Grain free cookies naturally sweetened and dairy free!
Read moreGluten Free Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ever since going gluten free, my desire to bake has grown more than ever, which doesn’t make things easy when you are newly learning all about gluten free baking!
That is why I am SO excited about these cookies! I used cassava flour which is an awesome gluten free substitute in baking. They are chewy, which doesn’t always happen with baked gluten free goods, and the brown butter just makes these cookies all the much better! Let me know if you make them!
Brown Butter Oatmeal M&M Cookies
These brown butter oatmeal M&M cookies are full of so much flavor. Subtle hints of oats, caramel, molasses and chocolate. All combined into one cookie makes it incredibely delicious!
Browning butter might be the most amazing addition to desserts ever, besides anything chocolate. It takes flavor to a whole new level! I love to pair browned butter with oatmeal desserts because the two combos together create a blissful marriage. Am I selling you on the stuff or what?!
I adapted these cookies from an original recipe on my site called Mini Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies. I know they seem daunting, and I hate waiting for cookies to set in the fridge, but I promise you it’s so worth it!
Ingredients:
3 sticks salted butter**(8.5 ounces browned butter)
3/4 cup white sugar
1 1/4 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 TB. vanilla
2 cups white flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
sprinkle of ground nutmeg
2 1/2 cups old fashion oats
1 cup mini or regular M&M’s
1 cup milk or semi sweet chocolate chips
**
Directions:
Brown your butter. In order to get about 8 and a half ounces of browned butter you need 3 sticks. To brown your buttter, place butter in a pan. Turn on heat to medium. Continue to slowly stir butter until it melts. Watch it, stiring occassionally. Butter will get frothy and begin to brown after about 3-4 minutes. Continue to stir and cook butter until butter is rich brown/golden brown color. Set aside to cool.
In a large mixing bowl, add your sugars and browned butter. Mix until combined. Add in eggs and vanilla and mix together.
Sprinkle flour on top of mixed batter along with baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk into batter.
Using a rubber spatula, fold in oatmeal, M&M’s, and chocolate chips.
Using a 1 inch cookie scoop, or bigger if desired, scoop out batter and place it on a prepared cookie sheet. (I like to use parchment paper on top of cookie sheets for an even bake.) Using your hand, press down slight on the dough so the top isn’t so rounded.
No need to space the cookie dough becaues the dough needs to be refrigerated. Cover tightly and refrigerate the dough for at least an hour so the dough can firm up.
Once the dough is ready, preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Space your cookies out on different cookie sheets that have parchment paper on them.
Bake cookies anywhere between 9-11 minutes, or until slightly golden on top.
Cookies can be stored in an airtight container up to 3/4 days. I like to place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies to keep them soft and chewy.
Cookie dough can be frozen and baked immediately from the freezer. You will have to add a few minutes to baking time.
Baked cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Cinnamon Spiced Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies with Spiced Brown Butter Glaze
These cookies were a HUGE hit all over social media, everyone wanted the recipe! So here I am, fufilling the wishes of everyone and sharing THE recipe for these delicious…OMG so delicious cookies!
Ingredients:
(For the cookies)
375 grams or 3 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. salt (increase to 1/2 tsp. if using unsalted butter)
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 cup salted butter, room temperature
2 ounces or 55 grams room temp cream cheese
100 grams or 1/2 cup white sugar
100 grams or 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 large egg, room temp
2 tsp. vanilla extract
(1/2 cup + 1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon mixed together for rolling cookie dough balls in.)
(For the glaze)
1/4 cup salted butter
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 TB. vanilla
1/2 tsp. cinnamon (Can add more if you want more spice)
1/8 tsp. nutmeg
3 TB-6 TB. water, room temp
Directions:
In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and baking soda. Set aside.
In a stand mixer, add your butter and cream cheese. Mix on low/medium spead until incorporated. Next add in your sugars and mix on low/medium speed. Don’t beat too high because it will add air bubbles which result in a tougher cookie. Make sure all butter, cream cheese and sugar is incorporated.
Mix in the egg and vanilla until combined.
Slowly mix in flour until incorporated and dough comes together. Carefully do not over mix.
Once the dough has come together, wrap it up tightly in plastic wrap and set in the fridge for at least one hour. (Or 2-3 days)
Pull out the dough and let sit on the counter for 10-20 minutes if it’s too hard. Get your cinnamon sugar mixture ready. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
Using a small ice cream scoop, scoop up the dough and roll into balls. Roll your balls into the cinnamon sugar mixture and place on a prepared baking sheet. (I use parchment paper on a baking sheet for the best results when baking cookies.)
Using a small glass, gently press down the cookies ever so slightly, not too much. The cookies don’t really rise or spread much.
Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes. (I did 10) Then let cool on a cooling tray. I like to underbake these a little and not wait until they get too golden.
Directions: (For the Glaze)
Arrange your cookies on a large baking sheet fitted with parchment paper so you can begin to frost them. In a small saucepan, add your butter and begin to melt on medium heat. Continue to stir/whisk occassionaly, and watch the butter melt.
It will melt, then bubble a little, and become frothy. Continue to stir and you will begin to notice the butter browning underneath the froth on top. Remove the pan from the oven and pour the brown butter into a bowl.
Once the butter has cooled slightly, add your powdered sugar, spices, vanilla, and 2 to 3 TB water. Whisk together. If it’s too thick, add a little more water, by the tsp.
You want the frosting to drizzle, but not be too thin it runs off the cookie. If it becomes too thin add more powdered sugar by the TB.
Using a spoon, add about 1 tsp. of frosting on top of each cookie.
