These Gluten Free Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are filled with rich chocolate flavor, all while being paleo, dairy free, and nut free. Creating healthier, lower sugar versions of classic recipes is one of my favorite things to do and that includes holiday cookies. These cookies are still sweet and delicious all without leaving you with a sugar hangover.
gluten free chocolate crinkle cookies
Chocolate crinkle cookies are super easy to make. The base is a combination of gluten free flours, cocoa powder, and coconut sugar. This is combined with the wet ingredients and then the cookies get rolled in powdered sugar before baking. You can easily double or triple the batch, as well. So, let’s make some gluten free chocolate crinkle cookies!
These delicious gluten free chocolate cookies are allergy friendly and half the sugar! They are still rich in chocolate and perfect to bake this holiday season, all while being paleo, dairy free, and nut free.
1/2cuppowdered sugar*See notes on how to make your own
Instructions
Whisk together the dry ingredients (flours, cocoa powder, sugar, salt, baking soda) in a small bowl.
Whisk or beat together the egg, coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet and use a spatula to combine.
Place the dough in the fridge for 20 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350F.
Roll tablespoon sized balls of dough into an even circle (any lumps will result in lumpy cookies that aren't very round) and roll in the powdered sugar.
Place cookies 2 inches apart on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake one cookie sheet at a time on the middle rack for 12-15 minutes, until the edges are just firm.
Let cookies cool on baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Dust with more powdered sugar, if desired.
Notes
*You can make your own powdered sugar at home by blending together 1 cup of sugar with 1 Tbsp. of starch (tapioca, arrowroot, or corn works). Blend on high for several minutes until you get the light, fluffy consistency of powdered sugar.
gluten free and dairy free chocolate crinkle cookies
These Spinach and Feta Chicken Meatballs are a delicious and flavorful meal that can be made completely dairy free. Packed with protein, fiber, and micro-nutrients, this will be your new favorite dinner!
spinach and feta chicken meatballs
These Greek inspired chicken meatballs are easy to make and filled with flavor. They are also great for food allergies or restrictions because they are naturally gluten free and you can use plant based feta if needed (like I did). I also keep them low FODMAP by using fennel and garlic infused olive oil. It’s one of my favorite ways to add flavor without stomach discomfort. This dish packs a flavor and nutrient punch!
These spinach and feta meatballs are perfect for meal prep. I love to make a batch at the beginning of the week and use them for dinners or lunches.
spinach and feta chicken meatballs
Spinach and Feta Chicken Meatballs Ingredients
Ground chickenbreast: the base protein in this recipe
To make these Greek-inspired meatballs, all you have to do is chop your veggies and mix all the ingredients together. Then bake at 400F for about 25 minutes. It’s that simple!
Variations and Substitutions
Chicken: ground turkey would also work. I’m not a fan of dark meat, so I always use chicken breast, but these meatballs should work well with either!
Cilantro: if you’re not a cilantro fan, parsley would also work!
Feta: feta has a unique flavor and tastes best in these meatballs. I don’t suggest using another variety of cheese.
Fennel: fennel is a great low FODMAP alternative to onion. If you tolerate onion okay, feel free to use that instead.
Garlic infused olive oil: this is a great low FODMAP alternative to garlic. You can find oils like this at your local olive oil store or click the link to order from my favorite store. If you tolerate garlic, you can just use regular olive oil and some chopped garlic cloves.
Greek inspired chicken meatballs
Storage
Keep leftover chicken meatballs stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
You can also freeze these meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 months.
How to Serve Chicken Meatballs
I love serving these over rice and with some sort of Greek salad. I often make a cucumber, bell pepper, and olive salad drizzled with olive oil and oregano. It pairs perfectly with these spinach meatballs.
For a paleo option, serve with cauliflower rice.
These would also taste great with a roasted beet salad.
These Spinach & Feta Meatballs are filled with nutrients and flavor! They are super easy to whip up and perfect for family dinner or meal prep.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword allergy friendly, Easy, Simple
Servings 4servings
Author Victoria Faling
Ingredients
1lbsground chicken
2handfuls of spinach
1/4cupcilantro
1/2cupfetavegan or regular (if using a block, be sure to crumble it)
1/2cupdiced fennel or onion
1/2tspsalt
1tsporegano
1Tbspgarlic olive oil
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400F.
