“I look out the window, and I see the lights and the skyline and the people on the street rushing around looking for action, love, and the world's greatest chocolate chip cookie, and my heart does a little dance” ~ Nora Ephron, Heartburn
Photo Credit – Instagram – @dallasclayton
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Toward the tail end of October, I tried my hand at a fairly strict elimination diet.
If I had to describe it, a Whole30 would probably be the closest. Meat, seafood, eggs, lots of veggies, some fruit, plenty of good fats, herbs, spices, and seasonings. These were in the good column. Things like sugar, dairy, alcohol, grains, in the bad
I hadn't been feeling the best, tummy wise, for longer than I cared to admit, and finally asked my doctor for a referral to a specialist. Yes, she could make room in her schedule. How about the week before Thanksgiving? In the meantime, please start getting used to this kind of a diet.
“It's going to be your friend for quite some time.”
I made it a little over ten days. The cravings that did me in? Ketchup for my hamburger patty, and a bowl of cottage cheese at midnight
Admittedly, the first few days were hard. Even though my diet is pretty clean, there were times when I really struggled with cravings. On my long afternoon walks, I'd find my mind wandering to all the things I wanted
On the shortlist? The coldest Prosecco, homemade bread, ice cream, tomato soup, and chocolate chip cookies
Not just any kind of tomato soup, but creamy Campbell's from a can. The kind my mom made for me 40(!) years ago when I wasn't feeling well. A triangle of grilled cheese on the side for dipping
Not just any ice cream, but the kind my dad used to make back in the day. The old-fashioned kind he spent hours churning by hand on the porch of our family's cottage by the lake
The kind of ice cream that topped my root beer floats at the A&W on hot summer evenings. Orders placed from the back seat of my grandparent's Model T into the crackly speaker at the drive-up
Not just any kind of homemade bread, but a thick toasted slice, buttered and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar (all the way to the edges). It was best eaten in front of the television watching Fat Albert and Scooby-Doo on Saturday mornings
Not just any cookie, but some of my grandma's big bowl of dough. Eaten by the spoonful from the batches she made during the holidays. She'd humble you with her hand-knitted afghans, crocheted pillows on the sofa, and always a gingerbread house. Not to mention, all of the cookies she baked as gifts for friends, neighbors,
and church potlucks
Every year was the same. She started with roll-out cookies in shapes to suit any holiday occasion and moved on from there. Oatmeal, chocolate chip, and even popcorn balls of every color. How many times were her kitchen counters were filled with cookies, frosting, and glittery sprinkles as far as the eye could see?
After a while, I realized my lists were following a similar pattern. Every entry infused with a childhood memory or meaning. Writing down the cravings didn't diminish them, although it shone a spotlight on the truth that they often stem from a powerful emotion
On the day I caved, I also walked, went to a yoga class, and made some winter squash pancakes as something special for dinner. I felt much better than I had in weeks. The previous ten days, proving to be the good start of a reset. I had a lot more energy and was less worried (and embarrassed) about getting a tummy ache during my days
I've returned (mostly) to the diet, knowing I'll need to be strict with myself again very soon
But its made me wonder if sometimes a bit of discipline isn't just what the doctor ordered to shake ourselves out of complacency. At the same time, knowing that a break from the rules for some of life's special moments needs to be ordered up as well (i.e.: your brother's coconut cream pie at Thanksgiving)
There are so many reasons to make edible cookie dough
The weather is hot, the oven is broken, or you have a fierce craving for cookie dough. Perhaps all of the above.
Enter edible cookie dough. This version is not only Paleo but gluten-free. Without leaveners or raw eggs, it can be enjoyed straight from the bowl with a spoon.
Classic chocolate chip is always great, but the variations are endless. I ‘ve added a few suggestions to get you started.
