▶ 1. No refined sugar Til Ladoo → ▶ 2. Gluten-Free Bajra Churma Laddu for Winter Immunity → ▶ 3. Nutrient-Packed Sweet Potato Jaggery Halwa → ▶ 4. No-Sugar Dry Fruit Energy Laddu for Instant Power → ▶ 5. Creamy Millet Til Pudding with Almond Milk → ▶ 6. Traditional Sakkarai Pongal with Moong Dal and Jaggery → ▶ 7. Crunchy Wheat Cornflakes Laddu for modern kid-friendly →

Makar Sankranti is just around the corner, and the excitement is building up! As we step into 2026, many of us are looking forward to the kites filling the sky, the warmth of the bonfires, and of course, the delicious food. This festival, also known as Uttarayan, Pongal, Lohri, or Magh Bihu depending on where you are in India, marks the sun’s journey into Capricorn. It is a time that symbolizes growth, positivity, and the start of longer days.

However, for many of us watching our weight or managing our health, festivals can bring a little bit of worry. We often think, "How can I eat all those sweets without feeling guilty?" The traditional sweets are often loaded with refined sugar and heavy fats. But here is the good news: you do not have to skip dessert this year!

This year, you can enjoy Healthy Makar Sankranti Sweets that are packed with nutrition. By using traditional ingredients like sesame seeds (til), jaggery (gur), millets like Bajra, and nuts, you can make treats that nourish your body instead of harming it. These ingredients are not just tasty; they are chosen by our ancestors because they keep the body warm and energetic during the cold winter days.

In this article, we will explore 7 amazing, healthy recipes. These sweets are easy to make, delicious to eat, and perfect for a guilt-free celebration. Let’s dive into the kitchen!

Why Choose Healthy Makar Sankranti Sweets This Year?

You might wonder why we are focusing so much on ingredients like sesame (til), jaggery (gur), and millets (bajra) for our Healthy Makar Sankranti Sweets. In Indian culture, food is considered medicine, especially during the transition of seasons.

According to traditional wisdom and modern nutrition, the ingredients used in Sankranti sweets are chosen for specific reasons:

• Sesame Seeds (Til): These tiny seeds are a powerhouse of nutrition. They are rich in calcium, iron, and healthy fats, which are essential for keeping the bones strong and the body warm during the cold weather.

• Jaggery (Gur): Unlike refined white sugar, which contains empty calories, organic jaggery is rich in minerals. It aids in digestion, helps purify the blood, and provides a sustained release of energy.

• Millets (Bajra/Ragi): Grains like Pearl Millet (Bajra) are high in fiber and protein. They help in maintaining blood sugar levels and are excellent for heart health.

By using these natural ingredients, we transform simple desserts into immunity-boosting superfoods. Let’s dive into the recipes!

1. No refined sugar Til Ladoo

Sugar-free Til Ladoo made with sesame seeds and dates on a brass plate for winter bone health

When we talk about Sankranti, we have to start with Til Ladoos. They are the heart of the festival. Traditionally, people say "Tilgul ghya, god god bola" (Eat sesame and jaggery, speak sweetly). This version is special because it focuses on using natural sweetness without excess processed sugar.

Why it is healthy: Sesame seeds are excellent for bone health due to high calcium, and using jaggery makes it a better alternative to sugar candies.

Ingredients:

1 cup Sesame seeds (Til)
3/4 cup Jaggery (grated or powder)
1 tbsp Ghee (Cow ghee is best)
1/2 tsp Cardamom powder (for smell)

Simple Making Steps:

Roast the Seeds: Take a pan and dry roast the sesame seeds on low heat. Stir them constantly until they become golden and you smell a nice aroma. Be careful not to burn them.
Melt the Jaggery: In a separate pan, heat the ghee. Add the jaggery and cook it until it melts completely. If you are using a sugar-free substitute like stevia-based jaggery, follow the package instructions, but traditional jaggery is naturally healthier than white sugar.
Mix Together: Add the roasted sesame seeds and cardamom powder to the melted jaggery syrup. Mix it very well.
Shape the Ladoos: This is the tricky part! You have to shape them while the mixture is still warm. Grease your palms with a little ghee and roll small balls. If it cools down, it will become hard to shape.

2. Gluten-Free Bajra Churma Laddu for Winter Immunity

Gluten-free Bajra Churma Laddu recipe made with pearl millet and jaggery for immunity

In states like Gujarat and Rajasthan, Bajra (Pearl Millet) is a winter staple. It is a "heating" food that protects you from the cold. These laddus are filling and provide great energy for a day of kite flying.

