Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookies (And Why I'm Not Using the Word "Paleo" Anymore)

Earlier this week, I shared a recipe for "paleo" ravioli. I was so freaking excited to bestow it upon you because pasta is probably one of the things I miss most from my diet (and by diet, I mean, the way I eat, not like, "I want to lose 3 pounds" a la Regina George diet...although that would be totally fine too!) and I figure you guys--the Cupcult--and I are basically the same person, so you would probably be hella excited to find a new recipe that may not be exactly like pasta, but pretty much curbs the craving when you have it, know what I mean?

Naturally, it was a hit with a variety of people. However, despite what I thought was maybe one of my greatest achievements in the "paleo" recipe world, there were critics. Normally, I'd embrace [constructive] criticism. It's something I have to do at work all the time, so if someone has pertinent feedback or me and initiates an intelligent conversation about something, I welcome it. But these critics were more, as one Tweeter put it, "Paleo" elitists. (I used the term Nazi, and I'm still not sure it's inappropriate, but whatever...) Specifically, they took issue with my use of cheese in the ravioli filling. The ravioli filling that I explained was entirely optional (I almost always explain that the cheese in my recipes is optional, btw). The ravioli filling that I ate and not anyone else who didn't want to eat cheese. The ravioli filling that never did anything to them!!!! But apparently, when you brand yourself a "Paleoid," you're suddenly equipped to make judgment calls about everyone else's version of "Paleo." Guess I missed that memo in the welcome kit.
I've only gone into detail slightly here about what the "Paleo" diet entails because I figure if you don't know, you'll find out somewhere else with far more accurate and serious information. I mean, shit, have you SEEN my "About" section?? Anyway, put very simply, the "Paleo" diet adheres to the way our Paleolithic ancestors ate. A lot of people believe dairy (i.e., cheese, milk, yogurt, etc.) is not a "paleo" approved food. A lot of people are also uninformed and willing to believe whatever they're told at face value, so ya know, there's that. I don't mean to suggest dairy was part of a Paleolithic diet, but there is evidence that suggests dairy (in its raw, full-fat, grass-fed form) can 100% be incorporated into one's "Paleo" diet, assuming it sits well with that person, because it doesn't with everyone. I'm sure even some of you can attest to some form of lactose intolerance. After all, we really don't need the help of milk in our diet after age four. But this isn't a discussion of science (you can find plenty of it elsewhere). It's a discussion of what I choose to eat. And I choose to eat cheese sometimes, because it's fucking delicious and sometimes you want some goddamn cheese!
So, some people recently have been giving me shit about including dairy in foods labeled "paleo" or "Whole30," but the truth is the dairy subject is very grey territory in the broader discussion, which is why it pisses me off to no end that these "Paleo" elitists get all pedantic and self-righteous about people who do choose to include it in their diet. These people who are supposed to be more enlightened about what they eat and where it comes from, who, in the end, are no different than an oppressive group of bullies and judgers who would rather eradicate someone else's way of doing things than to simply live beside it in acceptance (hence where I got the "Paleo" Nazi thing from).

EDIT: There's actually a name for the disordered eating of people who have a beyond healthy obsession with consuming what they perceive to be healthy foods. It's called Orthorexia, and I wouldn't be surprised if many "Paleo" Nazi types suffered from it. It's a good way to kill 20  minutes if you've never heard of it before.

And that, my friends, is why I'm no longer associating myself or my recipes with the word "Paleo/Whole30." I don't have a lot of tolerance for people who don't have a lot of tolerance, and I really don't give two shits what anyone else chooses to eat. Unless, of course, it's babies, and then I would feel obligated to have an opinion/intervene.

Don't be mistaken--I'll continue to eat the way I've been eating for the past two or so years (long before any of these elitists probably even heard of the Paleo diet, I'm sureeee, said the hipster), but I'm removing the words "Paleo" and "Whole30" from my vocabulary. I'd like to do something grandiose here and start a movement where you all commit to do the same, but I'm not that influential. Yet.
I wish I had a great word to replace it with, like Dragnificent, or something, but I'm still marinating on it. If you've got some Dragnificent suggestions, though, leave 'em in the comments! Until them, I'm either going to refer to it as "clean," "gluten free," or simply whatever it is. Not entirely helpful, but you get the idea.
To that end, I made these, er...um..., CLEAN, GLUTEN FREE cookies! And just like the ravioli from Monday, I am super excited to share these with you for the following reasons:

1. They actually taste like real cookies.
2. They literally have no flour. Like, none...not even almond or coconut flour!
3. There are only a handful of ingredients, many of which you probably have lying around. Therefore, you should make them tonight.
You know what they're made of? Almond butter! And some honey. And an egg. And a little baking soda and salt. And some Enjoy Life chocolate chips, duh. And that's it!! I love these because they're a soft cookie, the way I like it, despite their dark amber color, which is attributable to the color of my almond butter. They also have just the right amount of sweet--but please hear me when I also say that you can control how much honey you want (read: feel free to use less or a different sweetener or NONE altogether if you want to), because you totally can. But I didn't, because that's how I roll. And I'm good with that.

Served alongside a nice cold glass of Almond Milk (see, I actually DO have limits when it comes to dairy--not that I care if you don't!), these are all the cookie and judgment you need.