Enjoy!
xoxo
~ Adapted from The Roasted Root
Eat Your Heart Out - Edible Cookie Dough (Paleo)
Ingredients
- Cookie Dough
- ½ cup almond flour, packed
- ¼ cup tapioca flour, cornstarch or arrowroot flour are great alternatives
- 5 Tbsp grass-fed butter, unsalted and cold
- 1 Tbsp honey, to taste (or maple syrup)
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla
- pinch of sea salt
- Optional Add-ins
- For Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
- your favorite chocolate - in chip form (or chopped from a chocolate bar)
- Oatmeal Raisin
- oats
- raisins
- walnuts (or pecans)
- (Note: it's best if you can pulse the oats, raisins, and nuts a few times in your food processor because, with smaller pieces, the flavors will be more evenly distributed throughout your dough)
- Nut Butter and Chocolate
- a spoonful of nut butter (almond or cashew are great)
- chocolate - chips (or chopped chocolate from a bar)
Instructions
- To the bowl of your food processor, add all of the cookie dough ingredients
- Process 2-3 minutes, until a dough forms. (You'll want to stop the food processor a couple of times to scrape the sides)
- At first, the dough will seem crumbly but never fear. Keep on processing until it all comes together in a lump of dough.
- Stir in the mix-ins and serve.
54 Comments
I love the combination of the ingredients, rich and healthy and the fact that it’s edible cookie dough makes it even better. Is the texture of the dough softer with tapioca flour?
Now that’s something I never thought of. We learn something new every day. Edible cookie dough sounds simple enough and seems doable too. Loved the idea of nut butter add in. How about some peanut butter too! Pass it already!
Ooh an elimination diet is tough, I’ve had to do the same. I’ve been gluten free for two years now and I hate it, but my stomach is way better than it was. I love that I can still eat cookie dough! Yay!
Who doesn’t like to sneak cookies dough and we were always told not to because it wasn’t good for us. Now the guilt is gone and we can eat as much cookie dough as we want.
I just made this and it was delish! I was a bit worried because I didn’t have tapioca flour, but I used a combo of cornstarch and arrowroot. I also used a bit more honey, vanilla, and chocolate chips. After it colls in the fridge, I’m planning on rolling it into small balls to freeze and then use in Paleo ice cream. Yum!
I can’t wait to make this! My kids are always trying to eat the raw dough! This is perfect and I will be making this soon!
I just LOVE edible cookie dough. I haven’t tried to make it on my own yet. Normally I buy the already made one in the store. This looks amazing!
I am right there with you I think all of my cravings are for memories from when I was a child. Cookie dough is probably the very top of that list. I can’t wait to try this one.
I just started suffering from tummy troubles. Feelings of full and warm in my gut a lot. It feels a lot like acid reflux, but in my stomach. Really strange. I decided yesterday it was time to clean up my diet, because food heals when eaten properly. This sounds really good, and I love that it’s refined sugar free.
Tomato soup when you are feeling poorly is a must I think, also that cookie dough just looks absolutely delicious – I NEED to to try it!
I admit I have eaten cookie dough all of my life – and that’s a long time. I know, no raw eggs, but for now I ignore it.
I admit I have eaten cookie dough all of my life – and that’s a long time. I know, no raw eggs, but for now I ignore it.
I love the memories you share it is beautiful to read. As for the cookie dough it looks delectable and worth cheating any diet to eat a couple of spoonfuls of it .
What a great and healthy variation. One cookie lover here, I will try your recipe – my nieces will surely be excited once they heard cookie is around the corner this weekend. Thank you for imparting your ideas.
Food conjures up so many memories. For me cooking around the holidays always reminds me of standing alongside my grandma as she would prepare holiday meals for the family. One day, I hope to be a grandma and share those memories with my grandkids. Oh and this recipe looks really delicious.
I really enjoy reading your posts. I am starting to crave so many things from my childhood too now! I tried Whole30 and only lasted a couple weeks. It was very hard to do but I felt so much better. This cookie dough recepy is perfect when tou crave something sweet and good! Thanks for sharing.
See you did better than I would have. I would have lasted all of a few hours and then everything would have done me in for cravings. LOL. I have never heard of grass fed butter though. That is new. Looks delish.
Yes, cookie dough is definitely a nostalgic treat from my childhood. I am trying an elimination diet so I’m always looking for alternatives. This recipe is one I can’t wait to try.
I just made this today for a neighborhood get-together and I needed a paleo-friendly dessert for myself (I also made a regular pumpkin cheesecake for everyone else). This is so good! I couldn’t believe it tasted exactly like regular cookie dough. Yum!
