Photo Gallery: Healthy holiday baking recipes

Delicious Living

Nov. 30, 2011

Gluten-Free Apricot Scones

Serves 8 / These scones freeze well and taste even better the next day, warmed for 30 seconds in a microwave. Serve with apricot jam or honey. View Recipe
Apple-Walnut Coffee Cake

Serves 16 / This staff favorite yummy treat for festive brunches. Guests and family will never guess that this decadent indulgence contains much less butter and sugar than a typical coffee cake. View Recipe
Vegan Trail-Mix Cookies

Serves 36 /These crunchy-chewy cookies are perfect for snowshoe hikes or cross-country ski trips. View Recipe
Red Velvet Cupcakes

Serves 10 / These moist cupcakes use spelt flour for a lighter texture, more protein, and fewer calories than wheat flour. Avoid artificial colors by using vegetable-based food coloring; or make your own. View Recipe
Vegan Pumpkin Spice Muffins

Serves 16 / These lightly sweetened, butter-free muffins evoke the scents and tastes of the holidays. With fewer carbs and calories than regular sugar, concentrated fruit-juice reduction also adds moistness; look for all-natural options, such as Wax Orchards Fruit Sweet, in your store. View Recipe

There’s nothing so comforting as the scent and taste of home-baked treats. To fill your home with cheer, try these delectably healthy muffins, cookies, cupcakes, and more. Some are gluten or dairy free, others pack less butter and sweetener (and fewer calories) than their typical counterparts, a few are vegan (containing no animal products, including honey)—and all are perfect for holiday celebrations, hostess gifts, or exchanges.