Healthy Winter Baking Recipes

In true hygge spirit, I love to indulge in the odd treat (or two) while the weather is frosty. There’s honestly nothing more comforting than being warm indoors with a cup of hot tea and a treat.

To make my indulgences a little more sustainable and leave me feeling lighter than the traditional baked good would, I’m a fan of tweaking treats to err on the side of healthy (well, healthier)—because winter baking recipes can be both healthy and delicious. So here are a few of my favourite renditions of cozy treats that I’ve been enjoying making—and eating, obviously.

Double Chocolate Black Bean Cookies

It’s that classic chocolate-craving kicker—but with beans (you can’t even taste them, promise).

Ingredients

• 1 can unsalted black beans
• 4 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons almond butter
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1 splash vanilla extract
• 1 pinch Himalayan pink salt
  
  

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Blend all ingredients together in a food processor.
3. Spoon dollops of dough onto a greased pan and bake the cookies for 10 to 15 minutes. They should still be somewhat gooey when you take them out of the oven.
4. Enjoy your death by chocolate ;)

Berry Crumble (adapted from Minimalist Baker)

Berries are healthy, right? Add an oat-filled topping and you can call yourself a wellness goddess as you indulge in this warming, delicious dessert.

Ingredients

• 8 cups frozen berries of choice
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons flour or arrowroot powder
• 1 cup almond flour or meal
• 1/2 cup roughly-chopped almonds or pecans
• ½ cup rolled oats
• ½ cup coconut sugar
• 1 pinch Himalayan pink salt
• 1 splash vanilla extract
• 1 egg
• 4 tablespoons coconut oil
  
  

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a baking pan, add the berries, maple syrup, and flour or arrowroot powder. Toss to combine.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together all the other dry ingredients and then add a beaten egg, coconut oil, and vanilla.
4. Combine it together with your hands and then sprinkle the mixture evenly on top of the berry blend.
5. Bake the crumble for 40 to 45 minutes, until the top is golden brown.
6. Voila! *chef’s kiss*

Zucchini Banana Bread

A guilt-free version of a classic (it’s great for breakfast, too).

Ingredients

• 2 cups almond flour
• ½ cup coconut flour
• 3 teaspoons cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon cardamom
• 1 pinch Himalayan pink salt
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 cup shredded zucchini
• 3 eggs
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ cup dark chocolate chips or nuts of choice (optional)
  
  

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a bowl, beat the eggs.
3. Add in the oil and maple syrup, then add the mashed bananas.
4. Separately, combine all of the dry ingredients.
5. Stir the dry ingredients into the egg mixture.
6. Add the zucchini and any extras like chocolate chips or nuts.
7. Pour the mixture into a greased loaf pan and bake for about 50 minutes.
8. Dig into you new go-to comfort treat as the Yule Log crackles on the TV.