Keep in an airtight container up to 3 days. Cookies unfrosted and baked freeze WONDERFULLY. Bring on the coutner from the freezer, still covered, and allow to thaw for at least 12 hours. Then frost as you normally would.
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Mini Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies
Years back when I had my first daughter, she would stick to my side like glue while I was in the kitchen. I loved it!
Not much has changed 6 years later, except instead of one kitchen helper I have three. And instead of one child being in charge of cracking the eggs or mixing the chocolate chips, there are three very opinionated girls who feel they would be better and pouring the vanilla than the other sister.
98% of the time this results in meltdowns, dropped eggs, and one child who always insists on sticking their entire hand in the jar of flour and then shaking it off all over the flour.
It's a crazy, stressed out, pull my hair kind of experience, but I cherish it SO much. Come 10 years they won't want to make cookies with me because they will be fighting me to wear a bikini to school or something horrible like that. So, I'll take eggs and flour all over my floor ANY DAY!
Mini Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients:
8 oz. Kerry Gold Butter, or salted butter, softened
3/4 c. white sugar
1 1/4 c. brown sugar
1 egg + 2 egg yolks
1 TB. vanilla extract
2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2 1/2 c. old fashion oats
2 c. chocolate chips
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a kitchen aid, beat butter until soft for 1 minute. Add brown and white sugar. Beat until fluffy, 2-3 minutes. Add in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla.
4. Slowly beat in flour mixture. Once Incorporated mix in oats. Then fold in the chocolate chips. (I always do this by hand. Prepare your baking sheets with parchment paper or grease, scoop cookie dough onto baking sheets using a mini ice cream scoop.
5. Bake for 7-8 minutes. They will be golden on the outside but undercooked in the middle. Let sit on the pan for about 10 minutes to cool, and then add them to a cooling rack.
6. Store in an air tight container for up to a week, or freeze.
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{Healthy} Chocolate Chip Cookies
(To get the recipe for the 'Happy' version of our favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies, go HERE.) It's no secret that I love making Chocolate Chip Cookies. Every time I get out my big Kitchen Aid mixer and my large bag of chocolate chips, my family knows what is coming!
Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookies
When it came to putting together a healthier recipe, I knew that the cookies had to be just as addicting as the Happy version. I've made my fair share of healthy cookies, but I needed this one to stand out...
And more importantly....
I needed my family not to really notice a difference.
Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookies via The Diva Dish
These cookies, in my mind, are healthy. To others they might still be a 'treat', and that's ok. They are packed with wholesome grains, naturally sweetened, and made with coconut oil instead of butter :).
You could skip the chocolate chips, add nuts and raisins...
But raisins in cookies are just so un cool...
Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookies via The Diva Dish
Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 c. white whole wheat flour
- 1 c. unbleached white flour
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- 1/2 tsp. baking powder
- 3/4 c. coconut oil, softened
- 1/2 c. coconut sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 TB. vanilla
- 1 ripe large banana, mashed
- 1 c. old fashioned oats
- 2 c. chocolate chips, carob chips, or chopped dark chocolate
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.
- In a bowl fitted with a mixer, add coconut oil and sugar. Beat for 2-3 minutes, or until fluffy. Add egg, and mix in, followed by vanilla.
- Next mix in mashed banana.
- Slowly incorporate the flour mixture to the wet mixture. Next mix in the oats, and once that is all mixed, then add in the chocolate chips and mix.
- Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheet using a small cookie scoop. Flatten the tops of the cookies a little.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes. (We like to undercook them slightly, and let harden on the tray.)
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Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookies via The Diva Dish
Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookies via The Diva Dish
(Making her work hard for her cookie!)
Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookies via The Diva Dish
What other recipes would you like to see Happy and Healthy?! Let me know in the comments below!
{Happy} Our Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies
I've been wanting to share this cookie recipe for a LONG time, because everyone loves a classic chocolate chip cookie recipe right? I'm sure there are a million different recipes for the perfect chocolate chip cookie, and believe me I have tried A LOT of them. I wanted a recipe that would stick with our family forever. One that my kids would know were their mom's chocolate chip cookies. A recipe that my friends and family would beg for, where I could hold it over their head hostage and demand their secrets for mine.
And a recipe that wasn't on the bag of the Nestle Toll House bag... ;)
I'm not going to write a long drawn out post and explain why I love chocolate chip cookies so much, so....
Here you go!
Our Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies via The Diva Dish
Our Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies via The Diva Dish
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Our Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies via The Diva Dish
{Happy} Our Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 sticks salted butter, softened
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 TB. vanilla
- 4 egg yolks
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- 1/2 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 2 1/2-3 cups chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a stand mixer, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add vanilla and egg yolks one at a time, mixing after each one.
- In a separate bowl, add your flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix, then slowly mix into batter until incorporated.
- Mix in chocolate chips. (These are full of chocolate chips, so if you want, you can reduce the amount.)
- Using a large cookie scoop, measure out cookie dough onto prepared baking sheet (with parchment paper). Using your palm, flatten the tops of the cookies slightly.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes. I like to undertake mine, then let cool on the hot pan for a minute or two before transferring to a wire rack. Careful not to overbake :). Store in an air tight container. Best eating the first 1-3 days.
- I also store cookies in the freezer and pull them out in the morning and pack them in my girls lunches. By lunch time they have thawed and are perfect to eat.
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Our Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies via The Diva Dish
Our Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies via The Diva Dish
Our Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies via The Diva Dish
Do you have a favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe? How do you like your cookies? Flat, thick, chewy, crispy, chippy?