Better For You Chocolate Chip Cookies (grain free, gluten free, dairy free, refined sugar free)
Makes about a dozen
Adapted from Detoxinista
  • 1 cup raw almond butter
  • 1/4 cup raw honey (you can use slightly more or less based on your preference)
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup Enjoy Life chips (more/less if you like)
1. Pre-heat oven to 350 Degrees F. Line cookie sheet with non-stick foil.
2. In a bowl, whisk all ingredients (except the chips) together. When combined, gently fold in chips to incorporate.
3. Using a regular spoon, spoon about 2 TBSP worth of batter onto the cookie sheet, about 1.5 inches about. The batter is loose, but it actually doesn't spread a lot.
4. Bake for 8-10 minutes (until just slightly firm). Remove from oven and let cool for another 10 minutes on the cookie sheet. This is important to make sure they "set up" right.
5. Remove cookies from sheet and allow to finish cooling on a cookie rack. Store in an airtight container.

126 comments:

Megan | Freckled Italian said...

These look awesome. I'm sorry some people are so impossible, but can you imagine how boring and normal our lives would be without them??? Love you!

Cristen said...

These look delicious! We are on a kick of trying recipes from your blog. I'm adding these to my list!

Lydia Armstrong said...

God I really need better eating habits. I sort of suck at that. At this point, my goal is just to eat more vegetables, which I also fail miserably at. Who gives a shit was those Paleo Nazis think? You have a helluva lot more discipline than most of us.

Jenna | The Eighty Twenty said...

I can't wait to make these!!! Like tonight. And also, it enrages me the amount of judgment people pass on things that literally don't have anything to do with them.

Dayka Robinson said...

i still want you to use paleo/whole 30 because that's how i found you and i needed (need) you, so it was a HUGE help for me. people are seriously a trip! i've been doing the reading about paleo/whole 30 and i'm learning that there's a lot of grey area, especially for a newbie like me. what i take from that is to do my best to eat well, figure out what my body wants and work with that...and if i wanna call THAT paleo (whatever that may be), i'll do so. :) people need to get a MF life!

love your blog!
dayka

Laura said...

Paleo shmaleo. I always thought people did mild Paleo or hardcore Paleo...in which I will never do hardcore Paleo, cuz let's face it...I need beer in my life. I think its nice to come to your blog and see your versions of Paleo recipes, and I love cheese so there's that. What I am trying to say is...I love your recipes and I use them non stop and when I did my Paleo diet back in Jan I lost up to 7lbs thanks to your advice! In your face hardcore Paleo people!!! ;)

Erin @ Currently Coveting said...

Preach woman! I always look forward to your "paleo" recipes because I am absolutely amazed at the delicious creations you come up with. It honestly makes me consider trying to eat like that here and there (I haven't yet but each recipe takes me one step closer). That ravioli looked so good! I hate health freaks that think they are better than everyone else because they pay 50 dollars for toothpaste and toilet paper at Whole Foods and breast feed their kids until their five. FREAKS!

xx,
Erin

Megan said...

Forget about paleo for a second. Thanks again for reminding me of your awesome about page, and introducing me to the hilarity that is Jenna Marbles. Gosh, I'm addicted to her.

(The introduction happened several months ago, you just reminded me to thank you)

Back to the cookies, gimme gimme!

Unknown said...

The cookies look yummy!

Lauren,
Fashionswirls.blogspot.com

xx

P!nky said...

Ugh, stupid rude people suck!

I say you use the new 'code words'
Fuck off bitches. Here is my Fuck off bitches cookies...see sounds great!

Do you, haters gonna hate.

xoxo

Brianne said...

fuck yea cheese is delicious.

you should call it amazeballs-shmaleo food (playing off what laura said)

ps- these cookies look scrumptous.

Laura said...

I love the ^ fuck off bitches^ cookies idea from the commenter above me!

And just to spite the Paleo-freaks, I WILL MAKE THE RAVIOLI WITH THE CHEEEEESE!

Oh, and these cookies. Because I literally just drooled on my laptop.

--Laura
http://caffeinatedpinkaholic.blogspot.com

Cucina Ceri said...

Love your attitude. I met with the same cheese/gram flour criticism on twitter a while back and it really upset me - and completely defeated the point of what I think I am trying to achieve with my blog and whole foods lifestyle - but criticism makes us stronger right? Your cookies look awesome by the way :)

Unknown said...

These look awesome and I will definitely be making them! I eat mostly paleo but occasionally cheat in a major way (meatball subs, maybe?) -- not just by adding cheese to an otherwise paleo recipe. Oh, and I also post these cheats on my blog. Don't sweat it! Haters gon hate and all that jazz (spirit fingers!). Love your blog. Keep up the hilarious work.

Kirby
http://adventuresofkirbo.wordpress.com

XFit Mama said...

It's so hard to concentrate on your post when the cookie pictures pop up everywhere! LOL. I'm going to make these for our BBQ this weekend. It's a good cheat for me. :-)

Can't wait!

CupcakesOMG! said...

@P!nky @Laura that's definitely a contender! haha, love the enthusiasm!!

Samara said...

FUCK EM. Seriously. The Paleo Police need to calm down. I don't care what terms you use to describe your recipes -- I'm still interested. (And you already know how I feel about cheese, so I won't even go there right now.)

Rachel said...

Boo. I'm sorry the "paleo police" came after you. You aren't the only one. Even people like NomNomPaleo get attacked all the time. I started writing in my blog that I eat "paleo/primal." That way if someone gets pissy that I used cheese, I can just say it's primal. From the way I understood it, pretty much anything that isn't strict paleo is called primal. The whole 80/20 % rule.
Although I think you're onto something by referring to recipes at clean and/or gluten-free. I've actually been playing around with a new name for my blog, that doesn't focus on one type of diet. But rather just focuses on good food to be healthy. I love the way that gluten-free bloggers write about health. Instead of whether or not a recipe falls into a particular style of diet (paleo/primal, south beach, slow carb, Adkins etc).

