Today is Day 16 of “DAMY’s 28 Days of Healthy Holiday Recipes!”

This recipe came to be because my husband and I were craving a cinnamon bun but didn’t want to eat the white flour, white sugar, saturated oils or preservatives that come along with the traditional ones.

So, I went to that kitchen and began to create something that was in tune with my goals, still a treat, but tasted like a cinnamon bun. Well, I am soooo happy that I created this recipe.

These cookies are right on in the flavor of a cinnamon bun. I can barely believe it! We just sat here trying them saying “they taste just like a cinnamon bun!”

Yes, dates have sugar but they are natural sugars. They are also packed with fiber, beta-carotene, iron, potassium, b-complex, vitamin k and so much more! So if you are craving sugar or want to create a healthy sweet treat dates are a great choice!

If you missed any of the previous recipes check them out here:

Day 28 – Egg Nog Almond Joy Blizzard
Day 27 – Skinny Molten Lava Cakes
Day 26 – Phyllo Pastry Cups
Day 25 – Skinny Pecan Pie Tarts
Day 24 – Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls
Day 23 – Gingerbread Cheesecake Bites
Day 22 – Greek Yogurt Cheesecake Bites
Day 21 – Clean Eating Brownie Cupcakes with Mint Fudge Icing
Day 20 – Clean Eating Coconut Macaroons
Day 19 – Clean Eating Chocolate Mint Fudge
Day 18 – Skinny Chocolate Candy Cane Bark
Day 17 – Clean Eating Two Bite Brownies

PLUS – DAMY Holiday Survival Guide
 

Healthy Cinnamon Bun Cookies

Makes 18 (at least)

Ingredients:

• 1.5 Cups of Dates
• 2 Tbsp of Cinnamon
• ¼ Cup of Vegan Butter
• 4 Packets of Stevia
• 2 Cups of Uncontaminated Rolled Oats
• ¼ Cup Almond Meal
• ½ Cup Eggs (or to make this vegan you can use ¼ ground flax and ¼ of water, you may need to add a bit more water. Do so a tablespoon at a time until you achieve a thick yet dough like consistency.)

Directions:

1. Pre-heat your oven to 425.
2. Mix all ingredients in a food processor.
3. Place cookie “dough” in small, 2-bite-sized mounds spaced out evenly on your baking sheet.
4. Bake for 14-18 minutes. Keep an eye on these as all ovens vary.
5. Remove and enjoy!

DAMY Members: Serving is 2 cookies and is to be used as a healthy treat option.
 

Icing Ideas

I have included a few options for icing. You do not have to use icing – it is up to you. If you decide to make sure to use the recipe best suited to you and your goals. Remember this is a treat. Choose accordingly and remember that the icing is just for a light drizzle. Don’t go crazy. Lol

*all icings will be creamier and lighter if you use a mixer, if you do not have one, don’t worry! Just use your spoon and everything will be okay!
 

Greek Yogurt Icing #1

(you want to keep it natural but do not mind the honey sugar)

Spread a small amount of greek yogurt over your cookies. Then drizzle your cookies with honey.
 

Sugar Free Icing

Ingredients:

• 2 Tsp Stevia
• 1/8 Nature’s Own Butter
• ½ Tsp Vanilla
• 2 Tbsp Almond Milk

Blend together with your mixer or by hand until smooth. Add more almond milk if needed.
 

Vegan Icing

(you don’t mind the sugar for this treat but want to keep your version vegan)

Ingredients:

• 1/4 Cup Powdered Sugar
• 1/4 Cup Earth Balance
• 2 Tbsp Vanilla Almond Milk
• ½ Tbsp Vanilla Extract

Directions:

Combine ingredients in a mixing bowl. Blend until creamy. The consistency of the frosting may vary. Add more sugar, Earth Balance or soy milk as needed.
 

Greek Yogurt Frosting Recipe #2

(you do not mind the sugar but what to avoid the added fat and want to add the natural protein in the Greek yogurt to balance out the sugar)

• 1 Cup Non Fat Greek Yogurt
• 1 Tbsp Vanilla Extract
• 1/2 Cup Organic Powered Sugar

Whisk all ingredients until they become a bit thick.
Place in the fridge to thicken even more (around 30 minutes).
 

Amy Layne is a Personal Trainer, Holistic Nutritionist and Lifestyle Expert at DAMY Health. She is the creator of the popular DAMY Method Program and world famous Bikini Body Program. To see Amy’s Before and After Photos and DAMY Member Success Stories Click Here.

Connect with Amy on Twitter @damyhealth and on Facebook.