You don't have to choose between dessert and stable blood sugars with these low-carb, diabetic Christmas desserts packed with holiday flavor and flair.
1/25
Meringue Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
These sweet little swirls are light as can be. They're all you need after a big, special dinner. —Jenni Sharp, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 10 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 5mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Free food.
When you’ve finished a big dinner and want a bite of something sweet, these little vanilla meringues will do the trick. Each cookie has just 10 calories and 2 grams of sugar, so you can enjoy one or two after a meal with minimal effect on your blood sugar. Left snowy white, they’re a beautiful addition to any holiday table, but you can also decorate them with festive colors or dip the bottoms into dark chocolate.
2/25
First-Place Coconut Macaroons
From the Recipe Creator:
These coconut macaroon cookies earned me a first-place ribbon at the county fair. They remain my husband's favorites—whenever I make them to give away, he always asks me where his batch is! I especially like the fact that this recipe makes a small enough batch for the two of us to nibble on. —Penny Ann Habeck, Shawano, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 54 calories, 2g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 41mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
Don’t confuse these coconut cookies with French macarons, which are an almond-based sandwich cookie. While macaroons do include sweetened coconut and added sugar, they don’t require any flour and get a boost of protein from egg whites, which makes them easier on your blood sugar without sacrificing flavor.
3/25
Swirled Mint Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
No one will believe that these rich and buttery cookies are light, but they are! With their colorful swirls, each one of these minty, sugary bites has its own look. —Lois Hill, Thomasville, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 59 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 49mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
With pops of red and green and a hint of peppermint flavor, these buttery cookies are as festive as it gets. The light and buttery texture is made to be savored, making these a holiday favorite for kids and adults, whether they’re watching their sugar or not.
4/25
Sparkly Meringue Snowmen
From the Recipe Creator:
For my son’s first Christmas home from Iraq, I wanted everything to feel magical. He loves meringue cookies, so I made a big batch of minty snowmen and snowflakes. —Patricia Lindsay, Independence, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 31 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 8mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1/2 starch.
While regular meringue cookies add an elegant touch to the holiday table, these snowmen are pure magic. Egg whites and sugar make up the base of this pretty cookie. Decorate them yourself or get the kids or grandkids involved. With only 7 grams of carbs in each cookie, you’ll enjoy eating them as much as you do making them.
5/25
Gingerbread Meringue Bars
From the Recipe Creator:
For the best of both worlds, I combined my grandmother's gingerbread recipe with my aunt's special brown sugar meringue. The result? These lovable holiday-perfect bars that have become a new family tradition. —Eden Dranger, Los Angeles, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 135 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 129mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
Classic gingerbread flavors pair well with brown sugar meringue in this delicious dessert bar recipe. As is, this recipe gets a nutrient boost from canned pumpkin and cinnamon, and you can easily reduce the 15 grams of added sugars by using half the amount of marshmallows and chocolate chips.
6/25
Keto Pumpkin Cheesecake
From the Recipe Creator:
With a cinnamon-flavored almond flour crust and a dreamy pumpkin filling sweetened with stevia, this keto-friendly version of cheesecake just might become your new favorite part of fall. —Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 390 calories, 35g fat (17g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 236mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch.
This cheesecake has a rich and buttery almond flour crust, which adds fiber and protein with a much more gentle effect on your blood sugar, and the creamy pumpkin filling is sweetened with granulated stevia instead of regular sugar. Top it with a sprinkle of toasted walnuts or pecans for an extra dose of heart-healthy fats.
7/25
Peppermint Meringue Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
Peppermint lovers won't be able to get enough of these light and airy delights. They make terrific Christmas gifts or lovely treats to pass around when guests drop in. —Dixie Terry, Goreville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 meringue: 32 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 23mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch.
These meringues get a flavorful and colorful upgrade with a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candy canes before baking. Use store-bought or make homemade candy canes. While the easy method is to dollop the meringue onto the baking sheet with a spoon, you can pipe them into fancy shapes for a more upscale presentation.
8/25
Chai-Spiced Bread Pudding
From the Recipe Creator:
Nothing says the holidays to me more than the warming spices of chai. This bread pudding incorporates those flavors to make a dessert that everyone raves about. —Jessie Apfe, Berkeley, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 180 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 218mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
Cardamom, cinnamon and cloves are the epitome of holiday flavor, and they give this bread pudding a warm and spicy kick. It’s a more hearty and sugar-heavy dessert, with 24 grams of carbohydrates, but the 7 grams of protein and 6 grams of fat help balance it out. Instead of serving it with whipped cream or ice cream, enjoy a portion with a cup of unsweetened vanilla Greek yogurt for a balanced holiday dessert that’s just as good after a meal as it is with a cup of coffee in the morning.
9/25
Eggnog Mousse
From the Recipe Creator:
Guests will always find room for this light, fluffy, mouthwatering mousse. It makes an elegant, refreshing finish for heavier meals—and it’s also a great way to use up any extra eggnog in the fridge. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 165 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 97mg cholesterol, 80mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 0 fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 reduced-fat milk.