Also I'm totally making these cookies. OMG.
Rachel @cuttingoutcarbs

Erin said...

GAH!!! These look amazing & will be the first thing I make after I hit up the store for chocolate chips tomorrow.

I'm sorry people are jerks :( I've stopped using the word, too, because I do still consume dairy - daily! Just not as much as I once did...anyhow, thanks for the CLEAN, GLUTEN-FREE recipes! Looking forward to the ravioli, too!

Gayla said...

WoW! People should mind their own business. How someone else chooses to eat, or needs to eat, is very personal. Would those same paleo elitists slap a cheeseburger out of the hand of an obese person eating in public? Why do they think it is okay to criticize someone who eats healthy that they are not eating healthy enough? Everyone makes their own compromises, they are just too hypocritical to take a pause and reflect on that point. If they really want to live a strictly paleo life, why do they paint their nails, color & cut their hair, wear store bought shoes and clothing? Check back in a year, five years, any point in the future, and you can bet money they have fallen off their high horse along the way.

Also, those cookies look delicious. I would absolutely eat those.

Sarah said...

I kind of hate the term paleo... I prefer to describe my diet as 'grain free' becaused it seems the most accurate to me--cave women didn't et cookies, but I sure am glad I do! My new favorite term is ancestral eating, but whatever you call your recipes I'll keep enjoying them!

Lori @ KissTheChef said...

OMG - I have to try these. Our newspaper, the AJC (Atlanta), just today ran an article regarding the "true" caloric content of almonds. Seems that the USDA may lower their calorie count due to how hard they are for your body to truly digest. WooHoo...bonus!! It would even count for the almond butter, too...YAY..

Also, just label the recipes protein/veggie forward. That way, everyone can just shut the hell up on their "labeling" issue....Their loss, not yours..

Unknown said...

congrats!!!!! you have arrived! i read somewhere that once you start getting nasty comments with ppl cutting your shit down then you are a famous blogger!! it happening for me a few months ago too! you are so cool :)

and ps totally trying the "fred flintstone cookies"?? they look ahmazing!!!

Unknown said...

ps what about Feau-leo?? haha

MaggleBish said...

God dammit, I heart you and how many f*cks you don't give. You're kinda my hero.

Jamie said...

I say keep using the word "Paleo." The next time a moronic Tweeter does complain about your use of dairy, you can calmly tweet back a link to "Hooked On Phonics" so they can learn to read the word "optional."


Jane {In The Pink & Green} said...

OK these look awesome! I'm definitely going to make them soon because I've been looking for a "Paleo" cookie recipe that doesn't involve almond/coconut flour because so far every baked good I've made using those ingredients basically tastes like sand. But I totally agree, people are nuts about being so strict with this whole Paleo thing, it's crazy! My husband and I eat "Paleo" about 80% of the time, because we agree with the philosphy that fruits/veggies/nuts/meat is going to provide better nutrition than a diet based on dairy/grains. But the other 20% of the time? I eat whatever the heck I want! I'm not gluten/lactose intolerant and I love bread/cheese/ice cream/actual baked goods far too much to ever give them up completely...and that's my version of Paleo and I'm totally happy with it! I know that some Paleo elitist would believe that if you're not eating 100% Paleo then you're wasting your time but whatever...I am not claiming to eat 100%, I just use it as a framework for my day to day diet. That's why I love your blog because I feel like you have a very similar mindset when it comes to me, I mean your blog is called CupcakesOMG for crying out loud :) I am actually adding a Paleo page to my blog and I am planning on listing your blog as a resource because I think provide great clean recipes but also the perspective that people need to stop taking themselves so seriously! xoxo

Hpymom_2_sxydre said...

I don't eat Paleo, so I don't care what you call it. But I think your freakin hilarious. So whether I want to cook the food you eat or not, I'm reading your blog because you're fabulous!

Annalilly said...

Really? You're really going to let a couple of comments change the way you decide to label something? You have way more Houston chutzpah than that. Get on your heels, tease your hair, gloss your lips, perk the girls, and do whatever you damn please.

Anonymous said...

Hi,
I just found your blog and LOVE this post. Not sure if you've heard of this other blog or not but here's a link to one of her posts this week.
She's been on a rant lately because Paleo advocates or getting seriously judgemental these days. Just thought you might be interested.
http://eathropology.com/2012/08/27/from-paleo-to-public-health-we-have-met-the-enemy-and-we-are-them-2/
I've just started eating "paleo like" and I'm with you.
Sometimes you just want some goddamn cheese!
Kel

Sara Johnson said...

I just found you and I love you! Love all the expletives! haha

I mostly follow a paleo lifestyle but I'm still addicted to candy and greek yogurt, the occasional cheese, etc.
I love the benefits of paleo, clear skin, maintaining weight loss but I hate the cost so I've decided to have the occasional cheap meal that might include grains.

Off to search your blog!

Donna said...

Wow.....you literally just put words to my thoughts about the Paleo elitist types. I often feel judged just by reading their blogs! It's nice to know that I'm not the only one who feels that way. You've got a fan for life! And...cheese IS fucking delicious!

Unknown said...

