The Christmas holidays and all they entail are coming up really soon and this often means an endless supply and array of treats, cookies and desserts. You might find yourself wanting to make some for friends and loved ones or partake in your neighbourhood cookie exchange without blowing your Paleo diet out of the water!
When choosing to make and partake in treats and indulgences it is always mindful to reflect on why you began your Paleo journey in the first place and what your Paleo lifestyle means to you. Does it mean not having to worry about getting sick randomly and unpredictably? Possibly feeling full and satisfied after meals without the need to snack much? It could mean choosing not to eat processed sweets or artificial sweeteners that leave you desperately craving the next sweet fix or choosing to eat foods that allow you to easily and effortlessly manage your weight. Your Paleo lifestyle does require spending a little more time, effort, (and often money) choosing humanely raised meat, pastured eggs, organically grown vegetables and fruits, and creating meals made with whole, fresh ingredients that rarely come in a box. It means rejecting anything that contains grains, soy, dairy and unnatural sweeteners and actively seeking out products that are as close to their original form as possible.  And the majority of the time your Paleo diet comprises lots of vegetables, meat, fats, and some fruit.
With this in mind it is also important to understand that following Paleo principles is a lifestyle choice rather than simply a diet. There is no need for deprivation, punishment, or a zero-tolerance attitude (unless you have a medical condition that requires you to avoid certain things entirely).  Although Paleo principles emulate the dietary and lifestyle choice of ancient man, we no longer live in Paleolithic times. We are able to order fantastic Paleo friendly food online (check out this week’s menu), shop at grocery stores and even read, write and learn over the internet! In the same way, Paleo-friendly cookies can be somewhat controversial.
There can be a time or occasion where a rarely savored indulgence or those special treats made with Paleo friendly ingredients (but clearly were not even remotely available to our ancestors) are able fit in. These Paleo friendly creations can allow you to partake fully in modern lifestyles and family traditions (and community is part of a Paleo lifestyle!) whilst still adhering, (even partially), to the eating guidelines that leave you feeling good. There are some expertly created Paleo friendly Christmas treat and cookie recipes that are genuinely and actually as good as old standards, but with far fewer and whole ingredients. We are sharing a few of our favorites from around the web for you to try. You can now choose to serve your family Christmas treats that taste great and resemble old favorites BUT won’t leave anyone feeling sick, tired, and perhaps shopping for new pants the next day.
Remember, if you approach paleo treats as a once-in-a-while or a special-occasion occurrence, they serve the purpose they are supposed to – a way to enjoy a delicious indulgence without needing to worry sabotaging your efforts to maintain your nutrition choices.
 
Molasses and ginger come together for that classic flavour without all of the refined sugar and wheat this recipe generally calls for.
These cookies are crispy and golden on the edges, but soft and chewy on the inside -the best of both worlds
These holiday favorites are thick, chewy and not cakey at all. The outside has a slight cinnamon-y crunch and the inside in pillowy soft. Such a good combination!Â
These chocolate-covered biscotti are perfect to dip into your coffee or Paleo hot chocolate. They store well and make great gifts too.
Chocolate Mint Coconut Macaroons
Nothing says Christmas quite like the flavor of peppermint. No need for candy canes when you can easily make these delicious morsels.
A traditional holiday cookie popular in many Scandinavian countries but enjoyed the world over. They are simple to make and adaptable to other flavors if you so wish.
With only 5 ingredients, all of which also happen to be AIP friendly, this delicious take on a traditional Christmas favorite is sure to please Paleo and non-Paleo folks alike.
These cookies are made with almond and coconut flour and sweetened with honey. Â The perfect sugar cookies for the holidays that no one will guess are Paleo, grain free, refined sugar free and kid approved!
These cookies turn out sweet and buttery and are studded with chopped pecans. They are reminiscent of Mexican Wedding Cookies, slightly crumbly and melt-in-your-mouth good!
These creamy little chocolate balls are made with almond butter, coconut butter, and a few other simple ingredients. And they are delicious.
Molasses Cookies with Maple Cream Filling
This recipe is AIP friendly and makes a soft, chewy cookie that will please and impress both Paleo and non-Paleo tasters alike.
Think bacon doesn’t deserve to be in a dessert? Think again. The saltiness of the breakfast meat pairs perfectly with the sweet flavor of chopped dark chocolate, making this inventive recipe doubly delicious.
Get your Pete’s Paleo bacon here >>>>> and make these today!
Keep this post bookmarked as these recipes will become fast favorites for years to come!
Happy Holiday Cookie Season!