If you’re anything like me, you grew up associating the holiday season with the smell of fresh baked cookies. And among all the delicious cookies I grew up with, one of my faves were always Cinnamon Stars.

Unfortunately, now that I’m a grown up I definitely try to avoid sugar highs and crashes whether I can, and most Christmas cookies are now on my naughty list. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that I can’t indulge! This year, I’m going to give cinnamon star cookies a healthy makeover so that I can enjoy the aroma and taste that brings back so many holiday memories!

You’ll need:

• 2 cups of freshly ground almonds or almond meal
• 1/2 cup coconut sugar
• 1 tbsp of ground chia seeds
• 2 tbsps cold water
• 2 tbsps organic maple syrup
• 3 tsps ground cinnamon
• Pinch of ground vanilla bean
• Sprinkle of powdered sugar or XyloSweet granules for decoration

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 320 F. If using whole almonds, grind them into a flour using a food processor. Whisk the chia seeds and water together in a small bowl, and place in the fridge for about 10 minutes. Place coconut sugar, ground almonds, cinnamon and vanilla into a large bowl. Mix until just combined using a hand mixer or food processor. Add chia mix and maple syrup, combine for 30 seconds or until a sticky dough forms.

Roll out the dough between two sheets of parchment paper. Remove top sheet, and cut out cookies using star shaped cookie cutters. Lined a baking sheet with parchment paper and place cookies on the tray. Baked for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. Let cookies cool on baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire cooling racks.

What’s your fave holiday cookie? Do you have a healthy makeover for it? Tell us all about it in the comments below!