Amen, sister! (And, since I just found your blog, hello and thanks for what promises to be a blog filled with awesome reading and baking!)

I'm so glad to have stumbled onto your little dose of sanity--I've been loathe to tell people that I've started eating "paleo" because, frankly, I'm tired of living my life in narrow little boxes of "can" and "can't eat". I did the orthorexic thing through my bodybuilding and vegan days, and both times...it sucked.

Anyway, your cookies look fantabulous, and I hope you just brush the negative comments away--no need to let other people rent space in your head (as my grandma often reminds me!). Keep up the awesomeness,

K.

Donna said...

You just put everything I have been thinking lately into words. It seems like the Paleo world is turning into a giant clique! I often feel judged just reading their blogs. I love whipping cream in my coffee, and I love cheese! Your blog is great, I'm a fan for life!

Lara said...

I totally love this post! I struggle with the exact same thing. "Clean" is a great way to say it. People kept thinking I was some crazy extremest when I said Paleo so I started saying, "I don't eat any processed food, refined carbs or sugar. It got the point across without the crazy debate. Great post!

Laurie said...

These look amazeballs (heh, that actually registered as a word) and I will be trying them quite soon.

In re: to the first portion of your post; bravo... Couldn't agree more. The elitist type make this an intimidating, "lifestyle" to navigate as a newb and I quite enjoy your fresh and accepting take. Not to mention the recipes I've tried from the OMG are quite awesome :)

Keep fighting the good fight

Unknown said...

I've been making and sharing this recipe for months now...came across the original on pinterest that used peanut butter and sugar so I swapped out the pb for almond butter (Trader Joes raw creamy unsalted--1 jar=2 cups) and use coconut crystals as my sweetner. I use the whole jar and double the remaining ingredients...oh and I added to my doubled recipe 2tsp vanilla. I've shared this recipe so many times...it's soooooo effing good!

Megan @ The Detoxinista said...

I've gotten a hard time about calling some of my recipes "Paleo," too... and ever since, I've been trying to avoid the word myself!

Glad you enjoyed the cookie recipe, whatever you decide to call it. ;)

bevvbevv said...

Hola,

I took it as a sign when I discovered paleo, two-faced and cupcakesomg all at the same time.

I would eat the heck out of those ravioli. And those cookies. And a wheel of brie.

I just consider myself a "mostly natural" non-grainer. It's a thing. I swear. Plus, it lets me eat hummus (sooooo, I swear that beans and I are still bff) and dairy (life without brie is.... proof of hell). I confess, though, that there is the occasional corn chip that carries guacamole to my mouth.

Wheat is the devil, though.

Much Love,
Beverly from high school

Jamiaane said...

LOVE your blog and recipes!! Sorry about the Paleo nazis!! My daughter and I use the term Paleo.....ish. People are still learning about Paleo, and if you take the best of it and tweak it to work for you it's awesome no matter what you call it!! Paleo nazis negativity is only hurtful and doesn't encourage people. You continue to help and inspire!! Thank you for that!!

Anonymous said...

New here and found your blog through your Paleo Dijon Viniagrette recipe! I love your blog and I HATE salad! Don't know if its the texture or taste or what but am making your dressing today! How un-paleo is that - to hate salad and kale and and and??!! I find it very hard to eat greens. Anyway, you have reminded me of what Diane, from Balanced Bites wrote this past week about "Paleo Perfectionists"! Use Paleo/Whole 30 because that is what led me to you! Forget these idiots! I love your blog and these idiots don't matter! Laura

Anonymous said...

These are AMAZING! I'm not going to lie, I have been making food that is "paleo" for my husband but have not had much intention of giving up my carbs- this ACTUALY truely tastes like the real thing! I just might be able to do it with more of your delicious recipes!

Anonymous said...

I've talked about your recipe here:

http://culdesacetcie.wordpress.com/2012/09/10/pinteresting-paleo-chocolate-chip-cookies/

thanks for sharing those yummy recipes!

Tina said...

Made these today, (my first gluten free dessert) been doing the whole30 for about 5 months and this was a special treat for my self. LOVED them! Made mine with only a 1/8 cup of honey... and some Ghirardelli semi-sweet morsels. My 13 year old daughter loved them too! Yeah I get a Mom/Cook/Baker GOLD star thanks to you!

Tina said...

Thanks for the awesome recipe! It was my first gluten free dessert! I've been doing the Whole30 for about 5 months. I've not added any sweetener back in my diet, so this was a special treat for myself. I LOVED them! I used 1/8 of a cup of honey and some Ghirardelli chocolate. My Husband and even my 13 year old daughter loved them. Thank you very much! Tina

Jenn @leftoverqueen said...

Happy to have found your site! Looks great and I love these cookies! :)

I have been eating paleo-ish for a while now, but really took the challenge seriously 6 weeks ago. But I am still eating raw dairy! My personal ancestors have a long history with dairy animals, so I plan on having a long history with them too (also because I raise them!). Keep on keeping on!

MarleneK said...

Wow these cookies are awesome! I am pregnant and craving sweets! Good thing the sweetener in here is honey. They came out amazing! I just came across this blog after googling paleo chocolate chip cookies! So glad I did!

Izzy said...

Unfortunately when you go out into the cyber world you encounter a lot of stupid people who love to show their ass while hiding behind a computer screen. Just how it is. I'd tell you not to let it get the better of you, but stupid people annoy the shit out me also. So you sing your song and to hell with the rest of them. I just found your blog via a pin of this recipe via the word "paleo" so use the word if you please. Sounds like your followers agree with that statement. I follow paleo (no beans, grains, etc.), but I also enjoy a cup or two of sake on occasion, I eat cheese and don't eat meat. What does that make me? You just keep doing what you are doing. =) Cannot wait to try this recipe.