Almond Flour Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies
Almond Flour Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies via The Diva Dish
I can't tell you how much these cookies saved my sanity. I'm talking a serious Hallelujah moment. I was this close to throwing it all away and digging right into my jar of 'regular chocolate chip cookies' after the first day my oldest went back to school.
I never realized how much my oldest played a major part in the entertaining of my two youngest. They followed her everywhere, played what she played, and did what she did. The minute we got home from dropping her off, the two youngest both looked at me like, "Now what?"
The whole day was spent playing, reading, peek-a-boo-ing, songs, games, and then I told myself..."I'm out of ideas!" It was only lunch time and I still had 3 hours to go...
So we started round 2 of play dough and "Let it Go" on replay and I busted these cookies out in desperation. Usually when I do things like that, the recipe NEVER turns out. But I think the sanity Gods were on my side, because 5 cookies later I decided these were something that definitely needed to be shared...
Almond Flour Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies via The Diva Dish
Almond Flour Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies via The Diva Dish
Almond Flour Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups almond meal/flour
- 2 TB. coconut flour
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- 1/4 c. almond butter**
- 1 TB. vanilla
- 1/2 c. pure maple syrup
- 1/4 c. melted coconut oil
- 3/4 c. chocolate chips
- 1/2 c. unsweetened shredded coconut
- **I used stir natural almond butter, which contains more oil than a no stir almond butter. If your almond butter isn't a natural kind, or has a less oily base, just add 1-2 tsp. additional oil.**
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together flours, salt, and baking soda. Set aside.
- In a larger bowl, whisk together almond butter and vanilla. Next whisk in maple syrup. Slowly whisk in coconut oil until incorporated. Add the dry to the wet, and using beaters, beat together on slow the ingredients.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and coconut.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Using a small ice cream scoop, scoop batter onto cookie sheet. Using your fingers, flatten the tops of the cookies slightly.
- Bake 8-9 minutes, let cook and eat!
- Cookies will soften a little once stored in a container.
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Almond Flour Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies via The Diva Dish
And by shared I mean alone in your room sharing with you, yourself, and...you.
These cookies are soft and chewy on the inside, with a slight crunch on the outside! I couldn't believe how perfect they turned out, especially being made without regular flour and liquid sweetener!
Almond Flour Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies via The Diva Dish
Save the 'regular' chocolate cookies for when things start looking really bad...
Like when your daughter asks to play "Let It Go' for the 645 time. That's when you know it's bad.
Mom's Gingerbread Cookies
*This is not an exaggeration. Hands down, these are the best Gingerbread cookies I've ever had. And many friends and family agree!* Not many grandmas have Facebook pages created on behalf of things they've said...But mine does.
The BEST Gingerbread Cookies via The Diva Dish
I'm pretty sure I've talked about her before on the blog, and her name is Grandma B. Every so often she will come out to visit my little family and spend a few days. It's always an adventure. There are always memories made. And you never forget when Grandma B. visits. Ever.
From the second you open the door you hear squeals of delight from three tiny girls, and a "Ooooooohhhh hellOOO!", from Grandma B. herself. Her slight Argentine accent peaks through as she talks about the weather in Las Vegas and how beautiful it really is. She then proceeds to walk around the house stating, "Ok, let's see what's new around here.", as she examines each piece of furniture/decor debating whether that was here last time she stayed with us.
The BEST Gingerbread Cookies via The Diva Dish
She brings with her chamomile tea, english muffins, and orange marmalade for her to have for breakfast each morning, alongside the LA Times. She talks about uncomfortable positions in politics and asks if I need eye makeup for Christmas since she hasn't seen me wear any in the 2 days she's been here.
My girls love to get her attention by making the loudest noise possible, which of course she loves. She always asks the right questions, like about my breasts and time of the month schedule. Quickly followed by remarking in front of the kids how hard it must be for me to hide the elf on the shelf every morning. Don't worry, they didn't catch on. They also missed when she asked them if they saw the real Santa at our church Christmas party or a pretend one...
The BEST Gingerbread Cookies via The Diva Dish
And each times she visits, we laugh, we play, and we eat lots of food. (She also folds my laundry!!) It might be uncomfortable at times, and I probably will never use the word breasts again, but isn't that what the holidays are all about?! Awkward, fun, memorable, uncomfortable, family togetherness.
And dessert.
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Because if there is one thing I did inherit from my grandmother it's that there must always be something to eat for dessert after breakfast lunch dinner. No matter what.
And what better way to honor that than with my mom's gingerbread cookies! After all, it's all about family.
And breasts.
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Mom's Gingerbread Cookies
Ingredients
- (Royal Icing)
- 6 cups all purpose flour, sifted
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 1/2 tsp. baking powder
- 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- 1 c. dark brown sugar, packed
- 4 tsp. ground ginger
- 4 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 tsp. ground cloves
- 1 tsp. finely ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 c. unsulfured molasses
- (Royal Icing)
- 1/4 c. merengue powder
- 4 c. powdered sugar
- 1/2 c. cold water
Instructions
- In a bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In a mixer, beat together the butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Mix in the spices and salt, then the eggs, followed by the molasses.
- Add flour mixture slowly.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least an hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Roll out a portion of the dough, cut into desired shapes, and place on baking sheet. (Use parchment paper!)
- Chill the shapes for 20 minutes.
- Bake for 8 minutes, or until golden. Do no overtake!
- Cool on a wire rack, and frost when completely cool.
- (Royal Icing)
- Beat all ingredients together. Dye your color of choice.
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Obviously my girls inherited my impeccable cookie decorating skills, not to toot my own horn or anything...
