Delicious Raw Shortbread Cookies: Easy Recipe for Guilt-Free Treats

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A clear plastic container filled with round and flat beige cookies speckled with dark bits, sitting on a light-colored marble surface, reminiscent of guacamole's intriguing blend of textures.

Your energy is lagging, and your stomach is growling for something fresh, flavorful, and wholesome. You’ve already sworn off the usual salty, processed snacks, but you want something that’s comforting but also supports your health. This is where the magic happens—your eyes land on a perfectly ripe avocado, and you remember the sauerkraut sitting in the fridge. 

Not just any guacamole recipe will do tonight—it's time for a zesty, probiotic twist that’s as good for your gut as it is for your hormones. Sauerkraut Guacamole is the perfect marriage of tangy fermented veggies and creamy avocado, providing a nutrient-dense snack that checks all the boxes: taste, texture, and health benefits. 

For those looking to shake things up, there are plenty of fun and creative ways to enjoy this Sauerkraut Guacamole recipe beyond the classic dip. Try making a crunchy, refreshing sandwich by spreading the guacamole between two thin slices of jicama—it adds a crisp texture that complements the creamy avocado beautifully. If you’re in the mood for nachos, cut the jicama into chip-like wedges and pile on the guacamole for a fresh take on a snack favorite. Make walnut taco boats like those found in our Fasting While Feasting program and top them with Sauerkraut Guacamole.

hormone blancing Raw Shortbread Cookies
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How Do You Make Nutty Shortbread Cookies?

This is such an easy recipe, and it is dairy free and gluten free! To make these raw vegan cookies, start by grinding macadamia nuts in a food processor until they’re a fine powder, stopping just before they turn to nut butter. Add ground almonds, chia gel, monk fruit extract, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt, processing until a dough forms. (Stop processing before it starts to look like almond butter).

Shape the naturally gluten free dough into cookies by hand or with cookie cutters for a festive touch. Set them on your serving tray or a pan lined with parchment paper.

These are ready to eat right away, you don't even have to wait for these to cool! You can also freeze them for 20 minutes to set, then store in the fridge in an airtight container—or dehydrate them for a chewier, warm texture. 

How Do You Customize This Recipe?

There are so many ways to make this great recipe for gluten-free shortbread your own! For a richer flavor, try using ground hazelnuts instead of almonds or adding a sprinkle of cocoa nibs for that rich dark chocolate flavor. 

Don't have ground almonds, use almond flour. Don't have macadamia nuts, use cashews.

Adjust the sweetness to taste, and play with the spices—ginger, clove, cardamom, or nutmeg could be delicious additions.

Add a little zing with some lime or lemon zest or finely chop some orange rind and throw into the mix.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try incorporating adaptogenic superfoods like maca root powder, cordyceps, or a mushroom blend for added health benefits. 

A chocolate lover? Dip into some melted stevia sweetened dark chocolate chips.

Enjoy these delicious holiday treats after a holiday turkeyless turkey loaf or with a Hemp Eggnog Smoothie.

A white plate with raw cookie dough sits next to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. The baking sheet holds six shaped cookies: three circles, one star, and two rounded cookies. A spatula rests in the dough on the plate, evoking the creativity of guacamole-inspired treats.

How Do These Ingredients Help With Blood Sugar Balancing, Heart Health, and Other Hormones?

This nutrient-packed shortbread cookies recipe supports balanced hormones, heart health, and stable blood sugar levels. Macadamia nuts and almonds provide monounsaturated fats for cardiovascular health, while chia seeds add fiber and omega 3 fats that feed the gut microbiome and provide anti-inflammatory benefits.

Naturally sweetened with monk fruit, these cookies avoid blood sugar spikes, making them ideal for low-glycemic diets. Adaptogens like maca and mushroom blends offer an optional boost for stress resilience and hormonal balance, making these cookies a delicious and wholesome treat for health-conscious eaters.