Anna said...

These cookies look amazing. I look forward to trying them next time I have some chocolate chips in the house.

I'm sorry that uptight, rigid people came down on you so hard. I can certainly understand wanting to protect yourself from future pile-ons by removing your hat from the paleo ring.

Personally, I am sad to hear that you will be avoiding the word "paleo" from here on out. I discovered you by Googling something like "paleo desserts," and I've loved several of your recipes (both sweet & savory). I definitely wouldn't have found you by searching "gluten-free," since so often "gluten-free" means something grain-based. (I mean, you don't label baked potatoes gluten-free, right?)

You see, the thing about the term Paleo is that it does a nice job of encompassing a whole set of priorities. I am working on a blog post right now which discusses how my experience with Whole30 helped me shift from an exclusion-based mindset (grain-free, legume-free, etc.) to a holistic, positive approach (good fats + good proteins + good carbs = whole meal). On an emotional level, this means Paleo has a feel-good connotation for me, and I hate to see good people eschew it. But on a practical level, this means that when I run recipe searches, I add the word paleo so that the results I get will allow me to work from that whole-food perspective, instead of constantly thinking what I need to remove from a recipe to make fit my needs. (Yes, this means I run searches like "paleo+roasted cauliflower" or "paleo+sauteed kale.")

I think maybe this is where some of the gentler criticism comes in: when people are new to paleo and looking for recipes, it can be confusing to find "paleo" recipes that contain sweeteners & dairy (at least, it has been for me). As for the less-gentle criticism, well, when people aren't so new but have a tendency toward self-righteousness, they may then react by trying to protect the faceless "innocent, clueless" would-be Paleo cooks by telling you "UR doing it WRONG!" What I hate most about this is that it seems to create lines in the sand, with "devout paleo" and "kinda sorta sometime paleo -- er, grain & legume & sometimes-sweetener and -dairy-free" as the only two camps. I can't really join the latter camp, but I am being forced into the former by virtue of my embrace of the concept "paleo." (Wait, I also hate the fact that it makes people feel attacked, like you were.)

Instead of correcting or attacking blog-writers whose concept of Paleo differs from mine, I have come up with a classification system for my online recipes:
"Paleo+sweetener," "Paleo/flour" (for paleo-based flours), "Primal" (which is Paleo+dairy). Oh, and "Paleo/Primal" if dairy is optional. In this schema, "Whole30" isn't necessary since it is, by definition, hardcore Paleo. (But I'd probably use it in my blog posts so that Googlers can find useful recipes.)

Cripes, this has gotten too long. TL;DR is, I love your work, I hope you don't give up entirely on Paleo because I want others to find & enjoy you too, and despite their loud voices & high visibility, please don't think that the people attacking you represent the whole of the "paleosphere."

Anonymous said...

These are amazing. Both of my girls, who shy away from paleo baked goods (and whine about getting the real thing) LOVED these. Even my picky neighbor who hates anything I bake without flour and sugar loved these. This is a winner!

Rose said...

I've heard about the Paleo Police on other sites.

We eat limited grains, love to find new grain-free recipes that the kids will like.

Some of those paleo ancestors ate whale blubber as a steady diet, too, and I don't see many people sticking to that as a diet standard.

Jenna | The Eighty Twenty said...

I just came bcak to this post for the recipe HOLY COMMENTS! I'm making it with chocolate almond butter I can't wait to see how great they are

daniella said...

Ew, "gluten free" is worse of a term than "paleo" .

Why surrender to the critics?

Paleo is what works for you, if that means throwing in a little bit of dairy in the mix, so be it. If your body reacts well, then thats great (and I'm jealous of that).

I do understand "paleo-izing" desserts probably isn't what our ancestors use to do. But, I also understand we need to use our knowledge of the paleo diet, our own bodies and the modern world and do what is best for us. If that means making paleo dessert once a month, great!

Ill tell you what, if the critics TRULEY understood paleo, they wouldn't criticize you. Obviously, they don't. Fuck that - use the term paleo all you want. What we (paleo-ers) all need to be doing is working together to change societies way of thinking about food, not criticizing.

Unknown said...

What are the paleo police gonna say when I eat my cookies and have a big glass of milk?

Unknown said...

I just baked these and they are delicious!! I can't stop eating them.

The Clay Family said...

So good!!! We are new to paleo and really just easing in so I feel okay not going hard core. We have been dying for something sweet and dessert like, these really hit the spot!!

Mike said...

I don't need to explain Paleo to people; it's not worth the effort.

It's easier to tell people that I eat to feel healthy. Foods that taste good but make me sick aren't worth 2 minutes to eat and days to recover...

That's the simplest and sanest way for anyone to eat: whether the issue is allergies, lactose-intolerance, diabetes, muscle-building, healing, etc.

btw, Does anyone really think cavemen wouldn't eat cheese if they could?

Anonymous said...

We are not paleo, whole, gluten free, or anything else... We are just out of ingredients and this momma wants a cookie she can bake with a two year old with the attention span of a goldfish! These sounded delicious no matter what label you put on them and are making my kitchen smell delicious and my mouth water. I'm sorry people want to make a show of putting you down when you are just sharing your passion for eating in a way that works for your body! I for one thank you for your simple creativity!

allison said...