The BEST Gingerbread Cookies via The Diva Dish
The Best Gingerbread Cookies via The Diva Dish
I promise you, despite the heavy sprinkle gear and hot pink frosting, these cookies are irresistible to anyone! Even when Grandma B. says, "well I'll be the judge of that!"
The Best Gingerbread Cookies via The Diva Dish
I hope your holidays are as awkward as mine! ;-)
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies (Muffin Tops & Ice Cream Sandwiches)
Let me share with you the conversations that a household of girls might experience...
Conversation between the 5 year old and 3 year old while getting ready for school in the bathroom:
5 year old: "Is Jack going to be at school today? Don't you think he's cute?! Is he your Boooooyyyyffrriiieennndd?!!!"
3 year old: "HE'S NOT MY BOYFRIEND! We are just friends! We are JUST FRIENDS!"
5 year old: "No, he's your boyfriend. OOOOOHHH! You have a boyfriend! You have a boyfriend!"
3 year old:"(Inaudible screaming) Moooooooom! Tell Gia that Jack is just my friend. You can have boys and they can be friends, but not be boyfriends!! Mom, tell Gia!"
5 year old: "Boy friend! Boyfriend! Boyfriend! Boyfriend."
3 year old: (More inaudible screams) "AHHHHHHHHHH!!! NOOOOOOOOO!!!"
Baby: (Sitting and staring)
I'll spare you the rest of that scene.
Conversation between the 5 year old, the 3 year old, and myself after school:
5 year old: MOOOOOM! I don't have ANYTHING to wear. I have NO clothes! I just want a shirt that doesn't have a print on it, but has pretty things on it! Can I wear one of Myla's shirts?
3 year old: NOOO! Those are my clothes! (Starts crying) Don't take my clothes! You are too big and they don'ts fit you! (Yes. Don'ts)
Me: Gia, you have plenty of clean clothes hanging in your closet. Go find a shirt in there, you aren't wearing your sisters shirts. And why are you changing anyways?
5 year old: Ahhh! Why can't you just let me do what I want?! All I want to do is have a cute shirt to match this skirt!
3 year old: (Crying. Loud.) DON'TS TAKE MY SHIRTS! THOSE ARE MINE!
End scene.
Conversation with the 5 year old, 3 year old, and myself:
Me: "Girls, I made cookies! Come have one and tell me about school today."
Girls: (Grab cookies and sit down and eat)
Me: "So what did you do? What is one thing you learned?
Girls: (Eating. No response.)
Me: "Were you nice to everyone, and kind?"
3 year old: (Takes the last bite of her cookie.) " Mom, I look like you don't I?
5 year old: "No, you look like daddy."
3 year old: "NOOOOOO! I don't want to look like daddy!!"
Me: "Here, have another cookie."
Silence.
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies (Muffin Tops & Ice Cream Sandwiches)
Ingredients
- 1 c. pumpkin puree
- 1 c. coconut sugar
- 1/2 c. melted coconut oil
- 1 TB. vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 2 cups. white whole wheat flour, oat flour, or unbleached white flour
- 1 1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 1 tsp. milk + 1 tsp. baking soda, mixed together
- 1 1/2 c. chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375. In a bowl mix together the puree, sugar, oil, vanilla, and the egg.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour spices, and baking powder.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet, along with the baking soda mixture, and mix until combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper and using a medium cookie scoop, scoop the batter onto the baking sheet. Slightly press down the cookie a little.
- Bake for about 10 minutes.
- The cookies will resemble a soft pillow/muffin top texture!
Cookies adapted from here.
You don't have to make ice cream sandwiches out of these cookies, but they are the perfect texture for them! I made the ice cream out of frozen greek yogurt ice cubes, and the recipe can be found HERE!
So what did we learn today friends?
Giving your kids cookies will shut them up.
Just kidding. I mean, kind of. Maybe for a second it will...
Conversation between my 5 year old, 3 year old and myself while tucking them into bed:
5 year old: (Squeezing my arm) "Mom, I just want to lay here and cuddle you. You are just the best mom."
3 year old: (Reaching her arms out) "Hugs. Hugs. Hugs." (Gives me a big hug) "Kiss. Kiss. Kiss" (Gives me a big kiss)
5 year old to 3 year old: (Hugging each other) "I love you little sister."
3 year old to 5 year old: (Looking at her sister, then gives her a big kiss.) "I love you."
Me: (Tears)
3 year old to 5 year old: "GIIAA, those are my pajamas!!"
Me: "Is it too late for cookies?"
And ya know what...
I wouldn't change anything.
No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
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There was this one time last week where I'm positive people wanted to call CPS on me...
It was a day like every other. The girls requested to dress them selves, which meant rain boots, pink dresses, matching head bands, and crocs. My 4 year old did the makeup of her self and the two year old. Although they looked as if they both had black eyes, I've learned in my few years of being their mommy that I need to pick my battles wisely. Rain boots and black eyes for make-up were fine in my book...that day...
We entered into the store, Hobby Lobby, and the girls eyes lit up as they noticed Christmas, Halloween, and pink sparkly things placed strategically around the store. I knew immediately keeping them in the cart was going to be nearly impossible...I knew things might end badly. I should have turned around. But I didn't.
I became too confident in my parenting skills.
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As we walked around the store searching for the things I needed, all the trinkets and sparkly things started to affect the children. GREATLY. They ran, they screamed, they grabbed, they pulled. (By they I mean the two year old.) I tried my best to keep them in control, threatening them with loosing toys and iPad time, then bribing them with old food at the bottom of my bag.