For a light and refreshing end to a holiday meal, get out the fancy glasses and serve your guests this easy overnight dessert. Using reduced-fat eggnog, sugar, gelatin, a sprinkle of warm spices and whipped topping helps lighten it up without sacrificing creaminess or flavor.
10/25
Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
I can’t consume gluten, so I’ve transformed my favorite recipes to fit my diet. I came up with these cakelike cookies, and no one ever guesses they’re gluten free. —Becki DiMercurio, Martinez, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 82 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 29mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
Not every treat has to be made “healthier” to fit into your diet. While these chocolate cake cookies use a hefty amount of powdered sugar, they’re so rich that just one cookie is a satisfying treat.
11/25
Lemon Meringue Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a way to have the refreshing flavor of lemon meringue pie in a hand-held cookie. The meringue base is filled with homemade lemon curd. They are a refreshing treat. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 38 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 11mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch.
If lemon meringue pie doesn’t quite fit into your diet plan this holiday season, give these sweet, simple cookies a try. Bright lemon curd pairs perfectly with the light and airy meringue cookie, and the entire thing has just 7 grams of carbohydrates. If you like your lemon dessert recipes on the tart side, you can even reduce the amount of sugar in the curd without sacrificing flavor.
12/25
Chipotle Crackle Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
I usually bake these special cookies for the holidays, but my family loves them so I bake them for their birthdays. The addition of ground chipotle chile pepper gives these cookies a little zing. The dough may be sticky, so I dip my hands in confectioners' sugar for easier handling. —Gloria Bradley, Naperville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 85 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 35mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
Crackle cookies are one of the best Christmas cookie recipes, and they’re surprisingly blood-sugar friendly if you can stick to just one. To make them even more indulgent and interesting than your typical crinkle cookie, these have a sprinkle of spicy, smoky chipotle pepper that pairs fantastically with the rich chocolate.
13/25
Holiday Meringue Miniatures
From the Recipe Creator:
My kids love these light melt-in-your-mouth cookies, and we have fun making them. These were always on our Christmas cookie plate when I was a kid, and now the tradition continues. —Susan Marshall, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 meringue: 5 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 19mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 free food.
These melt-in-your-mouth cookies look and taste like a candy cane, but have just 1 gram of carbohydrate each. To make them snackable, pipe them small, Hershey’s Kiss-size, for a refreshing end to a heavy holiday meal.
14/25
Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Blondies
From the Recipe Creator:
I converted these blondies to be gluten free so that my family could enjoy a comforting dessert. We were craving brownies one night, and these cakelike treats hit the spot. They are a fantastic spin on gluten-free peanut butter chocolate chip cookies. —Becky Klope, Loudonville, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 176 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 142mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
If you’re gluten-free and have diabetes, holiday desserts can feel extra restrictive. Thankfully, desserts like these decadent peanut butter blondies hit all the marks. Packed with peanut butter, each bar has 5 grams of protein, 2 grams of fiber and only 22 grams of carbohydrates.
15/25
Apple Pie Bites
From the Recipe Creator:
These apple pie bites are fun for kids to make. Simply wrap strips of pastry around apple wedges and shake on some cinnamon-sugar. Then just bake and watch them disappear! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 163 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 108mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1-1/2 starch.
What’s better than apple pie? Apple pie that you can eat with your hands! These cute finger-friendly pastry-wrapped apples are sweet, simple to make and have just 9 grams of sugar each. Instead of a cooked apple pie filling, this dessert wraps refrigerated pie crust around fresh apple slices. If you want to reduce the sugar even further, halve the amount of sugar sprinkled on the crust. You’ll still end up with a sweet treat, but with a smaller impact on your blood sugar.
16/25
Orange Ricotta Cake Roll
From the Recipe Creator:
I come from a big Italian family. When I was growing up, my mom cooked and baked many delicious meals and desserts from scratch. Now I do the same for my family. This cake is my finale to our special-occasion dinners. —Cathy Banks, Encinitas, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 169 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 95mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 starch.
When December rolls around, it’s time to swap a fluffy pumpkin roll for this decadent orange chocolate cake roll. Rich chocolate cake and an orange-infused filling are rolled together so each bite is equally as creamy and delicious as the next. For a higher protein dessert, replace the ricotta cheese with strained cottage cheese.
17/25
Gluten-Free Fig Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
These special cookies definitely don’t taste gluten-free. For added appeal, I soak the figs overnight in a mixture of port and pomegranate juice. Twinkle30 - Tasteofhome.com community
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 105 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 83mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
Figs are a holiday favorite, but, like most dried fruit, they can be pretty high in carbs. The fig bar dough includes a gluten-free blend of sorghum, brown rice and tapioca flour, while the fig filling receives an extra-special holiday touch with pomegranate juice and port wine. Each bite is packed with flavor, and surprisingly, has just 19 grams of carbohydrates.