Amazing!!! I didn't have raw almond butter and the only one at Shaws was $23 a jar! Peanut butter (not Paleo) works great. When I get to Trader Joe's again I'll try 'em with almond butter

TamTam said...

I just made these, they turned out amazing. Very delicious for a paleo cookie. On thing I would suggest is flattening them just a tad so they are about 1/4 inch thick before you bake them. My cookies had a touch of unbaked dough in the middle after 10 minutes and look a lot thicker than in the photos. They were still amazing though, and maybe in a few hours the uncooked dough will provide more moistness. I made mine with agave syrup instead of honey and reduced the amount to 1/4 cup... a little less even.

theoneistheall said...

*update* I brought the finished cookies to a paleo potluck and they were a HUGE HIT. And by huge hit I mean 18 cookies were not enough for the 7 of us... people were fighting for the last 3.

The last cookie ended up being split up between two people. Apparently more potlucks are being scheduled, a main part of that being so people can eat more cookies.

Amazing recipe and so creative, the almond butter is magic and I have never ever gotten a response like this for anything I have baked. Thank you so much for sharing!!

theoneistheall said...

some comments:

"wow these are so moist, I was expecting them to be hard."

"I love soft cookies"

"These are sooooooooooo good"

"It's amazing what you can make without flour"

The list of comments goes on!

Valerie said...

These cookies Rock!!! Thank you!!! Made my day!

Frosty Peaches said...

Sorry to hear that people were being rude and condescending. That's never appropriate!

I do feel like "paleo" is a useful blanket term that does incorporate a variety of diets (kind of like "vegetarian" does). However, labelling things that have cheese in them as "whole30" is being misleading. It's a very specific term. Again with the "vegetarian" comparison, but it's like labeling a recipe with eggs as "vegan" and then saying "well I can use whatever words I want!". It's not true. Either something is whole30 or it isn't.

I hope you keep using the word Paleo though, because your recipes are definitely great paleo! :)

Star said...

Thank you so much for these! We made them last night and loved them!

Kim Mowery said...

I have these in the oven as I write and they look AWESOME!! People can be so rude, but try to ignore that (remember that is their problem, NOT YOURS!!)and keep posting PALEO! That is how I found this and love to try new recipes as this is a new adventure for my family. Thanks and happy blogging :)

Anonymous said...

you are now on my favourites because Youre farking hilarious!!! represent paleo loving sister xxx

Anonymous said...

I made these last night and the night before (don't you judge me, I had company over and they ate them) ...OMG!!!! I was unprepared for the goodness of these wonderful Paleo (yeah, I SAID it) cookies. I do eat paleo but it's not a religion or anything like that (calm down folks). I could not believe how tasty they were and how awesome others who have no clue what they were made of found them...thanks so much. I will be making these for the holiday!

Anonymous said...

How incredible these cookies were! I made two batches and fed them to non-paleo eaters and they ate almost all of them! Thank you so much for a high protein cookie that does not cause me to sugar binge.

jadaburquena said...

I'm transitioning to ahem...Paleo...and my boyfriend constantly bitches that I no longer make him chocolate chip cookies. So here I am, googling paleo chocolate chip cookies, and I end up reading like 4 of your recipes because your verbage cracks me up. I'm about to make these and I hope they're as tasty as your blog is funny! Thanks :)

Jan J. said...

I have boards on Pinterest - one of them is Low Carb, one Gluten (Wheat) Free, one Paleo. I am afraid to add things to MY boards that aren't quite up to the food Nazi standards as I don't want to get criticized and put in my place. I actually to myself call it the Garden of Eden diet as I believe in creation but put Paleo for others' benefit. Who is to say whatever early man it was didn't milk a deer or something LOL! Call it what you want, but I know how hard that criticism is. I eat cheese and butter. In fact I use a lot of Paleo recipes but replace coconut oil with butter and coconut or almond milk with regular milk because we all have our own way of doing things. Thanks so much for this yummy looking recipe - I'm making it tonight!

Anonymous said...

I also enjoy your sense of humor, as well as many of your recipes. I could care less if you call it Paleo as Healthier would suffice. I love Paleo, but what ever happened to the 80/20 85/15 rule, where the 15-20 was not exactly paleo. I dont think it will kill ya. Like 100% SAD (standard american diet). Some people need to Chillax, life was meant to be enjoyed and the occasional not 100% hard core PALEO is simply your choice. Keep posting so we can keep enjoying.

Rick

Mrs. Ruhl said...

We eat CLEAN, and we welcome you to the fold! Beware, though, that some people don't agree with my version of clean either. Whatever, they need to get over it, because I look and feel fabulous since changing to this lifestyle! Welcome! (and bring recipes)

Tranquil Baby Coach said...

I LOVED your post! I've been eating Paleo for the past year and a half and certainly have encountered my fair share of Paleo Elitist! I do eat high quality raw cheese from time to time and I also have been known to eat millet, buckwheat and oats before too! Call me crazy but I'm pretty sure there's plenty of things Paleo Elite eat that cavemen didn't eat (like chocolate chips--especially sugar free ones or dairy free ones).

Thanks for allt he awesome recipes-can't wait to start pinning away :)

Georgie said...