Then things got bad. Real bad.
The two year old had about had it. I tried my hardest to buckle her in the cart, but the screams made it embarrassing and impossible to continue. As we headed for the checkout line I stupidly let me girls play with the GOSH FREAKING DARN toys that sit near the register.
DUMB Arielle. DUMB.
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I noticed the two year old taking a liking to a pink unicorn and in my head knew crap was about to hit the fan. I planned an escape rout in my head, which involved dropping the toy and running out the door.
But then, in the process of the toy being dropped and the screams beginning...The 4 year old had to pee. BAD. BAD as in it's coming out bad. So we rushed to the back of the store, one child holding them selves, the other screaming a scream only people have nightmares about. We then rushed into the bathroom stall and handled business.
The two year old was still screaming, and this time even louder. I tried everything I could to calm her, but clearly she wasn't having it. A good 10 minutes went by in that bathroom, because I was too embarrassed to leave. I thought, maybe if she just stops we can run out and no one will notice.
Then an employee comes to check on us, ya know, because it sounded like I was BEATING MY CHILD. At that moment I knew I had to leave.
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As we walked to the front of the store with the screaming, legs and arms flailing child in my arms, I saw and felt each entire person's eyes glaring and me. I could read their thoughts, "Unfit mother, spoiled brats, OMG SHE'S PREGNANT WITH ANOTHER!!"...
I had to bite my tongue from screaming, "WHAT THE HECK IS EVERYONE LOOKING AT?!"
As we got in the car, dramatically I might add, I sat there and started to laugh...and then cry. No way did that just happen.
And as I looked up in my rear view mirror to look at my two precious darling little divas, I heard a quiet whimpering voice say,
"Mommy...Can I have a Chookie?"
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No Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookies
Ingredients
1/2 c. honey
1/4 c. coconut oil
1/4 c. unsweetened cocoa powder
dash of salt
1/2 c. peanut butter or almond butter*
3/4 c. quick oats
1/3 c. dried cranberries
1/3 c. unsweetened coconut
2 TB. chopped dark chocolate
1 TB. chia seeds
* If you use a more natural peanut butter, they tend to have more oil to them. Take this into consideration when making the cookies. You may need to take a way 1 TB. of coconut oil if your nut butter seems really oily.
Instructions
In a sauce pan, melt honey, coconut oil, and salt. Stir in cocoa powder and nut butter until combined and melted, about 2-3 minutes.
Remove the pot from the heat, cover it with a lid, and let it sit for about 5 minutes.
Remove the lid, stir in the oats, cranberries, coconut, chocolate, and chia seeds.
Using a small cookie cutter, scoop the cookies out onto a baking sheet fitted with parchment paper or baking mat.
You can top the cookies with additional coconut if desired.
Place the cookies in the fridge and let them set for at least 30 minutes. Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge.
Enjoy!!
Adapted from Food Network Magazine
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And that my friends is why I will never go to the store ever again in my life.
The end.
Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Balls
Messy Hands
We've all heard about those kind of kids...
The ones whose pictures float across the internet of them covered in diaper cream while standing in a gallon of spilled milk. Or THAT kid who flush wallets, watches, and other valuables down the toilet...Or worse yet, swallows them.
Or how about that kids who screams like a baby piglet when they don't get their way in the store...seriously? Whose child is that?
Before I had kids, I remember thinking to my self, "How on earth did that child end up in THAT situation?! Wasn't anyone watching the kid?" (For example; diaper cream switch.) Or, "Seriously, those parents are the WORST parents ever to have that screaming kid! If that was my child..."
And then one day, I birthed THAT child.
PB Cookie Dough Balls 2
The child who finds her self in the most unbelievable messiest situations when I run to the bathroom. The child who shoves a pearl in her ear. The child who screams like a piglet when she wants G-U-M at the store...
The child who whenever they see a glass full of liquid HAS to dump it all over my open and perfectly working computer...And then play with it.
AND THEN, when you take that computer to the store to get fixed, said child throws a major tantrum on the floor because she wanted G-U-FLIPPEN-M.
PB Cookie Dough Balls 3
I love THAT child.
I love that child's multiple kisses and hugs. I love her funny phrases, songs, and noises, (most of them.)
I love that child's bubbly, bright, and silly personality. That sneaky smile and the way she closes her eyes, bows her head, and folds those chubby arms when she says her prayers.
I love that child more than life it self...
Even if she cost me $234983749.98 to fix my dang computer. (And all my pictures, videos, programs...etc.) #yup
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Dear child,
Please continue to be THAT child. And I promise I'll continue to be one of THOSE parents.
xo-
Mommy
Now...For some much needed cookie dough balls ya?
(I shared a picture of these cookies on my Facebook page and the results were outstanding! I knew I had to share the recipe with all of you! xo)
PB Cookie Dough Balls 5
Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Balls
These don't last long in our household! They are perfect for a quick pick me up, since they are full of protein! They also work great for treats in kids school lunches! Either way you eat, enjoy!
Ingredients
1 c. raw peanuts
1/2 c. oats
2 TB. honey
2 TB. maple syrup
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 c. chocolate chips (or more if needed)
Instructions
In a food processor or blender, add peanuts and blend until a fine flour comes together to form a dough. (Don't process after that or you will get peanut butter!!) Note: Don't process all ingredients together because the mixture won't turn out. You will get a cookie crumble, which is totally fine, but it won't form into balls!
Next add the rest of the ingredients, besides chocolate chips, and blend until combined. (Not too much blending!)
Add the chocolate chips and pulse a few times to mix.
