Healthy Holiday Cookies: An Italian Classic Without Sugar and Gluten

Ingredients
For the biscuits
45 g (⅜ cup) rice flour
45 g (⅜ cup) oat flour
3 egg whites (90-100 g)
40 g (2 tablespoons) date paste
100 g (1 cup) dried cranberries
100 g (¾ cup) whole almonds
Step by step instructions

Preparation
Position the rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 325°F (165°C)
Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal
Make sure the egg whites are at room temperature for optimal volume
Making the Batter
In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy (avoid beating until stiff peaks form)
Gently fold in the date paste until fully incorporated
Add both the rice flour and oat flour, mixing until a thick, smooth batter forms
Carefully fold in the whole almonds and dried cranberries, making sure to distribute them evenly
First Bake
Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan
Use a spatula to smooth the surface evenly
Bake for 25-30 minutes until firm to the touch
Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes
Using the overhanging parchment paper, carefully lift from the pan
Second cooking
Using a sharp serrated knife, cut the loaf into ½-inch thick slices while still slightly warm
Arrange the slices flat on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper
Bake for a further 15-20 minutes until golden and crisp


Cool completely on a wire rack
Professional tips for perfect results

Egg whites fluff up best at room temperature
Use a gentle folding motion when folding in ingredients to maintain lightness
Keep almonds whole for authentic texture and appearance


Slice while still warm to avoid crumbling
Watch carefully during re-cooking to achieve golden brown color without over-browning
Storage & Serving
Allow to cool completely before storing
Store in an airtight container at room temperature
Stays fresh for up to 2 weeks
Perfect for dunking in coffee, tea or hot chocolate
Nutritional Information


(Per piece, based on 12 servings)

Calories: 95
Total Fat: 4 g
Saturated Fat: 0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 25 mg
Total Carbohydrates: 12 g
Dietary Fiber: 2 g
Sugars: 6 g (all natural sources)
Protein: 3 g
These healthy cookies offer a guilt-free way to enjoy traditional holiday flavors. Perfect for those on gluten-free, sugar-free, or oil-free diets, these crunchy cookies prove that dietary restrictions don’t mean sacrificing taste or texture.

They make great homemade gifts and are ideal for entertaining guests during the holidays, offering a healthy alternative to traditional sweets.

The combination of nutty almonds and tart cranberries creates a festive flavor profile that’s enhanced by the natural sweetness of dates, making these cookies a sophisticated addition to your holiday cookie collection. Their chunky texture makes them perfect for wrapping and sharing, while their wholesome ingredients make them a great breakfast or afternoon tea treat.

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