Holiday Delight Cookies

The first time I baked these Holiday Delight Cookies, the whole kitchen smelled like pure joy. They came out golden, soft, and sprinkled with color—it instantly felt like Christmas morning. I couldn’t wait to share them with everyone.

What I love most is how easy and fun they are to make. The dough is simple, and decorating them feels like a little holiday craft. They always bring smiles, no matter who takes the first bite.

Now, I make them every year as a family tradition. They’re buttery, sweet, and full of that festive magic we all love. Honestly, they make the holidays taste even better.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Holiday Perfect: These cookies are packed with festive flavors, ideal for celebrating the season.
• Rich & Decadent: With the right balance of maple syrup, cacao powder, and truffles, these cookies are a melt-in-your-mouth treat.
• Dairy-Free Option: You can easily swap butter for coconut oil to make these cookies dairy-free.
• Grain-Free: With almond flour and coconut flour, these cookies are a great choice for those following a gluten-free or low-carb diet.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: These cookies are easy to prepare in advance, and they freeze wonderfully, so you can always have a batch on hand.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for a holiday gathering or a special gift, these cookies will delight everyone who tastes them.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s make sure you have everything you need:

• Mixing Bowls: To combine the dry and wet ingredients.
• Hand or Stand Mixer: This will help you beat the wet ingredients to perfection.
• Cookie Scoop: For portioning the dough into uniform cookie sizes.
• Baking Sheets: For baking the cookies.
• Parchment Paper: For easy cleanup and to ensure the cookies don’t stick.
• Cooling Rack: To allow the cookies to cool evenly after baking.
• Knife and Chopping Board: For chopping the Maya Moon Jolly Holiday truffles.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delicious cookies. Don’t worry, no special ingredients here, just wholesome ingredients that pack a punch!

• Butter or Coconut Oil (1/2 cup, melted): Choose butter for a traditional taste or coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
• Eggs (2 large): Eggs help to bind the dough and provide structure.
• Maple Sugar (1/2 cup): This natural sweetener adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness to the cookies.
• Maple Syrup (1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp): A drizzle of maple syrup brings out the flavor and moisture in the cookies.
• Vanilla Extract (2 tsp): This brings a warm, aromatic flavor to the cookies.
• Blanched Almond Flour (2 1/2 cups): This flour is perfect for making a gluten-free dough that’s soft and chewy.
• Coconut Flour (1/4 cup): Coconut flour adds a bit of texture and richness to the cookie.
• Cacao Powder (1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp): This adds a rich chocolate flavor, perfect for any dessert.
• Baking Soda (1 tsp): To help the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
• Sea Salt (1 tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor.
• Maya Moon Jolly Holiday Truffles (12, refrigerated): These truffles are the secret ingredient that takes these cookies to the next level. They are sweet, chocolatey, and perfect for the holidays!

Variations for Holiday Delight Cookies

While the recipe as written is already a holiday favorite, here are a few ways you can customize it to suit your taste:

• Add More Chocolate: If you love a stronger chocolate flavor, feel free to fold in some dark chocolate chips or chunks alongside the chopped truffles.
• Make it Nutty: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for some extra texture and flavor.
• Add Spices: Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warmer, holiday-inspired flavor.
• Use Honey Instead of Maple Syrup: If you prefer a less intense maple flavor, you can swap maple syrup for honey for a more neutral sweetness.
• Add Coconut Flakes: Shredded coconut can bring an extra layer of texture and flavor, making the cookies more tropical.
• Stuff with Candy Cane Pieces: For a peppermint twist, add crushed candy cane pieces into the dough.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now let’s get down to baking these delicious cookies. I promise, the process is simple, and the end result is so worth it.

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper, making sure there is enough space for the cookies to spread slightly.

2. Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour, coconut flour, cacao powder, baking soda, and sea salt. This will help to evenly distribute all the dry ingredients and ensure the cookies have a smooth texture.

3. Cream the Wet Ingredients

In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the melted butter (or coconut oil) and maple sugar together until smooth and fluffy. I recommend using a hand or stand mixer for the best results. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the maple syrup and vanilla extract, making sure everything is thoroughly combined.

4. Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. You want the dough to come together without overworking it. The dough will be a little sticky, which is perfect!

5. Fold in the Chopped Maya Moon Jolly Holiday Truffles

Take the refrigerated Maya Moon Jolly Holiday truffles and chop them into small chunks. Gently fold these truffle pieces into the cookie dough. They will melt and create pockets of gooey chocolate goodness in each bite!

6. Chill the Dough

This step is crucial for perfect cookies! Cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. Chilling the dough will prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking and will give them a nice chewy texture.

7. Scoop and Bake

Once the dough is chilled, use a cookie scoop to form 1.5-2 tablespoon-sized balls of dough. Place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden. The centers may still look a bit soft, but don’t worry — they’ll firm up as they cool.

8. Cool the Cookies

Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This gives them time to firm up and makes them easier to transfer. After that, use a spatula to transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Holiday Delight Cookies

These cookies are perfect for any holiday occasion, whether you’re serving them at a party, gifting them to friends and family, or enjoying them with a hot cup of cocoa. Here are some fun serving ideas:

• On a Festive Platter: Serve these cookies on a beautiful holiday-themed platter, adding some fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra elegance.
• With Ice Cream: Sandwich a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two cookies for an indulgent treat.
• As Gifts: Package the cookies in a cute tin or jar and give them as homemade gifts during the holidays. Your friends and family will love the thoughtful gesture!
• With Hot Cocoa: These cookies pair perfectly with a warm cup of hot cocoa, especially if you add a little whipped cream on top.
• In a Cookie Exchange: If you’re part of a holiday cookie exchange, these cookies will definitely stand out with their rich chocolate flavor and festive truffles.

Storing Holiday Delight Cookies

• Room Temperature: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay soft and delicious.
• Freezing: You can also freeze the dough for later use! Just scoop the dough into cookie-sized balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once they’re frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Nutrition Information

Here’s an estimate of the nutritional content of one Holiday Delight Cookie. Keep in mind that exact values may vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients used.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (1 Cookie)
Calories	150
Fat	12g
Saturated Fat	6g
Carbohydrates	12g
Fiber	3g
Sugars	7g
Protein	3g

Conclusion

These Holiday Delight Cookies are a must-try for the festive season! With the rich flavors of maple syrup, cacao, and the special touch of Maya Moon Jolly Holiday truffles, these cookies will elevate your holiday baking to the next level. Plus, they’re grain-free, dairy-free (with a simple swap), and packed with holiday cheer!

Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, exchanging cookies with friends, or just enjoying a cozy night at home, these cookies will not disappoint. I hope you enjoy making and sharing them as much as I did!