Using a small cookie scoop, make balls and keep in the fridge or freezer!
Makes 14-16 small balls!
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PB Cookie Dough Balls 6
THAT child loves these PB cookie dough balls.
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And THAT child makes a huge mess when she eats them, and then dumps her milk all over the place to top it off...
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I love that child.
Sea Salt Chocolate Cookies-Paleo Friendly
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I've got a delicious Chocolate Cookie recipe for you today over on Venus Williams blog! It's the perfect balance of sweetness with a hint of salt. It's made with almond flour, which makes it paleo friendly. And it's sweetened with bananas, and no other added sweeteners or sugars!
It's the perfect cookie when you need to conquer that sweet tooth, and I think it would even make the perfect breakfast cookie topped with a little nut butter!
Head on over to Venus Williams Blog (Eleven by Venus) to get the recipe!
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Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies
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I am...SO tired.
I noticed the other day that the bags under my eyes are more noticeable, and my hours of staying up late are now starting to affect me. I guess I think I'm 19 and in college...
Except in college I slept in, never cleaned, took long showers, and used my brain.
Now, at 25 I don't sleep ever, I clean constantly, shower...HA..., and I just sent my mom a mother's day card and addressed it to MY current address.
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The funny thing is, as I lie in bed at night asking my husband if I locked the doors and turned on the alarm for the 56th time, I know that I wouldn't trade any of it.
I wouldn't trade the sleepless nights, rocking my baby till she finally falls asleep. I'm still so grateful even when my girls are fighting over a fork. Although, thank goodness my friends at EllieLyn sent the girls and I matching necklaces...
And I love every moment of changing them in different princess dresses 108 times a day. I wouldn't trade it. Ever.
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Thank you Boo and Sweet Pea for making me tired, because I wouldn't have it any other way!
And thank you for giving me a reason to make chocolate chip cookies, and for being there to eat them with me first thing in the morning. THAT I would never change :).
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Peanut Butter Banana Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 c. + 2 TB. spelt flour, whole wheat pastry flour, or all purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- dash of salt
- 1/2 c. melted coconut oil, cooled
- 6 TB. melted peanut butter, cooled
- 1 c. coconut sugar
- 1 TB. vanilla
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 small ripe bananas
- 1 1/4 c. dark chocolate chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a small bowl, whisk together dry ingredients and set aside.
- In another bowl whisk together oil and peanut butter. Add in coconut sugar and vanilla, and whisk together.
- Whisk in the egg yolk and bananas until combined.
- Add dry ingredients to wet, and mix together until combined. The batter will be thick and oily. Fold in the chocolate.
- Scoop cookies onto prepared baking sheet and bake in the oven for 10-11 minutes. Allow to cool on baking sheet for a few minutes, then remove onto cooling rack!
- Enjoy!
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The original recipe for these cookies was made by Jessica at How Sweet It Is! I only changed a few things, so check out her cookies too! They look amazing!
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Now...Let's hurry up and go to bed! Because first thing tomorrow morning, we eat cookies!
Just Desserts Mother's Day Recipes
As promised, I have all the recipes from THIS Mother's Day: All Desserts Menu. I will say that I've gladly been enjoying each and every single dessert on a...daily basis. Especially the Chocolate Truffles! I've had to fight my husband off for those. I hope everyone had an enjoyable Mother's Day! The recipes will be a link that you click on that will take you to a PDF Word Document of the recipe (Since there are 4 recipes on this post.) Once you click on the PDF, you can print them out!
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Chocolate Vegan Cupcakes with Vegan Vanilla Frosting
I've been wanting to make a vegan frosting FOREVER that didn't use powdered sugar! So grateful I found the perfect recipe to play around with, and actually make a FLUFFY frosting that I could add to a piping bag!
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Chocolate Peanut Butter Crispy Bars (TO DIE FOR)
I find myself sneaking a bite here and there from the fridge. They remind me of no bake peanut butter cookies, which I remember making and eating all the time as a kid!
Click the link below for the recipe:
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Dark Chocolate Ganache Drizzled Strawberries
The ganache is so simple to cook up and incredible delicious, you will most likely start making it often and putting it on everything. Even pizza...maybe?
Click the link below for the recipe.
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Rich Chocolate Truffles(I WILL MAKE THESE WEEKLY!)
If you have ever had a truffle from See's candy that just satisfies that chocolate craving like no other...well, life is about to get a whole lot better :). These cure ANY chocolate craving, and they have the added health benefits! Cocoa powder, healthy fats from coconut oil, and naturally sweetened with maple syrup!
Click the link below for the recipe.
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Mother's Day Menu: Just Desserts
There was a time a few years ago where I wanted to open a restaurant dedicated to just chocolate & desserts. A place where you could order the best chocolate cake with rich chocolate ganache frosting, or a decadent chocolate fudge filled brownie with warm ice cream and hot fudge sauce... And when you left said restaurant, it would be similar to a scene from Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory. No, you wouldn't get a dip in a chocolate waterfall/lake, although that would be fantastic. Instead, you'd need to be rolled out of the restaurant like a large blueberry.
Sounds incredible right?
This Mother's Day, I decided to put together something that would speak directly to my love language. Food & chocolate. (Another love language of mine is a day at the spa, a nap with my sleeping babies, a new wardrobe, a facial, a haircut, time to shave my legs, a bubble bath in a clean bathtub, new shoes, eyebrow wax, and a nap. Did I say that already?)
