Healthy Holiday Baking: 3 Gluten- and Dairy-Free Treats

The holidays are a time for cozy kitchens, warm ovens, and the sweet smell of cinnamon and chocolate wafting through the house. But traditional desserts loaded with gluten, dairy, and refined sugar can leave you inflamed, bloated, and foggy the next day.

This year, you don’t have to choose between feeling good and enjoying dessert. These three gluten- and dairy-free holiday treats are crowd-pleasers that keep your blood sugar steady, your gut happy, and your taste buds fully satisfied.

Let’s bake smarter, not heavier.

1. Almond-Flour Sugar Cookies: Find Full Recipe HERE

Why you’ll love them: Soft in the middle, crisp on the edges, and naturally sweetened with maple syrup, these cookies are the perfect base for decorating with your kids, no food coloring or butter needed. Almond flour adds protein and healthy fats that stabilize blood sugar, while coconut oil supports healthy cholesterol and metabolism.

2. Pumpkin Pie Bites: Find Full Recipe HERE

Why you’ll love them: All the cozy flavors of pumpkin pie but none of the gluten or heavy cream. These bite-sized treats are perfect straight from the fridge when you want something sweet but not sugary. Pumpkin is rich in beta-carotene and fiber, which support gut lining repair and antioxidant protection. 

3. Chocolate Peppermint Fudge Bars: Find Full Recipe HERE

Why you’ll love them: These rich, melt-in-your-mouth bars taste indulgent but contain zero refined sugar or dairy. Perfect for gifting or pairing with coffee after dinner. Cacao is high in magnesium, supporting stress resilience and mood, exactly what you need during the holidays.

When you bake with real food like almond flour, coconut oil, maple syrup, nuts, and spices, you feed your microbiome, not your cravings. These ingredients contain antioxidants, healthy fats, and fiber that help your body process sweets without inflammation.

The key? Always combine protein, fat, and fiber when you indulge... it keeps blood sugar balanced and digestion happy.

Bake with Purpose in ROOT Rx

In ROOT Rx, we take this same philosophy into every part of healing... balancing blood sugar, calming inflammation, and rebuilding your metabolism from the inside out.

If you’re ready to stop guessing what your body needs and start healing at the root, join ROOT Rx; a science-backed, functional program designed to help you lose weight, restore gut health, and finally feel like yourself again.

Click HERE for more information. 

Happy Baking!

Dr Sheena