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Writer's pictureMary Johnson MEd, MSN, RD

An Anti-Inflammatory Christmas Cookie? I'll believe it when avocados fly!

Updated: Nov 1, 2023


Who says that plant-based, anti-inflammatory foods can't be festive and delicious?


Mary Johnson, Registered Dietitian and owner of Healing Food for Cancer, discusses therapeutic properties of this plant-based recipe and demonstrates how to make Anti-inflammatory Gingerbread Cookies for the holidays. These power-packed cookies protect against cancer, boost the immune system and reduce inflammation.


RECIPE: Anti-inflammatory Gingerbread Cookies


Baking gingerbread has always been a must on ‘cookie-day’ before the holidays. I have fond memories of cutting out cookies with my siblings and later with friends and their kiddos. I wanted to create a gingerbread recipe so people following a plant-based, anti-inflammatory diet could enjoy holiday cookies without giving it a second thought. These cookies substitute regular flour with immune boosting spelt flour – especially important to during cold and flu season as well as Covid-19. A ripe banana and avocado act as substitutes for the sugar and butter normally used for gingerbread. This recipe has many therapeutic, cancer-fighting properties as well as vitamins and minerals. Best while warm from the oven, the texture is chewy and moist. They’ll deliciously satisfy cravings while allowing you to enjoy guilt-free! Just watch out for those flying avocados! Note: The texture of these cookies does not lend itself to making cut out gingerbread cookies.

Ingredients 1 medium ripe banana (frozen and thawed works fine)

¼ c molasses

2 T organic maple syrup

1 large avocado, ripe

2 T ground flax seed

5 T filtered water

1t ground ginger

½ t ground cardamom

½ t ground cloves

1 t cinnamon (this can be a heaping teaspoon!)

1 t baking powder

½ t salt

1 c spelt flour

1 c whole wheat pastry flour

Optional: Turbinado sugar

Dried cranberries

Instructions 1. In a medium sized bowl, measure the 2 flours, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground ginger, ground cardamom, and salt; set aside. 2. In a small bowl, mix the flax and water and let rest for 5 minutes. 3. In the bowl of a stand mixer, mix together at medium speed the banana and avocado. Add molasses and mix until well combined; about 2 minutes. Lower the stand mixer speed to slow and incorporate the flour mixture, a little at a time, until just combined. 4. Add the flax mixture and blend. 5. Cover the bowl and chill the dough for at least 2 hours in the freezer or overnight in the refrigerator. 6. Preheat the oven to 375F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 7. Place the turbinado sugar into a bowl. Roll the cookie dough between your hands into 1” balls. Roll the balls into the turbinado sugar and place on top of the parchment lined cookie sheet, 9-12 cookies at a time. As an alternative, you may place a cranberry or two on top of the cookie. 8. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a minute or two before transferring to a wire rack. These cookies are best served warm. Please note, this is not intended to act as a substitute for individualized medical care. Please consult a Registered Dietitian to create an individualized plan based on your condition. You are worth it! FESTIVE MUSIC: Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100270 Artist: http://incompetech.com/


Healing Food for Cancer is a virtual integrative nutrition counseling practice. I’m licensed in TX, FL, KY and OH and am also able to see people in , OR, CA, ID, UT, AZ, WY, CO, TX, OK, WI, IN, WV, VA, PA, NY, VT, NH, MA and CT. To learn more about working with me, visit healingfoodforcancer.com.



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Cancer care

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