I introduced this Eat Yourself Pretty column when I first launched the site and then promptly forgot about it. But I was recently given these raw oatmeal cookie bon bons and thought they’d be perfect to share here. These incredibly addictive yet beautifying bites have since become a staple in my pantry and a healthy justification for feeding my sweet tooth.
But let’s back up a bit. You may remember that I did a little detox in the spring that included going off sugar, coffee and alcohol for 30 days. Though I think this is probably a healthy thing to do once a year (I had mine coincide with Lent), I would never have been able to part with all my vices if not for a much more superficial motive: my skin.
Last fall my skin started to go rogue on me. When numerous visits to the dermatologist, and the subsequent antibiotics and steroid injections, did nothing to make me look less like a hormonal teenager, I ended up seeing a strange healer to address the root cause of my recurring skin woes. She said that the real problem was stemming from my liver.
Being a long time theme party and rose enthusiast, I haven’t always been the kindest to this organ. So it seemed like the right place to start healing from the inside out. As I learned, when toxins aren’t being processed and expelled properly, they can take an exit ramp via your face. Which explained why my pores were starting to feel like the facial equivalent of a ten-car pile up.
So that’s how I ended up going into detox mode. It’s also how I started investing in all natural facials with the amazing Nichola of Pacific Touch. In addition to all the delicious smelling creams and calming concoctions she put on my face, Nicola was an incredible resource for natural remedies. She also understood the emotional side of skincare and gave me some serious mental pep talks at a time when looking in the mirror was a very stressful experience.
The second best thing about my visits with Nichola was the free treats at the end of our sessions. The last time, I begged her for the recipe for her beauty bon bons. They’re packed with healthy, raw ingredients like pumpkin seeds, gluten-free oats, raw honey, flax meal, dried apricots, and coconut. But tightly packed into little balls and with a few bits of dark chocolate for good measure, the resulting bites taste more like oatmeal chocolate chip cookie batter than anything that’s supposed to do your liver (or skin) any favors. And yet, they are incredibly rich in nutrients and antioxidants.
In case you’re wondering, the 30 day detox actually worked. My skin cleared to a much more manageable state of distress and never relapsed once I went back on the sauce. The whole experience made me a lot more conscious of my consumption of caffeine and sugar. I haven’t gone back on coffee, and though I still struggle with my sweet tooth, I try to find healthy ways to feed it. Recently that has meant keeping a batch of these raw cookies on hand in the fridge. I have one after meals, and perhaps a couple in the morning in place of a granola bar. They’re a much better compromise than my requisite bottle of rose, which found its way back into my fridge this summer for good.
Do you have any natural beauty tips or recipes? Let me know in the comments!
Xo
Phoebe
Raw Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites
Ingredients
- ¾ cup almond butter
- ½ cup diced unsulfured dried apricots
- ¼ cup pumpkin seeds
- 1 cup gluten-free rolled oats
- ½ cup organic finely shredded coconut
- ½ cup ground flax seed meal
- ¾ cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup raw honey
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl and stir until everything is well incorporated and starting to stick together. Stick the bowl in the refrigerator for 10 minutes, or until the nut mixture has chilled and firmed up slightly.
- With damp hands, form 1 tablespoon of dough into a ball, squeezing it until about 1-inch wide and very compact. (I found it helpful to have a bowl of water handy since the mixture can get sticky and it's easier to have wet hands when handling). Continue with the remaining nut mixture, reserving the balls on a plate or parchment lined sheet pan. Chill the cookie bites until ready to serve or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator to snack on throughout the week.
Notes
Replace the raw honey with maple syrup and they are vegan oatmeal cookies!
If you make this, tag @phoebelapine and #feedmephoebe - I'd love to see it!
I am such a snack monster and am always looking for new alternatives to keep my munching fresh. I love that these can help me be glow from the inside out. Thank you!
I too am a snack monster!!! (new favorite term). Hope you try them! xoxo
So glad you love our skin superfood treats – eating healthy does not need to be boring!
they are SO delicious! I’ve been eating one a day since I made them. Sorry I spelled your name wrong – fixed! xoxox
Chlorophyll is the great detoxer, I find. I keep a big bottle of it in the fridge and whenever I feel like I’m sweating my sins from my pores, I add chloro to water, and chug. I have to rinse my mouth instantly after, or my teeth turn green – but it works if you keep it up for a week.
interesting! will have to try.
That’s like eating cookie dough but better. I’d love these!
Thanks Maureen!! xo
These look amazing! So dense and wholesome but yummy too – half naughty half nice! Love that video you posted earlier too. <3
Thanks Tash! Totally half naughty half nice. Love that. Hope you try them! xo
I really love the idea of these treats! Someone about raw (healthy) cookie dough that makes my heart melt. Love all of the ingredients in here! What a great way to conquer a sweet tooth and get a healthy glow. I’m in!
Thanks Allison! I hope you try them! Hooray for conquering the sweet tooth!
These cookie bites look delicious!
Thanks Jess!
Could dried cranberries replace the apricots (always have this on hand)? Or are the apricots a key item to the ‘detox’ combo? Also, where do you find gluten free rolled oats? Can’t wait to try these!
absolutely! I’ve made them with dried cherries too. You can find them at most grocery stores now. Or order online – Udi’s makes them, as does Bob’s Red Mill. Good luck!
At least one duffle will be filled with these ingredients next time I come back from the States. These bites have me dreaming of Whole Foods even more than usual. Cant wait to try them out!
awwww! well hopefully you can modify with what around in Colombia? I’m sure you can find some fun nuts and fruit to use!
I love the idea to use foods for healing and these look like a delicious way to do it!
Hope you try them Sophia! Such a great excuse for a sweet treat 🙂
I love these cookies. I keep them in the freezer and eat as needed. it takes about 10 min to get soft. I also mix & match honey/maple syrup/agave. And the dried fruit with whatever I have in. always delish
That’s awesome!! I’m always making new versions too. Happy you’re getting creative 🙂 xo
Really good Phoebe!.. .loved your oats choco recipe..in india we call any round shaped sweet as laddu/ladoo..keep sharing healthy recipes.
oooo that’s a much more festive name! thank you for trying these little ladoos!