I am a huge fan of chocolate chip cookie dough. Raw eggs be dammed, I’m gonna eat it. But this sounds so much better than the normal stuff.
I’m actually doing a whole 30 right now myself, I’ve been on it for an entire week already and yesterday was the first day I’ve been craving something sweet. I’m being a bit stricter this time than I would normally do for many reasons but sometimes I just need something sweet, this might be the perfect alternative for me.
I’ve never tried this diet before but I’m actually really interested in it. I do have cravings though but your recipe would help in that department.
This is such a great post. I love finding gluten free options of the things that I love. Thanks for sharing!
I was on a couple of different strict diets like that last year. I didn’t last a super long time either. Ultimately, the headaches did me in.
Hi Ali
I nominated your blog for a Liebster Award. Keep up the great work!
http://venusfitness.ca/2017/11/11/blogging-win-2017-liebster-award/#more-2671
~Shannon
Awww, Shannon. You are the sweetest! Thank-you so much, hun. x
That diet sounds really hard. I feel like strict diets just turn into worse choices for me. I am sure everyoen is different. I am going to make your recipe – my husband LOVES eating raw cookie dough but I hate when he does it. So unhealthy! THis is a great idea.
I am known to eat tons of cookie dough right out of the bowl so this would be perfect, looks delicious!
Gosh, I have so much to say about your post I don’t even know where to begin – when I starting talking about food and health my husband practically has to drag me away! But, I’m gonna limit myself to just 3 things (lol). first, your grandma sounds like my grandma. Most of the year she only made desserts once a week – but at Thanksgiving and especially the week leading up to Christmas – look out, sugar cookies and cakes and pies galore! Second, I firmly believe that when processed foods are taken out of the picture completely, our bodies tell us exactly what we do and don’t need to eat – and it’s mostly a little bit of everything (barring certain medical conditions of course). And third (I know, finally right), I think you’re right about the cravings being partly about memories as much as the food. When people talk about “eating our feelings”, I think the other half of the coin is “eating to recreate feelings”. Anyway, totally loved this – including the idea of “edible cookie dough”
Grandmas and cookies. Yeap and a for sure. My granddaughter, La Princesa, is supposed to be on a Gluten-free diet, so this recipe will make Babushka giant Brownie points. ( or should BB say cookie points?) Gracias for the recipe, you’ve been pinned. BB2U
I can relate to this post. I am diabetic and recently had gastritis as well. My endocrinologist discussed with me the food I am not allowed to have until my blood sugar levels become “acceptable” and my gastritis heals. She said I am not allowed to have food that are sweet, salty, fatty, and tart. No coffee, tea, or alcohol. And then I asked her, “So, you’re telling me the only food I can have are those that are either bitter or bland. OMG. Kill me now!” Ha ha. It is really difficult to go on special restrictive diets. How I wish I could turn back the clock and be a little girl anxiously awaiting the yummy treat my mom and grandma are making in the kitchen.
I hate being put on a restrictive diet even if it is only for a short period of time. The cravings drive me nuts. All I could think about is my mom’s home-cooked meals and my grandmother’s soft chewy oatmeal cookies!
I love cookies. I would like to have some as well. I cannot say it taste amazing cos I havrn’t tasted it yet. But it does look tasty.
First of all I love the recipe and the nostalgia behind this post. I am a fan of your writing. The personal touch you add to your posts is always incredible and something I am learning. I am definitely going to try this recipe over the weekend since I made Saturdays sugar and craving days. I am also eating clean since last week and it’s really hard to not crave late night snacks and snacking in general.
Edible cooking dough! This recipe sounds delicious and easy to make. This would be fun. to make with the kids. Let them think they are getting their hearts desire by eating the cookie dough. They could eat the whole bowl, after all healthy ingredients.
I love cookie dough! The fact that this recipe is edable and healthier is a plus and I love how easy it sounds to make.