Mother's Day Menu: Just Desserts via http://thediva-dish.com
Mother's Day Menu: Just Desserts via http://thediva-dish.com
Mother's Day Menu: Just Desserts via http://thediva-dish.com
Mother's Day Menu: Just Desserts via http://thediva-dish.com
Mother's Day Menu: Just Desserts via http://thediva-dish.com
Mother's Day Menu: Just Desserts via http://thediva-dish.com
Mother's Day Menu: Just Desserts via http://thediva-dish.com
Mother's Day Menu: Just Desserts via http://thediva-dish.com
Mother's Day Menu: Just Desserts via http://thediva-dish.com
Mother's Day Menu: Just Desserts via http://thediva-dish.com
On The Menu:
Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes w/ Fluffy Vegan Vanilla Frosting
Dark Chocolate Ganache Covered Frosting
Peanut Butter & Chocolate Chunk Crispy Bars
Rich Chocolate Truffles
Mother's Day Menu: Just Desserts via http://thediva-dish.com
Mother's Day Menu: Just Desserts via http://thediva-dish.com
Mother's Day Menu: Just Desserts via http://thediva-dish.com
Mother's Day Menu: Just Desserts via http://thediva-dish.com
Mother's Day Menu: Just Desserts via http://thediva-dish.com
Mother's Day Menu: Just Desserts via http://thediva-dish.com
Mother's Day Menu: Just Desserts via http://thediva-dish.com
Mother's Day Menu: Just Desserts via http://thediva-dish.com
Mother's Day Menu: Just Desserts via http://thediva-dish.com
Mother's Day Menu: Just Desserts via http://thediva-dish.com
Mother's Day Menu: Just Desserts via http://thediva-dish.com
So this Mother's Day, do those woman in your life a favor. Screw a nice candle light steak dinner. Send her straight to a table full of chocolate.
Trust me.
1 million points for you!
(P.S. All of the recipes for the desserts will be up on the blog in the next few days!)
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A special thanks to Party Pail for sending me such adorable party accessories to make this Mother's Day Dessert Party perfect! The table cloth, napkins, straws, streamers, and plates were all from Party Pail!
Soft and Chewy Baby Mini Cinnamon Cookies
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Sisters fight. A lot.
I never had sisters, so I really never had a problem with my younger brothers wanting to play with my polly pockets. It was more along the lines of ME taking their GI Joes for Barbies new husband. He came with a hummer and a camo uniform. So hot.
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Around here, the fighting can become intense. One see's toy that one wants, and then BAM! Light bulb moment, and the other decides they want the SAME exact toy...
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Sadly for Sweet Pea, she usually is the one getting pushed around by her older sister, and too often she's on the ground in tears because Boo hip chucked her away from the toys.
My mom told me a story of how my older brother was the same way to my younger brother. Than one day the younger shoved a pencil in the older's back, and well...I don't really know how to end that story...
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Luckily for Sweet Pea Boo has preschool during the week, which gives lil sis a few hours at home with all the things she "isn't allowed to play with." She will run up to me in excitement holding her sisters favorite toy. Then she slobbers all over it, and chews on Sleeping Beauty's head. Sisterly revenge at its finest.
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Not only does Sweet Pea miss out on some, scratch that, all of the toys...But she also misses out on a lot of food. Her teeth are slowly coming in, so it's still hard for her to chew some solids. I decided I wanted to make a soft and chewy cookie just for Sweet Pea! Something she could hold in her hand, and eat on her own.
These are the perfect cookies for little babies! They are so soft and melt right in your mouth, so you don't have to worry about big chunky pieces.
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Soft and Chewy Mini Cinnamon Cookies-Perfect for littles
Soft & Chewy Mini Cinnamon Cookies
Prep time:
15 mins
Cook time:
4 mins
Total time:
19 mins
Wholesome & perfect finger food snacks for your little ones. They melt right in your mouth, so you don't have to worry about large dangerous chunks!
Ingredients
- 1/2 oats
- 2 1/2 cups flour-whole wheat, spelt, white-wheat, etc.
- 1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- 1 TB. cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
- 1/2 c. chilled or solid coconut oil
- 1/4 c. honey(note:for babies under 1 use maple syrup)
- 1/2 c. water
Instructions
- Using a food processor, process oats until it turns into a fine flour, or most of the oats have been processed.
- Add in flour, baking soda, and spices and process for about a minute.
- Add coconut oil and pulse until fine crumbs appear.
- Next add honey and water and process until a thick and sticky dough comes about.
- Preheat oven to 350, and prepare a baking dish with parchment paper.
- Get two more pieces of parchment/wax paper and place dough between the sheets.
- Roll out dough until about 1/4 of an inch thick. (You can roll out sections of dough since this makes alot!)
- Remove top sheet and sprinkle top with a little flour. Using a cookie cutter, cut out desired shapes.
- Dip a thin metal spatula in flour and remove cut outs and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake in oven for 4-6 minutes. Remove and let sit on baking sheet to cool.
- (For a softer cookie do 4 minutes, and for more crispy do 6)
- (Note: You can also use bigger cookie cutters, but the cooking time may vary.)
- TO FREEZE:
- If you want to freeze dough to make at a later time, place uncooked dough cut outs onto baking sheet and freeze in the freezer for 20 minutes. Then place them in a container and store in the freezer until needed. Add 1-2 minutes to cooking time.
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I could not keep Sweet Pea's hands from grabbing them while I took pictures! She was so excited, especially since they were so easy for her to eat!
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One of the things I love about this recipe is that you can make some and freeze the rest for later, especially since this recipe makes A TON of mini cookies! Of coarse you can always make bigger shapes too!
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And guess who had a bright idea that little sister needed to learn how to share her cookies...