Why it is healthy: Bajra is gluten-free and rich in fiber, which helps in digestion and heart function. It also helps control blood sugar levels compared to refined flour (maida).

Ingredients:

1 cup Bajra flour (Pearl Millet flour)
2 tbsp Whole wheat flour (to help bind it)
3/4 cup Organic Jaggery powder
4 tbsp Ghee
1/2 tsp Cardamom powder
Chopped nuts (Almonds/Cashews) – optional

Simple Making Steps:

Make the Dough: Mix the Bajra flour and wheat flour. Add 1 tablespoon of ghee and warm water to knead a stiff dough.
Cook Rotis: Roll out thick flatbreads (rotis) and cook them on a flat pan (tawa) until they are crispy and fully cooked inside.
Make Churma: Break the cooked rotis into pieces and grind them in a mixer to make a coarse powder (Churma).
Add Sweetness: In a small pan, melt the jaggery with a little water to make a syrup. Pour this warm syrup over the churma mixture.
Bind and Roll: Add the remaining melted ghee, cardamom, and nuts. Mix everything well. While the mixture is warm, press it firmly with your hands to form round laddus.

3. Nutrient-Packed Sweet Potato Jaggery Halwa

Healthy Sweet Potato Jaggery Halwa in a glass bowl garnished with almonds

If you are bored of grain-based sweets, this vegetable-based dessert is a fantastic option. Sweet potatoes are naturally sweet, so you need to add very little extra sweetener.

Why it is healthy: Sweet potatoes are rich in Vitamin A and fiber. This dish avoids the heavy use of flour found in traditional halwas.

Ingredients:

2 medium Sweet Potatoes (boiled and peeled)
1/4 cup Jaggery
1 tbsp Ghee
1/4 tsp Cardamom powder
Chopped Almonds and Raisins for garnish

Simple Making Steps:

Mash the Potatoes: Mash the boiled sweet potatoes until they are smooth.
Fry in Ghee: Heat the ghee in a pan. Add the mashed sweet potatoes and cook (sauté) them for 2 to 3 minutes.
Sweeten It: Add the jaggery to the pan. Keep stirring and cooking until the jaggery melts and blends into the potato. The mixture will start to thicken.
Garnish: Sprinkle the cardamom powder and top it with your chopped nuts. Serve it warm.

4. No-Sugar Dry Fruit Energy Laddu for Instant Power

No-sugar Dry Fruit Energy Laddu with dates and nuts for a healthy Sankranti snack

This is the perfect "Healthy Makar Sankranti Sweet" for people who want to avoid added sugar and jaggery completely. The sweetness comes entirely from dates and raisins. It is an excellent snack for children or for an energy boost during long festival days.

Why it is healthy: It has zero added sugar. It is packed with proteins and good fats from the nuts, making it a brain-boosting snack,.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup Peanuts
1/4 cup Cashews
1/4 cup Almonds
1/4 cup Raisins
25 Seedless Dates (adjust for sweetness)

Simple Making Steps:

Dry Roast: Dry roast the peanuts, cashews, and almonds separately until they are crunchy. Let them cool down.
Remove Skin: If you want, you can remove the skin of the peanuts after roasting, but it is okay to keep it too.
Grind Nuts: Pulse grind the roasted nuts into a coarse powder (don't make it a paste).
Grind Sticky Fruits: Grind the dates and raisins together to make a sticky paste.
Mix and Shape: Mix the nut powder and the date paste in a bowl. The sticky dates will act as the binder. Press the mixture with your hands and roll them into firm laddus.

5. Creamy Millet Til Pudding with Almond Milk

Creamy Millet Til Pudding or Kheer served in a traditional clay pot with saffron

Kheer (pudding) is a favorite in many Indian homes. This version gives the classic rice kheer a healthy makeover by using millets and almond milk. This makes it lighter and more nutritious.

Why it is healthy: Millets (like Foxtail or Barnyard millet) have more fiber than white rice. Using almond milk makes it suitable for those who want a dairy-free or lighter option.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup Millet (Foxtail or Barnyard millet)
2 cups Almond milk (or regular cow milk if you prefer)
1/4 cup Jaggery
1/4 cup Roasted Sesame seeds
1/4 tsp Cardamom powder

Simple Making Steps:

Cook the Millet: Wash the millet and cook it in the milk on low heat until it becomes soft.
Prepare Jaggery: In a separate small pan, melt the jaggery with a tiny bit of water. (Note: Adding raw jaggery directly to boiling milk can sometimes curdle it, so melting it separately is safer).
Combine: Add the melted jaggery to the cooked millet.
Add Crunch: Stir in the roasted sesame seeds and cardamom powder. Mix well and garnish with nuts before serving.

