No-Bake, Fudgy Raspberry-Filled Cookies (Sugar-Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan)
These Fudgy, Healthy, No-Bake, Sugar-Free Cookies are made with only 6 ingredients. They’re added-sugar-free, gluten-free, and vegan, but they’re so luscious each bite feels like indulgence. The raspberry center is beautiful and adds a fresh, tangy burst of flavor that gives a perfect balance to the richness of this fudgy cookie.
It’s that time of year! When friends and family gather together and share love, time, gifts, … and lots of cookies. Sugar-laden cookies are available all year round, but they’re extra prevalent during the holiday season.
The season of togetherness doesn’t have to also be a season of unhealthiness. If you’re looking for a healthy Christmas cookie, you’ve come to the right place.
Why choose a healthier Christmas cookie?
A typical Christmas cookie contains about 13 grams (3 1/4 teaspoons) of added sugar, not to mention the refined flour, oils, artificial colors, and other unhealthy ingredients.
But some argue, “Well, when you eat a cookie, you aren’t expecting it to be a health food!”
Maybe not, but the average American consumes more than 17 teaspoons of added sugar every day, and that daily intake doubles during the holiday season! Wouldn’t it be great if we could tame that holiday spike? Wouldn’t it be fun if you could have sweet treats that are also good for you? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could enjoy the holiday season and still be kind to your body?
These festive, plant-based cookies are all natural with no added sugar.… And they’re scrumptious enough to hold their own on the cookie tray.
Are these gluten-free, sugar-free cookies really healthy?
Most of the sugar free cookies you find online use a sugar sub (like Splenda, allulose, Swerve, etc.), and are made from refined and processed ingredients. But these healthy, no-bake, sugar-free cookies are not only free from added sugar, but they contain no artificial sugars or other sugar substitutes, and they are made from healthy, whole food ingredients.
Plus, each yummy bite is loaded with beneficial antioxidants, vitamins (like vitamin E), minerals (like manganese), protein, and fiber! (Which is great if you are trying to lose weight.)
And even the decorative cookie coatings are healthy and sugar free too!
Lusciously Fudgy Carob
These irresistible cookies are made with good-for-you carob.
What is carob?
Carob, or St. John’s Bread, as it is sometimes called, is sort of like cocoa – but better. It comes from the carob tree, an evergreen tree native to the Mediterranean region.
Is carob good for you?
Carob is a very healthy food! Carob provides a good dose of vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, and calcium.
How is carob different from chocolate?
Carob is naturally free from caffeine, theobromine, and other harmful components of chocolate that have been shown to be cellular toxins.
What does carob taste like?
While carob does not taste just like chocolate, it is a delicious alternative. Try these No-Bake Fudgy Cookies, and see for yourself that you can have tasty treat that’s good for you too!
How to Make these Healthy, No-Bake, Sugar-Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan Cookies
These decadent cookies are so easy (and fun!) to make.
After ingredients get combined in your food processor, scoop out a ball of dough and flatten it. You can use your hands to flatten the dough or you can place the dough between 2 pieces of parchment paper and use a flat-bottom dish (like a baking dish or a pie dish. I use one of my glass storage containers.)
Place a raspberry in the center, pinch the edges closed, and roll up into a ball.
(Full recipe below.)
Fudgy Raspberry-Filled Cookies FAQ
Can I use a different kind of nut in these cookies?
I have not experimented with any nuts other than almonds, so I can’t say for sure.
Can I use a different kind of dried fruit in these cookies?
Dates are a key ingredient in these sugar-free cookies. They help the mixture hold together and lend sweetness without adding a pronounced flavor. Even if you don’t like dates, I would encourage you to give these a try. I think you’ll like them.
Can I use another fruit instead of raspberries in these cookies?
Although I haven’t tried these with another filling, I think other berries or maybe cherries would work great.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can make these healthy, sugar-free cookies up to two months in advance and keep in the freezer until ready to serve or give as a gift.
I hope these delicious cookies help bring joy and health to your holiday season.
Healthy No-Bake Fudgy Raspberry-Filled Cookies
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup raw almonds
- 3 tablespoons roasted carob powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup soft, pitted dates
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
- 18 frozen raspberries - Fresh raspberries can be used, but frozen are easier to work with.
Optional coatings
- pistachios - finely chopped
- dried raspberries - crushed
- finely ground coconut
- roasted carob powder
Instructions
- Place almonds, carob powder, and salt in food processor and grind until almonds are very fine, pausing once or twice to scrape almond meal from the bottom corner of the food processor.Be sure to use a sharp food processor blade when grinding almonds. You want your almonds to be fine and powdery. A dull blade won’t get them fine and may cause them to release their oils, causing them to be pasty and not powdery.
- Add dates and vanilla. Process until dates are fully pureed. Stop food processor and stir. Continue processing until mixture begins to be slightly sticky. Do not overprocess.
- Scoop out 1 scant tablespoon of dough. Flatten dough into a 2 1/2 to 3-inch diameter circle depending on the size of your raspberries. (See post for tips on easily flattening dough.)Place a frozen raspberry in the center. Wrap the dough around the raspberry enclosing it completely. Gently squeeze and roll the ball to shape it into a smooth, round ball.
- Roll cookie ball in one of the coatings if desired.Repeat with the remaining dough.Place cookies into a airtight container and place in refrigerator or freezer to chill.
Notes
>> One quick request: if you like this recipe, please leave a rating and a comment. Ratings help more people find these healthy recipes!
Want More?
For more healthy and delicious recipes like this one that will simplify your journey to a healthier and thinner you, check out my
You my also like:
Before you go . . .
Did you know that you can eat all this delicious food AND lose weight? You can!
No calorie counting. No portion sizes.
Join my online weight loss program today!
Could I use almond flour instead of the ground almonds to make the Fudgy Raspberry ‘cookies’???
Hi Shane,
I haven’t tried almond flour in this recipe, so I can’t say for sure.
I’m concerned it would either make the dough dry (because almond flour absorbs more moisture than ground almonds) or it would be gummy (because almond flour has less fiber and is a finer texture).
But, I could be wrong. 🙂
Let us know if you try it!
…also, if the raspberries are frozen, do they need to be thawed first? Thank you…looking fwd to try the recipe!
Nope, they do not need to be thawed. The frozen solid raspberries are actually easier to work with.
These are so simple and delicious! I’m making them again!
Hi Sharon,
I’m delighted to hear that you enjoyed the recipe! 🙂 It is super easy and such a crowd pleaser.
Thank you for your comment.
Jennifer