18/25
Cinnamon Nut Bars
From the Recipe Creator:
Classic bar meets good-for-you ingredients in this updated recipe. If you have the patience, after the bars are cool, store them in a tin for a day to allow the flavors to meld...I think they taste even better the next day. —Heidi Lindsey, Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 142 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 44mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
The best desserts are ones that get tastier with time, just like these spiced, nutty bar cookies. The bars themselves are loaded with walnuts and cinnamon, and a vanilla and honey icing adds an extra burst of sweetness. The healthy fats make these bars filling and satisfying, with just 18 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
19/25
Butterscotch Shortbread
From the Recipe Creator:
After sampling these tender cookies in a specialty store, I knew I had to duplicate them. My version has lots of toffee bits and butterscotch chips. I’ve given away dozens as home-baked gifts. —Sandra McKenzie, Braham, MN
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 76 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 45mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
Shortbread cookies are incredibly simple to make, using just a handful of ingredients to create a crumbly, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookie. This version includes a mix of butterscotch chips and toffee bits to add holiday fun to each bite. Because the dough is rolled thin, each cookie is under 100 calories and has just 8 grams of carbs.
20/25
Gluten-Free Almond Crispies
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s a wonderful treat everyone in the family can enjoy. Ideal with milk or tea, these cookies have cinnamon and maple in every crunchy bite. —Jean Ecos, Hartland, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 54 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 18mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
These chewy gluten-free cookies are best enjoyed with a cup of coffee after your meal. Using almond flour and rice flour makes these gluten-free and also naturally reduces the carbohydrates.
21/25
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Meringue Roses
From the Recipe Creator:
Eat these pretty treats as is or crush them into a bowl of strawberries and whipped cream. Readers of my blog, utry.it, went nuts when I posted that idea. —Amy Tong, Anaheim, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 33 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 9mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch.
Instead of chocolate-covered strawberries, make these chocolate-dipped, strawberry-infused meringue cookies for your next holiday party. Not only are they sweet, beautiful and easy to make, they’re easy to adapt for a low-sugar treat. To make them more blood-sugar-friendly, swap the strawberry gelatin with a sugar-free variety.
22/25
Soft Honey Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
These old-fashioned honey cookies have a subtle honey-cinnamon flavor and a tender texture. This recipe has been a favorite in my family for years and now it can be one at your house, too. —Rochelle Friedman, Brooklyn, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 77 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 31mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
These cookies have a pillowy texture and get their sweetness from a combination of honey and sugar. Different types of honey can give the cookie a bold or mild honey taste. For the softest texture, make sure the egg is at room temperature before beating it into the batter.
23/25
Chocolate and Raspberry Cheesecake
From the Recipe Creator:
You’ll fall in love with this sweet treat. Each silky slice is topped with juicy raspberries. Yes, you can have cheesecake without breaking the calorie budget. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 237 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 576mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 starch, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
You’ll typically find a high amount of fat and sugar in cheesecake, but this version has some lightened-up swaps. By replacing some of the sugar with a sugar substitute, like granulated stevia, and using a fat-free cream cheese, a piece of this cheesecake has just 237 calories, 17 grams of sugar and 14 grams of protein. With fresh berries on top, it’s as pretty as it is tasty.
24/25
Almond Espresso Bars
From the Recipe Creator:
If you like coffee, you'll love these mocha morsels dressed up with toasted almonds. Save a few bars for afternoon snacktime or even breakfast, too. —Taire Van Scoy, Brunswick, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 68 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 55mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
Bold espresso, cinnamon and almonds are a perfect flavor combination in these pretty holiday bars. Each bar has 8 grams of sugar, but by using a bit less glaze, you can make them even more diabetic-friendly, but no less delicious.
25/25
Grossmutter’s Peppernuts
From the Recipe Creator:
Before Christmas, my grandmother would bake peppernuts and store them until the big day. When we came home from school, the whole house would smell like anise and we knew the holiday season was about to begin. —Marilyn Kutzli, Clinton, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
6 pieces: 51 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 4mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch.
You only need four ingredients to make a big batch of these old-school cookies, just like grandma used to make. Each piece has just over 1 gram of sugar, and with the intense anise flavor in each bite, you won’t need more than a handful to feel satisfied.
Diabetic Christmas Desserts FAQ
What desserts can people with diabetes eat for Christmas?
There are many diabetic-friendly desserts that are great for Christmas, or any other time of year. The thing to look out for in recipes is lower carb counts and healthier ingredient swaps. Treats like meringues, macarons, honey cookies, nut bars and pie bites are lovely options.
To support healthy blood sugar levels when eating something like homemade Christmas candy, focusing on the portion and considering what you had for dinner can make a significant difference. Eating a small piece of cake after a protein-rich meal is a good example.
What are some easy diabetic-friendly holiday dessert recipes?
My favorite easy, diabetic Christmas desserts can be made quickly and with just a few simple ingredients. They include a berry trifle, fresh fruit or berries with whipped cream or a simple sugar-free chocolate fudge.
Can people with diabetes enjoy fruitcake at Christmas?
Even if you have diabetes, fruitcake can still be on the holiday dessert menu. Just remember that a little bit of this sweet cake goes a long way, as dried fruit and sugar quickly increase the carb count. These mini fruitcakes are a good option, as they have just 12 grams of sugar and make it easy to stick to a reasonable portion.
