By: Paige Valentik MPS, RD, LDN

The Christmas dessert temptation is real. And let’s face it, during the week of Christmas, who can resist a little indulgence? But, if you’re keeping an eye on your calorie intake (or just trying to stay semi-healthy), this can be a tricky time.

Christmas desserts are some of the most indulgent treats of the year, and they vary widely in terms of ingredients, portion sizes, and calories. Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutrition facts for some classic Christmas desserts. Keep in mind these are rough estimates for a standard serving size, but the numbers can change depending on how the desserts are made.

1. Sugar Cookies

• Calories: 150–200 per medium-sized cookie (about 2.5 inches)
• Fat: 7–9 grams
• Carbs: 22–25 grams
• Protein: 1–2 grams
• Sugar: 10–12 grams

2. Gingerbread Cookies

• Calories: 120–160 per cookie (about 2.5 inches)
• Fat: 5–7 grams
• Carbs: 19–23 grams
• Protein: 1 gram
• Sugar: 10 grams

3. Pecan Pie

• Calories: 500–600 per slice (1/8th of a 9-inch pie)
• Fat: 30–40 grams
• Carbs: 60–70 grams
• Protein: 5–6 grams
• Sugar: 40–50 grams

4. Eggnog (Homemade)

• Calories: 225 per cup
• Fat: 12 grams
• Carbs: 22 grams
• Protein: 6 grams
• Sugar: 17 grams

5. Chocolate Truffles

• Calories: 70–100 per truffle (1 piece, ~1 oz)
• Fat: 5–7 grams
• Carbs: 8–12 grams
• Protein: 1 gram
• Sugar: 6–8 grams

There’s a fine line between enjoying your favorites and going overboard, so here’s the deal: Don’t stress. It’s all about finding balance.

First off, don’t even think about completely restricting yourself. The holidays are a time for celebration, and a cookie (or two, or three) isn’t going to derail all your hard work. In fact, a little indulgence is good for the soul—it’s what makes the season feel special! Plus, if you skip the holiday treats entirely, you’ll probably just end up overdoing it later.

Here’s the key (and this shouldn’t be surprising to anyone): moderation. Rather than grabbing handfuls of cookies every time you walk past the plate, try to savor just a few. Choose your favorite treats—chocolate chip cookies, a piece of pie—and enjoy them mindfully. If you’re enjoying a slice of rich gingerbread cake after a holiday meal, skip the second helping of mashed potatoes. Or, take a brisk walk after dessert to give your body some movement. Little swaps like these let you keep the fun without the guilt.

At the end of the day, Christmas isn’t about being perfect. It’s about making memories, sharing moments with loved ones, and enjoying the treats that make the season magical. Just remember: one or two extra cookies aren’t going to ruin everything—but a little balance goes a long way in helping you feel good all season long. And if you overindulge more than you had hoped to, prioritize exercise the following day to increase that calorie burn.

So, indulge in the festive spread and don’t let food be the focus of your holiday. Eat the dessert, enjoy the moment, and keep it all in balance. After all, it’s the holiday season—treat yourself!