Dice the spinach and cilantro, then add everything to a bowl and mix well. This is done best with your hands to make sure all the ingredients come together evenly.
Form into 16 meatballs and place on parchment lined baking sheet.
Bake for 25-28 minutes, until slightly golden and cooked through.
If you’re trying to eat healthier, but still want candy, then you’ve got to make these walnut-date cups! These are super easy to make and perfect for Halloween! Save yourself, and the kids, the sugar rush with this more balanced treat.
These chocolate and coconut butter cups are completely gluten free and vegan. They are filled with walnuts for that crunch and dates for natural sweetness. We mix the filling with some cinnamon to bring it all together. I prefer to use dark chocolate for the chocolate cups to keep it dairy free and low sugar, plus that’s the best chocolate. The coconut butter cups use pure coconut butter, no added sugars! Balance the sweetness with some flaky salt on top.
Lower sugar and healthier candy is possible! Switch up the Reese’s for these brain boosting walnut and date cups. Keep them low sugar with dark chocolate or sugar free by using naturally sweet coconut butter
1cupchocolate chipsEnjoy Life is my preferred, allergy friendly brand
1tbspcoconut oil
3/4cupmelted coconut butter
1/2cupchopped walnutsYou can substitute the walnuts for your favorite nut or seed!
1/2cupchopped dates
1tspcinnamon
Flaky salt
Instructions
Line a muffin tin with silicone or paper liners.
Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil together in the microwave at 30 second intervals or over the stove.
Pour 1 heaping teaspoon of melted chocolate in the bottom of 6 cups. Enough to cover the bottom of the cup.
Pour 1 heaping teaspoon of coconut butter in the bottom of the other 6 cups.
Pop the muffin tin in the freezer for 10 minutes, until the butter and chocolate has hardened.
Combine the walnuts, dates, and cinnamon together in a bowl.
When the cups are ready, place about 1-2 teaspoons of the filling in each cup. Spread it evenly over the cup so you have an even layer.
Top each chocolate cup with ~2 teaspoons of melted chocolate (if the chocolate began to harden, zap it in the microwave for 10 seconds until smooth and melted again). You want enough chocolate to cover the filling. Sprinkle some flaky salt on top if desired (I highly suggest doing so!).
Repeat this process with the coconut butter cups. I don’t suggest salt for the coconut butter cups, it compliments the chocolate cups better.
Place back in the freezer until cups are solid (at least 20 minutes), then transfer to a glass container and store in the fridge for up to a week. You can keep any leftovers in the freezer.
Remember the viral baked feta pasta? Well, we are making it fall themed with this creamy feta and butternut squash version! This is an easy dish to make and perfect for a family dinner or meal with friends.
This delicious and cozy meal is perfect as the weather cools off. I keep this dish completely dairy free by using a plant-based feta option, but you can use regular feta, as well. You can keep the dish completely gluten free or even paleo based on the pasta you decide to use.
This super simple meal basically just involves roasting everything, blending it together, and tossing with your pasta of choice! I love adding in chicken-apple sausage, as well as some other veggies. If you’re not a huge veg person, this is a great way to get your veggies in and perfect for hiding veggies in dishes for picky eaters.
This is a fall take on the viral feta pasta. A creamy, cheesy butternut squash sauce brings all the fall flavors into this savory dish.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword Easy, fall, Fall flavors, Simple
Servings 4
Author Victoria
Ingredients
4cupschopped butternut squashabout a 1.5 lbs butternut
1cupcherry/baby tomatoes
2tbspfresh thyme, de-stemmed and chopped
1tspsage powder
1tspsalt
2-4tbspolive oilI like to use 1 tbs. of garlic infused olive oil (If you are not using garlic infused, add a few cloves of garlic to the dish)
1blockfeta4 servings of crumbled feta (I use a vegan version)
1 1/2cupsmilk of choice
4servingspasta of choice*cooked
Optional: protein, veggiesI like to use chicken-apple sausage, extra veggies like sautéed kale, peas, or bell pepper
Instructions
Preheat oven to 425F
Add chopped butternut squash, tomatoes, herbs, and salt to a baking dish. Toss with olive oil to coat. If you are not using a garlic infused olive oil, add a few garlic cloves to the dish.
Add your block of feta in the middle of the dish or sprinkle feta on top.
Bake for about 40 minutes, until squash is fork tender.
Let the squash cool down for 10 minutes before adding to a high speed blender or food processor with the milk. Blend until smooth.
