Healthy Almond Crescent Cookies

It’s the time of year for Christmas cookies, and I for one, am thrilled. My family has always been one to share love through food, and what better way to do so than with cookies?

Growing up, my mom would often make my great grandmother’s crescent cookies for special occasions, so this recipe is an ode to that longtime family favorite. But in usual Goodness With G fashion, we’ve added a little healthy twist to honor what both the body and soul are craving.

Before we dive in, be sure to give these other tasty, nutritious holiday treats a try as well this season:

• Chocolate Peppermint Christmas Cookies
• Chocolate Gingerbread Granola
• Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies
• Snickerdoodle Snowballs

And while, yes, these are a bit of a labor of love to shape, they’re incredibly simple to make. You’ll only need a few key ingredients, many of which you might already have hanging out in your pantry.

First, almond flour is the base and one of my personal favorite healthy baking alternatives. It’s often my go-to and incredibly versatile. Plus, it’s gluten-free and easy to find these days (check out Trader Joe’s for a large bag at a reasonable price!).

Not only is almond flour more flavorful than average flour, it also provides extra health-supporting benefits. Almonds contain powerful antioxidants, can help regulate blood sugar, improve heart health and more.

And since crescent cookies are intended to be buttery and crumbly, there has to be a little butter included. You can go for the real deal (I recommend grass fed French or Irish butter – they simply taste better) or ghee.

Ghee is one of my favorite cookings “oils” to use in basically anything and everything – baked goods, stir fry, scrambled eggs, topped on pancakes, etc. Ghee is simply clarified butter where the milk solids have been removed. This makes it easier to digest for those avoiding or allergic to dairy. It’s been a staple in Indian cuisine and Ayurvedic medicine for centuries.

It’s also provides a variety of additional health benefits such as reduced gut inflammation and improved heart health. Plus, it’s incredibly flavorful in my opinion!

The last key ingredient in these cookies is confectioners (powdered) sugar, both in the dough as well as dusted on top. I’ve been curious to try the Swerve Confectioners Sugar Replacement (that I found on Whole Foods, but it’s also available online). It’s a zero calorie alternative that really did end up tasting like the real deal – I wouldn’t have known the difference to be honest.

Once you mix all of your dough ingredients together, scoop and roll into small logs. You’ll then use your fingers to gently create the the cookies’ classic crescent shape.

Bake your cookies to a perfect golden brown, cool and coat them in additional confectioners sugar. This is always the best part and makes them even more festive and fun!

I’ve already made these for holiday celebrations this season and hope to do so again this coming week! They make the perfect homemade gift for loved ones or contribution to all of your celebratory get-togethers.

As always, be sure to give me a shout on social media or leave a comment below to let me know how you like these!