Macadamia Nuts and Almonds  

These nutrient-dense nuts are a rich source of plant-based monounsaturated fats that help in promoting heart health, stabilizing blood sugar, and supporting a balanced microbiome. Macadamia nuts are high in monounsaturated fats and contain unique form of fatty acid called palmitoleic acid and palmitic acid. Palmitic acid supports metabolic health by regulating lipid synthesis in the liver and reducing insulin resistance. Some studies show that diets that include macadamia nuts may lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol.

Almonds, especially when sprouted, add extra fiber, vitamin E, and magnesium—nutrients essential for reducing inflammation and supporting metabolic function. Research even suggests almonds help promote healthy gut bacteria diversity, which is critical for immune support and reducing inflammation. Some studies also show that almonds may help improve mental performance and even support skin health by protecting against sun damage.

Chia  

Chia seeds are packed with fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenols, and essential minerals. This combination slows the absorption of sugar, stabilizing blood glucose levels and providing sustained energy. The high fiber content also nourishes gut bacteria, promoting a healthy microbiome and indirectly aiding hormone regulation. Chia seeds are high in antioxidants that help protect cardiovascular health, while the fiber has been shown to support gastrointestinal health and a healthy microbiome. 

Monk Fruit Extract  

Monk fruit serves as a natural, zero-calorie sweetener, making it a great choice for blood sugar management. Monk fruit, rich in antioxidants, also has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective benefits. Its flavonoid compounds work as antibacterial agents and provide cellular support by combating oxidative stress. Monk fruit has also been used in traditional Chinese medicine for ailments like cough and sore throat and has shown promise in modern studies as a supportive ingredient for metabolic health and immune function.

Cinnamon  

Cinnamon is widely known for its positive effects on insulin sensitivity. Cinnamon also provides strong antioxidant support that helps to protect brain cells, potentially warding off neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties make it a multifunctional ingredient for supporting the heart.  

Optional Superfoods: Maca, Cordyceps, and Mushroom Blends  

These adaptogenic ingredients add an extra layer of hormone and immune support. Maca, used traditionally for endocrine health, has an ability to help balance reproductive hormones and boost energy. Cordyceps and mushroom blends are known for their resilience-boosting properties, supporting both immunity and stress response. Adaptogens like these provide balance and bolster the body’s ability to cope with stress which also helps adrenal health.

How Do These Ingredients Help With Blood Sugar Balancing, Heart Health, and Other Hormones?

This nutrient-packed shortbread cookies recipe supports balanced hormones, heart health, and stable blood sugar levels. Macadamia nuts and almonds provide monounsaturated fats for cardiovascular health, while chia seeds add fiber and omega 3 fats that feed the gut microbiome and provide anti-inflammatory benefits.

Naturally sweetened with monk fruit, these cookies avoid blood sugar spikes, making them ideal for low-glycemic diets. Adaptogens like maca and mushroom blends offer an optional boost for stress resilience and hormonal balance, making these cookies a delicious and wholesome treat for health-conscious eaters.

Macadamia Nuts and Almonds  

These nutrient-dense nuts are a rich source of plant-based monounsaturated fats that help in promoting heart health, stabilizing blood sugar, and supporting a balanced microbiome. Macadamia nuts are high in monounsaturated fats and contain unique form of fatty acid called palmitoleic acid and palmitic acid. Palmitic acid supports metabolic health by regulating lipid synthesis in the liver and reducing insulin resistance. Some studies show that diets that include macadamia nuts may lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol.

Almonds, especially when sprouted, add extra fiber, vitamin E, and magnesium—nutrients essential for reducing inflammation and supporting metabolic function. Research even suggests almonds help promote healthy gut bacteria diversity, which is critical for immune support and reducing inflammation. Some studies also show that almonds may help improve mental performance and even support skin health by protecting against sun damage.

Chia  

Chia seeds are packed with fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenols, and essential minerals. This combination slows the absorption of sugar, stabilizing blood glucose levels and providing sustained energy. The high fiber content also nourishes gut bacteria, promoting a healthy microbiome and indirectly aiding hormone regulation. Chia seeds are high in antioxidants that help protect cardiovascular health, while the fiber has been shown to support gastrointestinal health and a healthy microbiome. 