What a lol and an absolutely spot-on read. I had to follow a vegan 'elimination' diet once as I was having reactions to errything and the naturopath suggested it, and I did some research for interests' sake and encountered exactly the same elitist attitude. It's absolutely fucking hilarious and lame, but I think it comes with the territory of something being labelled in the media as a 'diet' - you're going to come across people being anal retentive about the specifics of a way of eating, no matter what it entails. Love your blog, so I consider us internet pals, so it's wonderful to see you've not been caught up by other people's judgements. Rock on

Tranquil Baby Coach said...

These are so incredibly amazing that I can't even find words for them! I love soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies so these are my idea of perfection! I used half almond butter and half cashew butter, coconut syrup instead of honey and one of those no sugar added chocolate bars from Trader Joes for the chips. I'm heading into my kitchen right now to make another batch! Thank you beyond words for this recipe :)

Megan Patterson said...

Yes I have been known to use the term "Paleo Nazi" before myself. And these cookies are some of the best I have ever made by the way! You are awesome! Going to share your wonderful recipe, linked back to your site of course, on my blog. Thanks a bunch!!

Anonymous said...

Holy hell! These are amazing! Thanks!

Lindsey said...

Amazing!!!! My boyfriend and I made them last night and they are seriously delicious!!!!! Dare I say even better than "normal" chocolate chip cookies! Thank you for sharing!

Anonymous said...

These cookies are amazing. Better than any cookie I have eaten in years.

I only had half a cup of almond butter so I added in half a cup of cashew butter and pure 100% Cacao chocolate. Amazing.

steffturner said...

Great post...those people need to get a life! I didn't read through all the comments but Rachel mentioned it first. If you call it Paleo/Primal then you're off the hook. Primalist, who tolerate cheese, embrace it. I'm "Primal", I eat cheese and I'm proud of it!

Lynn said...

i am not Paleo, but have a friend that is desperately trying to talk me into it. I get it, but I'm not quite ready to jump 100 percent on board. I loved reading this post. especially since I was sitting here chowing down on a piece of grass fed organic cheddar cheese! thanks for keeping it real!

Unknown said...

You are AWESOME!! I swear that there are people who just spend all day trying to scold others. I am making these right now-BEFORE I make supper!! Lol which will include white potatoes and I consider myself "Paleoish" so now I will duck from the scolders!

Unknown said...

Yummy - thank you :-)

Anonymous said...

These look great, and I totally agree. Why don't you label yourself the fraleo (free paleo...as in free to do what you want) or the modern primal not so dairy queen....surely there is something that will work!

Anonymous said...

I am trying these for the first time and they didnt brown like her pics show? I put the second batch in an additional 5 minutes because my first batch is uncooked=( they look cooked but they fall apart. Any ideas what I am doing wrong?

CupcakesOMG! said...

@Anonymous

Not sure what happened, but it's important that once you take the cookies out of the oven, you let them cool for about 10 minutes ON the cookie sheet. Don't move them to a cooling rack until then! That's an important step to allowing them to "set." If you did that, it could be that your oven is different than mine, so you need to play around with the heat or the length of time. But just to be clear, they will not become firm or crispy. They're definitely soft cookies and they can be a bit delicate. Hope that helps!

Sandy Price said...

Has anybody managed to burn these? I am curious what happens. My sig other likes his cookies burnt on the edges, and I am doubting these ingredients would allow for that. I might try swapping out half the almond butter for almond flour, and adding in half a stick of earth balance or something. They look delicious.

Fleur de Cerise said...

Lmao I totally still eat cheese, and why not? We took away all this other crap from our diets that im sure some cheese now and again wont kill us.

Anonymous said...

These are so very very good! I was seriously surprised at how they actually tasted like a cookie. I added a tblsp of cocoa powder. My kids ate them up - a protein packed, filling cookie.

Meggin said...

You are brilliant. I love your post.
These look amazing. No almond butter here (I ran out), so I'm going to go with non-paleo peanut butter. :P

Meggin

Anonymous said...

I've been making these for months... Since becoming primal I've made at least 7 different cookie recipes ad THIS is the best. My fiance is obsessed with your cookies and so is his friend from work haha. I cant thank you enough for your work on this. Epic!

JudyJetson said...

I read your portion about not wanting to use the word Paleo anymore.. I'm not sure if you've already considered it, but you could use the term Primal instead. Primal in general is the same as paleo, but specifically allows dairy.

Also, I have a choco chip cookie recipe already, but will have to try yours as well ! The pictures make them look so delectable!

Anonymous said...

I made these but they are too sweet for me.

Anonymous said...

Cheese is fucking delicious and sometimes you just have to go there! You rock, keep doing what you're doing. Fuck the haters <3

Anonymous said...

LOL. Thank you for making me smile!

Lori D said...

you can always use the term "Primal" which is basically paleo+full fat, grass fed dairy...people can be so pompous! the cookie recipe looks awesome and hey, just for shits and giggles, just include the word paleo in all your posts somewhere so we can find you!! :)

Amanda said...

You explained my exact issues with the word "paleo." Thank you.

Unknown said...

Ok, I was skeptical, having tried more than a few "healthier" cookie recipes. But GEEZ, these are phenomenal. I ate two of them and then had to freeze the rest, otherwise I would have kept eating and eating and eating...thank you so much.

Heather said...

Thank you so much for this recipe!!! I have a 3 year old and 2 year old who have all sorts of food allergies and this is the first recipe I've found that not only tastes good, but doesn't use a BAJILLION ingredients! They were super easy to make so I can whip them up super fast and make my little humans very happy :) THANK YOU!!!!

And P.S. I also say a big "f you" to the paleo haters.

Anonymous said...