I think you are right, sometimes our hardest habits to break are those which are rooted in childhood memories and like you said once you realized what your cravings had been associated with it made you realize exactly what you had to do. I too have stomach issues too and in part my diet most likely does not help. But I agree with you that it is ok to break the rules sometimes but at the same time know what food works best for our bodies. It is something I am still learning about to this day x
Our family loves Cookie Dough but I’ve only made regular cookie dough. A paleo and gluten-free cookie dough is a great idea I should try it out but I think I might have to look for tapioca starch.
I now have gluten-free diet and this is so perfect for me, stay being relatable, fun and always add a bit of chocolate. One of the best recipe posts I’ve seen, your photo quality is magnificent! I love how you make it look so easy, I bet you’re an amazing chef and baker. Keep doing you and your posts make me smile. x
Hmm. Everything I eat is on the bad column. Gah! I don’t think I’m built this or any kind of diet to be honest. Have you seen my blog lately? LOL!! It’s funny how food is always attached to childhood memories right? I’m like that too. I smell peanut butter on toast and I think of the snack my grandma used to make for us yearrssssss ago.
This blog post was very entertaining to read and the recipe sounds delicious! I can’t wait to give it a try because I am always in the mood for cookies!
It is not easy to be on an elimination diet. I have been there and it’s not an easy space to be in. I love cookie dough and this looks like a perfect and healthy way to eat cookie dough. I am going to make this for my girl…I am sure she will love it 🙂
I hope you don’t have to stick to this diet for too long, but good on you for going to the doctor. This cookie dough sounds amazing x
I love this post! I’ve always struggled with tummy problems for far longer that I care to admit, and I know that even though I eat well, my diet is to blame. I’ve tried cutting out dairy and gluten so many times, but I always cave after a week or so.
Can’t wait to try the cookie dough and eat it guilt free 🙂
I love this idea so much! My kids (and myself, admittedly) never really wanted to heed the warnings on the Pillsbury cookie dough buckets that say not to eat it raw… The concept of a cookie dough that’s MEANT to be eaten raw is beyond awesome.
i seriously feel like eating my heart out, when I see your delectable posts!lol! My daughter would love this…gonna give it a try!
Getting rid of dairy?! No way I could do that. I remember there was an academic article that came out a while back that posited that cheese is as addictive as heroin (minus all the things that make heroin bad of course) and I definitely cannot cut cheese out of my diet. So kudos to you for doing it and only cheating a couple times haha. Also, I’d just like to say that I steadfastly believe that all cookie dough is edible 😛 Although yours is obviously less risky haha.
This looks so delicious! I could just eat this cookie dough with a spoon … I can not believe this is dairy free… I mean.. come on! I so want to try this out!
Hi Ali. I know that getting through an elimination diet can be very difficult. But I am told with allowing yourself some fail time from time to time do make you feel better in the long run. Even some studies say that it can help with weight loss and management. Thanks for the great recipe. My daughter will love this. Although I am not sure it works for me dieting. lol
I be honest I hate tomato soup, takes me back to my childhood, just the thought of it. But you are right, when changing up your diet, I think it is good to be strict, but you should allow yourself a treat from time to time, just knowing when to step away from the treat is a good thing.
I have done Whole30 twice. I wish that I could eat that way all the time! I feel so much better after doing Whole30. It is just difficult to maintain that diet all the time with our schedule.
Certain foods and family and memories of childhood all go together for most people. Sounds like you can from a family full of love and homemade treats. Hand-churned ice cream made on a summer’s cottage front porch? Wow, that must have been fantastic. We are lucky today to have so many good ingredients to make treats that can be healthy and good for you so even when following a certain diet or at least trying to lose weight you don’t have to forego a snack or a dessert here and there.
My daughter and I made a batch over the holiday weekend and have fallen in love. I had trouble blending everything in my Vitamix, so I switched to the food processor and problem solved! We dumped everything in, turned it on and waited for the dough to form. It takes a few minutes but requires no stirring. Thanks for another wonderful recipe!
The diet sounds awesome…. and it’s something I try to do… it’s the only way I can drop a few pounds… aka eating clean as possible… but it’s hard to maintain that….. so I definitely ALLOW myself a treat here and there… I am just practicing being mindful. Love love edible cookie dough…. I want some. 🙂 That’s all. hehehe