6. Traditional Sakkarai Pongal with Moong Dal and Jaggery

Traditional Sakkarai Pongal with Moong Dal and Ghee served on a banana leaf

In South India, Pongal is the name of the festival and the dish! While "Sakkarai Pongal" is a sweet treat, it uses Moong Dal, which adds protein to the dish.

Why it is healthy: It combines carbohydrates (rice) with protein (dal) and fats (ghee), making it a balanced meal in itself. Using organic jaggery adds minerals,.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup Rice (Organic Basmati or raw rice)
1/4 cup Moong Dal (Yellow lentil)
1/2 cup Jaggery powder
2 tbsp Ghee
1 tbsp Cashews and Raisins
A pinch of Cardamom powder

Simple Making Steps:

Roast the Dal: Dry roast the Moong Dal in a pan on low heat until it turns slightly golden and smells nice.
Pressure Cook: Wash the rice and the roasted dal. Put them in a pressure cooker with about 2 cups of water. Cook for 3-4 whistles until it is very soft and mushy.
Make Syrup: Melt the jaggery with a little water in a pan. Strain it to remove impurities if needed.
Mix: Add the jaggery syrup to the cooked rice and dal. Cook on low flame for 5 minutes so the flavors blend.
Temper: Heat the ghee in a small pan, fry the cashews and raisins until golden, and pour this over the Pongal. Mix and serve hot.

7. Crunchy Wheat Cornflakes Laddu for modern kid-friendly

Crunchy Wheat Cornflakes Laddu for kids - a modern healthy twist on Sankranti sweets

This is a modern twist on traditional sweets. If you have kids who are picky eaters, they will love the crunch of cornflakes. It hides healthy nuts and wheat flour inside a tasty treat.

Why it is healthy: It uses whole wheat flour and nuts. It avoids the deep-frying process often used for other crunchy snacks.

Ingredients:

1 cup Cornflakes
1/2 cup Wheat flour
10 Almonds and 10 Cashews
3/4 cup Jaggery
3-4 tbsp Ghee
2 tbsp Dry Coconut powder

Simple Making Steps:

Grind Crunchies: Take the cornflakes, almonds, and cashews and grind them coarsely (not too fine).
Roast Flour: Heat 2 tbsp ghee in a pan and roast the wheat flour on low heat until it changes color and smells aromatic.
Combine: Add the ground cornflakes mixture to the roasted flour. Fry for 2 more minutes on low heat.
Add Coconut: Add the coconut powder and mix well. Transfer this mixture to a bowl.
Final Mix: Melt the jaggery with a little ghee in the pan until it bubbles. Pour this syrup into the bowl with the flour mixture. Mix well with a spoon.
Shape: Apply some ghee to your hands and press the warm mixture into ladoos. If it is too dry, add a little warm ghee to help it stick.

Tips for a Guilt-Free Festival

Portion Control: Even healthy sweets have calories. Enjoy them, but do not overeat. One or two small pieces are enough to celebrate.
Drink Water: Winter makes us drink less water, but staying hydrated helps digestion, especially when eating sweets with nuts and ghee.
Use Quality Ingredients: Try to buy organic jaggery and pure cow ghee. Good quality ingredients make a big difference in health benefits.
Share the Joy: The spirit of Makar Sankranti is in sharing. As the tradition goes, exchange these sweets with friends and family to spread harmony.

Conclusion

Makar Sankranti 2026 is the perfect time to celebrate tradition without compromising your health goals. This Makar Sankranti sweets list proves that you can honor the harvest festival and fuel your body with nature's gifts like sesame, jaggery, and millets.

Whether you try the calcium-rich Til Ladoo, the protein-packed Pongal, or the kid-friendly Cornflakes Bites, these Healthy Makar Sankranti Sweets are designed to nourish you throughout the winter season. So grab your ingredients, tie on your apron, and make this festival both delicious and nutritious!

Which recipe will you try first? Share your creation with us on Instagram using #HealthySankranti2026!

Happy Uttarayan and Happy Cooking!