Monk Fruit Extract  

Monk fruit serves as a natural, zero-calorie sweetener, making it a great choice for blood sugar management. Monk fruit, rich in antioxidants, also has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective benefits. Its flavonoid compounds work as antibacterial agents and provide cellular support by combating oxidative stress. Monk fruit has also been used in traditional Chinese medicine for ailments like cough and sore throat and has shown promise in modern studies as a supportive ingredient for metabolic health and immune function.

Cinnamon  

Cinnamon is widely known for its positive effects on insulin sensitivity. Cinnamon also provides strong antioxidant support that helps to protect brain cells, potentially warding off neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties make it a multifunctional ingredient for supporting the heart.  

Optional Superfoods: Maca, Cordyceps, and Mushroom Blends  

These adaptogenic ingredients add an extra layer of hormone and immune support. Maca, used traditionally for endocrine health, has an ability to help balance reproductive hormones and boost energy. Cordyceps and mushroom blends are known for their resilience-boosting properties, supporting both immunity and stress response. Adaptogens like these provide balance and bolster the body’s ability to cope with stress which also helps adrenal health.

A rectangular tray with festive red and white designs holds freshly baked cookies, including star and round shapes, placed on a marble surface, alongside a bowl of creamy guacamole for an unexpected savory twist.

Eating this healthy version of gluten free shortbread cookies will satisfy your cravings without interfering with your health goals. These rich, buttery, dairy free cookies taste delicious and are packed with nourishing ingredients that support balanced blood sugar, heart health, and hormonal harmony—perfect for a wholesome holiday treat!

These rich, nutty shortbread cookies blend macadamia and sprouted almonds for a wholesome, festive treat supporting balanced blood sugar and heart health.

An assortment of star, round, and ball-shaped cookie dough pieces, reminiscent of the vibrant hues of guacamole, arranged in rows on a brown baking tray. Some cookies are shaped like stars, while others are circular or spherical, ready to be baked to perfection.

Nutty Shortbread Cookies Recipe

These rich, nutty shortbread cookies blend macadamia and sprouted almonds for a wholesome, festive treat supporting balanced blood sugar and heart health.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Freez 2 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine International
Servings 12
Calories 81 kcal

Equipment

  • food processor
  • cookie cutters

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup macadamia nuts
  • 1 cup ground almonds preferably sprouted
  • 1/8 cup chia gel
  • 1/8 tsp pure monk fruit extract
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • Optional Superfoods
  • 1/2 tsp maca root powder
  • 1/2 tsp cordyceps
  • 1 tsp mushroom blend

Instructions
 

  • Grind macadamia nuts in a food processor until they’re powdery but not yet buttery.
  • Add remaining ingredients and pulse until the mixture resembles cookie dough.
  • Shape into cookies by hand or with cookie cutters. Eat right away or dehydrate until warm. You can also freeze for 20 minutes, then store in the fridge.

Nutrition

Calories: 81kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 1gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 49mgPotassium: 43mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 0.2IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.4mg
Keyword Cookies, Easy vegan recipes, health desserts, hormone balancing foods, Vegan, Vegan Desserts
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Where Can You Find This and Other Nutritious, Delicious Recipes?

For more holiday treats recipes that deliver on both taste and health, take a look at the Healing Kitchen: Holiday Recipe Makeovers episode in the Body Freedom Nutrition Lab. You’ll find plenty of nourishing, energizing, and satisfying options to enjoy all season long. You can also explore our video course on Healthy Holiday Treats for even more delicious inspiration!

Serves: 12 cookies, dessert Dish, Prep 15 minutes, Freeze  2 minutes, Supplies: Food processor, cookie cutters (optional)

Banner for "Hormone Harmony Marketplace" features the Unstoppable Health logo. A wave design highlights oral health essentials and displays heart-friendly foods like bananas, leafy greens, berries, nuts, seeds, and salmon on the right.

Discover the Hormone Harmony Marketplace

Explore our curated collection of recipes, guides, videos, and more to support your hormone health journey.

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