Healthy Holiday Breakfasts That Taste Like Dessert

Gingerbread and the holidays are kind of like peanut butter and jelly—they just go together. You won't want to skip breakfast if you know this quintessential holiday flavor profile is making an appearance on your kitchen table. This stack of fluffy gingerbread pancakes is made with whole grains, which means more fiber to hold you over until your holiday gathering. Plus, all those warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice are sure to make you feel warm and cozy inside.

Get the recipe: Gingerbread Pancakes

Related: Creative Ginger Recipes to Try This Winter

Ditch the expensive peppermint latte and replace it with a bowl of protein-packed oats. These overnight oats are flavored like your favorite holiday drink but at a fraction of the calories. Boasting 27 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber, this morning bowl of seasonal deliciousness will definitely keep you satiated until your next meal.

Get the recipe: Peppermint Mocha Overnight Oats

Who said holiday quick breads can't be nutritious? This version is made with whole grains, Greek yogurt, and seasonal fresh fruit like cranberries and oranges, which helps to cut back on the added sugar. Plus, cranberries are a winter nutritional powerhouse, packed with antioxidants, fiber, potassium, and over 20 percent of your daily requirement of vitamin C.

Get the recipe: Whole-Grain Orange Cranberry Bread

Fire up the waffle maker because these holiday waffles are not to be missed. Traditional waffle staples like all-purpose flour, butter, and buttermilk are swapped out for better-for-you ingredients like whole-wheat flour, coconut oil, butternut squash purée and almond milk. Pomegranate arils are sprinkled over the top for a festive flair, not to mention an extra punch of fiber and antioxidants. Look for ready-to-eat POM POMS Fresh Pomegranate Arils from late October through January in the refrigerated section of your produce department to save you time and energy.

Get the recipe: Dairy Free Whole-Wheat Butternut Squash Waffles

There's nothing better than a bowl of warm, hearty oatmeal on a snowy holiday morning. This cranberry pear steel-cut oats recipe gets extra holiday bonus points for its warming spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and allspice and seasonal fruits like cranberries and pears. Pecans and chia seeds add an extra crunch and extra protein, fiber, and omega-3s!

Get the recipe: Cranberry Pear Steel Cut Oats

Give yourself the gift of doughnuts this year. Specifically, these beautiful Earl Grey tea-infused baked doughnuts. Made with whole-wheat flour and cooked quinoa, this delicious holiday breakfast has twice the staying power. Plus, antioxidants in your morning treat? Sold!

Get the recipe: Earl Grey Baked Quinoa Doughnuts

Love banana bread but hate butternut squash? Well, you're in for a holiday treat— you can't taste the butternut squash in this banana bread recipe but you can still reap all its nutritional benefits like vitamins A and C, fiber, potassium, and magnesium. Make a double or triple batch and give extras away as DIY foodie gifts.

Get the recipe: Whole-Wheat Butternut Squash Banana Bread

Looking to get your eggnog fix during the holidays without all the heavy cream, booze, and sugar? This smoothie bowl is your answer. Made with yogurt, skim milk, chestnuts, and an egg, this breakfast is packed with 14 grams of high-quality protein. Plus, it contains no added sugar and is sweetened with cinnamon, vanilla, and gingersnaps.

Get the recipe: Eggnog Smoothie Bowl

If you want to shake up your holiday breakfast and make something fun and creative, you definitely need to try these stuffed pears. Packed with quinoa, flaxseed, and pecans, this recipe also boasts protein, fiber, and omega-3s. The mascarpone cheese, vanilla, and cinnamon make it taste decadent and delicious enough for the holiday season.

Get the recipe: Roasted Quinoa Stuffed Pears

Related: 10 Easy Quinoa Recipes for Every Occasion

Made with chai spices like cardamom and cinnamon and real chai steeped tea, these waffles are loaded with antioxidants. The sautéed pears provide a sweet topping that's packed with fiber and vitamin C.

Get the recipe: Chai Waffles with Sautéed Pears