Taste and add more salt or herbs as desired.
Toss your cooked pasta, protein, and veggies (if using) with the butternut squash sauce. I like to sprinkle some nutritional yeast on top. Enjoy!
Japanese sweet potatoes are the superior sweet potato. They are so sweet and delicious! They pair well with almost anything and take on flavors in a lovely way. I eat them all the time, but wanted to find a new way to cook them. This crispy smashed version is fantastic.
After steaming the sweet potatoes, we’ll smash and broil them to get a crispy top. Of course, lots of oil and butter to keep them moist and delicious, plus some herbs for a little pop of flavor. This is a delicious, allergy friendly side dish that will please everyone!
This side dish is sure to please with it’s sweet and salty, soft and crunchy combo. We’re using my favorite sweet potatoes combined with aromatic herbs for a delicious potato dish!
Ingredients
2-3Japanese sweet potatoes
2-3tbspolive oilI prefer the garlic infused kind
1tbspdried thyme
1tbspdried rosemary
1tbspflakey sea salt
Butter of choiceI used a vegan variety
Instructions
Chop your sweet potatoes into large chunks and steam until fork tender.
Preheat oven to broil as you prep the potatoes.
Spread steamed potatoes on a parchment baking sheet and use the bottom of a glass to smash them down slightly. They may stick, just smash and scrape off the bottom of the glass. This doesn’t have to look any type of way.
Once smashed, make sure the sweet potatoes are evenly spread out.
Drizzle with olive oil, enough to cover them generously. Then sprinkle the thyme, rosemary, and salt evenly over top.
Broil for 8-15 minutes. The time will depend on your oven. You want a light crisp on the top without burning them.
Mini desserts are the cutest and that includes these mini apple pies. Plus, you get to eat a whole pie yourself! Um, win-win! Apple pie is my favorite pie and I thought it would be so fun to make mini ones.
gluten free mini apple pies
This recipe is completely gluten free with a paleo option. I will be honest, using the Beth Blends does result in a drier crust, but if you are going for full Paleo then it’s a great option (use code LNL for 10% off) . There is also no dairy or nuts in this recipe and I provide a few ways to make the crust depending on your desired sugar intake.
These mini apple pies are an adorable way to enjoy one of the best desserts ever. Each person can get their own pie, topped with a scoop of ice cream, of course! Enjoy these completely gluten free and dairy free mini pies
Whisk the dry ingredients for your crust together.
Cut in the oil/butter then add in the maple syrup (if using) and egg and use a fork to combine. You'll eventually want to switch to your hands to bring the dough together. If the dough seems dry or isn't holding together well, add 1 tbs. of cold water as needed.
Form the dough into a ball and wrap in plastic wrap. Place in the fridge while you make the apple filling.
Filling
For the filling, mix your chopped apples with the remaining filling ingredients
Preheat oven to 350F.
It’s best to line a muffin tin with silicone muffin liners. That is the easiest way to get the pies out. If you don’t have these, spray your muffin tin generously with oil.
Roll the dough out between two sheets of parchment paper until it is about 1/4 inch thick or slightly thinner than that. Use a glass or round cookie cutter that is about 3inches in diameter to cut out 8 circles.
Lift a circle with a spatula and carefully line a muffin hole. It’s okay if the crust breaks, just press it back together and form it into the muffin hole. Repeat with remaining circles.
Fill each pie base with apple filling.
Re-roll out the remaining dough and use a slightly smaller circle to cut 8 crust tops out. Place a circle over the top of a mini pie and gently shape it to fit, pressing the edge into the base as possible. Use the tip of a fork to press the edges together and crimp the dough. Poke a couple holes in the top of the crust with the fork. Repeat for all pies. You will need to work gently with this dough, but it’s easy to fix any breaks.
If you have leftover dough, you can make another pie!
Brush the top of each pie with olive oil or egg.
Bake for about 20 minutes, until the tops are golden and firm to the touch.
Let cool completely and enjoy!
Notes
*Alternatively, you can use Beth Blends for a paleo option (use code LNL for 10% off)**If you don’t want to add the maple syrup, you can use 1/3 cup of coconut oil or butter
Hi! I'm Victoria. I was diagnosed with Lyme in 2012 and have been on a healing journey ever since. I love helping others on their road to healing through allergy friendly recipes, exercise, and overall well-being.