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Well...At least i've got 5 dozen others, so there is plenty to go around! :)
The BEST (Healthier) Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
vegan chocolate chip cookies
Saying something is "The Best" basically makes me think...really??!! I mean, is it truly THE BEST or are you just saying that to rope me in and entice me? Are you a liar liar pants on fire, because if it's honestly THE BEST well, that's big. Huge. Crazy.
With that being said, these cookies really are...The Best.(I know..Really??) Let me just preface it by saying that The Best to me could be THE ultimate worst to someone else, and then you really will believe that I'm a big fat liar just trying to make friends. But if we have different levels of what taste good then maybe we should keep our relationship strictly frienemies. (Friends/Enemies). That's probably best.
You see, my idea of the perfect cookie is soft and chewy with barely any bite or crispy-ness. But others might like a little crisp. I've just always loved that certain brand of tiny cookies that you can buy from the grocery store that are so soft and melt in your mouth perfect. After 7-8 of those, I swear all my problems go away.
So as I was playing around in the kitchen, trying to find a cookie that had whole grains, minimal (natural) sugar, healthy fats, and VEGAN, I almost screamed out loud as I took my first bite.
And lucky You (and me), my beloved camera is broken and I don't have drool worthy pictures to convince you...(Insert sucky face here...)
But I filmed a VLOG for now, and as soon as my camera comes back I will do a post with drool worthy pictures!
I just couldn't wait to share...
The Best (Healthy) Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies from The Diva Dish
No Bake(Or Bake) Anytime Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
No Bake (Or Bake) Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies from thediva-dish.com
No Bake (Or Bake) Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies from thediva-dish.com
Let's count the number of times a day my daughter asks me for a cookie...
While we are at it, let's also count the number of times a day that I WANT to be eating a cookie.
If you guessed the number 56, you are right. I'm assuming this is perfectly normal right?
No Bake (Or Bake) Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies from thediva-dish.com
If you follow me on Facebook, you know that I mentioned putting together an Ecookbook of Kids Breakfast Foods. I've been working on recipes left and right, and yesterday I started working on breakfast cookies. I made three different kinds of cookies, and I ate about 2...plus 4.
I love anything quick that you can grab when you are running to the park, to the store, going on a road trip, etc. A sweet treat that's filling and full of wholesome ingredients. It's also the perfect treat for when you are watching grown men cry on the Bachelorette. That part has been tried and tested.
No Bake (Or Bake) Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies from thediva-dish.com
These started out as a No Bake treat, but I wanted to try it as a baked cookie as well. I'm going to state the obvi here and say that it's not your traditional crunchy super sweet cookie like you might be used to. It's thicker, full of oats, and sweetened with bananas and a touch of honey. You are more than welcome to add a little more sweetener too! :)
It's completely optional if you dip it in a jar of drippy creamy peanut butter...Actually that's not an option. It's a requirement. But watching a group of men and 1 woman experience an amazing roller coaster of emotions all for love IS an option...Shhhh...We all know that that's a necessity as well.
No Bake (Or Bake) Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies from thediva-dish.com
No Bake (Or Bake) Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies from thediva-dish.com
Printable PDF Here: No Bake (Or Bake) Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
No Bake (Or Bake) Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies from thediva-dish.com
It's now 7 in the morning, so I think it's safe to say...
Time for a cookie!!
Grain Free Peanut Butter Cookies & Why I LOVE Coconut Flour
Grain Free Peanut Butter Cookies from The Diva Dish
Sometimes I want a particular thing, and I want it a certain way.
And despite what my husband might say, that doesn't happen on a regular basis. Every other day at the most. And usually always on weekends...
Like, why does every basketball game on TV HAVE to air the same time Real Housewives/Bachelorette is on? (Not to mention there is like 4 games at the same time...) Or why can't I just walk into a clothing store and find and item of clothing where my bum cheeks aren't hanging out?
Also, why is it bathing suit season? I just need like 1 more year and then I might be ready...
Coconut Flour
Grain Free Peanut Butter Cookies from The Diva Dish
You see, I really wanted to make a peanut butter cookie out of Coconut Flour, just like I made this Single Serving Chocolate Chip Cookie. I didn't want to add any dry sugar and I wanted it to be super easy. I searched a lot of recipes, and then somehow I eventually ended up looking at these amazingly delicious looking Snicker Cupcakes. I almost said screw it.
I almost made cupcakes.
Grain Free Peanut Butter Cookies from The Diva Dish
Grain Free Peanut Butter Cookies from The Diva Dish
But then I remembered that if I made cupcakes those super short shorts wouldn't fit, and bathing suit season would need to be put off for at least another 3 years...
And I live in Vegas where it's 102 degrees this week and people live in their bathing suits, so obviously cupcakes weren't an option. (And turning on the oven for cookies really isn't either...) But for the sake of this blog post and those reading it, I made the cookies.
I ate 5 of them.
And I'm wearing my bathing suit. With Booty Shorts. And an oversized robe to cover it all up.
Grain Free Peanut Butter Cookies from The Diva Dish
Printable Recipe Here: Grain Free Peanut Butter Cookies
I love these cookies because you can either roll them up or flatten them out a little!
Grain Free Peanut Butter Cookies from The Diva Dish
Grain Free Peanut Butter Cookies from The Diva Dish
If you are wondering why I was trying so hard to bake with coconut flour, here are just a few of the many reasons why I LOVE it! :-)
Why We Love Coconut Flour
coconut flour sub
Grain Free Peanut Butter Cookies from The Diva Dish
See...having things exactly the way you want it is NEVER a bad thing....
:-)