We LOVE these. We also add a little bit of vanilla. YUM!

Anonymous said...

I've known a few people who are fairly hardcore Paleo and you know what? They eat some fermented cheese. So its a personal preference and if someone doesn't like it, they can just move on!

Anonymous said...

Do you really want to hear a paleo Natzi bitch? Just use the term lacto-paleo (which is what I call myself because I like greek yogurt and cheese too in my paleo diet) I saw other people use that term on blogs before and the paleo police came out of the woodwork! BTW, great recipe!These are good!

Unknown said...

So--- I made the fuck off bitches cookies tonight and once baked they just fell apart. Any suggestions on how to firm them up any more? I placed them in the fridge hoping they might be a little firmer in the morning yes, Totally having these for breakfast.. Other than that--- super delicious. So thank you. And P.S. I deal with Paleo natzi's everyday, who cares as Long as people are eating healthier, that's the whole point, right?!?!?!!

Anonymous said...

Has anyone tried them without the egg? My nephew has been recently diagnosed with Allergies to Dairy, Eggs and Wheat and other than the egg these seem like a sweet treat for him! Thanks in advance for any suggestions on subbing out the egg!

Anonymous said...

Seriously, these are ridiculously delicious, not to mention easy. Thank you times a million!

Joan said...

I am Paleo with dairy and I know of many who are. To each his own I guess. Loved your article and the Cookie Recipe. I cant wait to try this with the homemade almond butter I made with a touch of sea salt, honey, and coconut oil. Keep it coming! :)

Unknown said...

I just found you through Pinterest and am excited to try your recipes! I read about the Paleo Nazis and the need/want to change what you call it... I'm putting in the suggestion "Renaissance", because the way you are eating and what you seem to be promoting is a rebirth of older and more natural way to eat and prepare food. That being said, back in the Renaissance era they pretty much ate "Paleo" except they figured out how to make things like cheese, beer and wine. So go on with your bad self and make some "Renaissance Beer Cheese Soup"! (That's my two cents...)

Anonymous said...

Bahaha I love the rant! Totally agree. And I can't wait to try these!!!

Unknown said...

Fist bump!

Stan said...

God bless you melissa

Anonymous said...

I made these cookies & they were ah-mazing!! I made a small change though only out of necessity. I had all of the ingredients except chocolate chips. I made these late at night because of a chocolate craving so instead, I added about 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder. I think it made the cookies a little firmer but they were still chewy & awesome!


For me, eight minutes was the best amount of time to bake the cookies. My first batch were scorched on the bottom because I left them in for nine minutes. I still ate the top part though, lol. I had refrigerated the leftover mix, baked more tonight for eight minutes & they turned out great!
Thank you for this clean cookie recipe. The next I make them, I'm thinking of adding cinnamon, raisins & maybe pecans. Yum!

glascafe_laurie said...

I didn't have any almond butter around so I used half walnut butter and half black sesame seed butter... left out the chocolate. They are AWESOME! I'm going to have to ask google if I can OD on black sesame. ;-)

Kathy S. said...

Yay! My daughter loves the Better for your Choc. Chip Cookies! I like them with raisins too. Next I'm going to try them with a little pumpkin in them and pumpkin pie spice maybe. Thanks for the great recipe!

Trina said...

I love all the comments. I have always said some of the same things about the theme "Paleo" It would be interesting to take a survey and find out how many of them never - ever - go off the "Paleo Plan" Keep doing what you are doing!

Anonymous said...

I don't really even know what paleo is but i am trying new things to help me shed a few pounds. I luv cookies so I'm Gina try it

Anonymous said...

I can't wait to make these! And just to spite the rest of them, I think I'll sandwich them in between cream cheese;)

Keep up the good fight!

Anonymous said...

These are the best soft paleo cookie recipe I've found and SO easy. THANK YOU!

Tonia said...

Love the glass of milk in the background. These look awesome, think I'll give them a shot!

Anonymous said...

I have a major problem with these cookies...they taste like chocolate chip cookies! Uh oh! So good!

Anonymous said...

Made these cookies this afternoon - all I can say is wow . . . so delightful. Thanks for the recipe!

Matt said...

Love the way you write. Great read and very much a part of being someone who likes to share recipes and their story. Stick with it, glad I found your site

Anonymous said...

While I thought it is well established that dairy is a "grey area" in the "paleo" world of course somebody is going to try to make a dig on your awesome recipe. I am not ready to give it up any time soon! Uh-uh no way. At the same time I am getting annoyed at the lack of knowledge of paleo and even gluten-free when recipes are labelled as such. I know I can sub proper ingredients but that's not why I went looking for a recipe, cause I just want the recipe to work the first time no mistakes lol. THIS IS THE ONLY CHOCOLATE CHIP RECIPE THAT I HAVE FOUND THAT IS LEGIT. THANK-YOU!!!

Unknown said...

It was really easy and the biscuits turned out tasty and delicious!

Unknown said...

Those look delicious.
I’m glad it’s starting to cool down more so I can start baking.

Unknown said...

OMG, girl, you are hilarious! And, I'm sorry you got so much heat from the Paleo-snobs. I do not consider myself to be Paleo, but I've been feeling inspired to cut back on the dairy and processed sugar and stuff, so found your post via this link:

http://www.fitbie.com/slideshow/paleo-dessert-recipes

This cookie recipe looks amazing and I'm looking forward to trying it :) Thanks! And don't let the critics get you down...Keep on rockin' out! Cheers!

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