fudge loaded with sugar and empty calories, collagen fudge offers a creamy, satisfying treat that also supports your skin, joints and gut.

Any of the five variations will do at holiday time, but particularly the chocolate peppermint and pumpkin spice collagen fudges.

This one is also low-carb, at just 4 grams per square, next to 10 grams of fat and 4 grams of protein.

13. Apple pie

When it comes to the big Christmas meal, you can’t go wrong with a classic apple pie. Looking for a healthier apple pie recipe without gluten that's still delicious? This is your ticket.

With hints of lemon, apple cider vinegar and several spices, it hits all the right notes … and even includes some collagen for good measure.

14. Pumpkin spice Moscow mule

The Moscow mule is a cocktail made with vodka, ginger beer and lime juice. While the mocktail removes the vodka, we add pumpkin spice for a successful holiday variation.

A pumpkin simple syrup is whipped up to make this mocktail sing. With nutrient-rich pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice, it adds plenty of vitamin A and antioxidants.

One mocktail is only 76 calories, with 8 grams of carbs, 1 gram of fat and 9 grams of protein. Serve in a copper mug to make it look like the real deal.