Gluten and dairy free, of course, today’s dessert (or binge snack) was inspired by a few concepts. Concepts that are slightly disgraceful and essentially downright ridiculous. Nonetheless, this is a recipe that I apologize for, because it is FAR from healthy – which is a sacred pillar of this blog. To make amends, I have listed the 3 circumstances (that I can think of) I deem acceptable for indulging in such sin. We shall begin:

The First: Bad Days

Most times to combat the blues, I’ll go to the gym or hang out with friends – maybe even enjoy meditational hot yoga with my favorite instructor. These are what they consider the “healthy outlets” for relieving stress. I agree. But, when I have a REALLY bad day (and I mean really) where I just can’t seem to be resilient, all I want to do is lay in bed, eat ice cream, and watch sappy Netflix shows that make me feel marginally better about my own life. It is on these days that I just don’t care to be healthy. Not even a little bit. I want to be shut up in my room in the dark, sit on the floor, and stuff my face in the most unladylike way with some damn chocolate chip cookie dough stuffed Oreos. Yes, the guilty pleasure of carbs and sugar save the day. So, only on such bad days, I’ll forego my Nutrition & Wellness Certification by condoning these weight gaining devils. The next day, you better believe I’m at the gym working them off. No harm no foul, as long as you keep yourself in check.

The Second: Winning

The second concept stems from the sole purpose of being a show off. Let’s face it – sometimes, when you are invited to a potluck/super bowl/Halloween/Christmas/What have you party, you want to show up with the best food at the spot, right? You want to hear that one friend, whom you secretly hate, incredulously inquire: “Dang, who made these holy treats from heaven?!” And, of course, this is the anticipated moment of your timely response which is none other than:”ME, BOOM!” As you lay it down with a dominating victory dance.

Well.. maybe that is all just me, but for those who have that competitive streak this is for you (us).  Besides, how can you show up to a party with these babies and NOT receive praise upon praise?  Just look at em!

The Third: For the Love of Oreos

Have any date night plans yet? You do now. Not only are these easy to make, but they can be a lot of fun. Who doesn’t love making cookie dough? Grab your honey and get to making these, then curl up together on the couch and watch a movie. Winter is coming, and we all know that it will require some mad cuddling. But, don’t get too mad if your honey would rather hold these Cookie Dough Oreos over your little hand.. It is just temporary, I promise.

**Gentlemen: These cookies also make the perfect “time of the month” treat. Show up at her doorstep with these and thank me later.**

Alas, I’ve given you 3+ circumstances under which these lovelies can objectively be a good thing for you. But, come on. How many reasons do you really need to make them? I thought so.

As always, thank you for reading!

(For the cookie dough, I modified Veggie Balance’s Recipe and made it dairy free. Cookie Dough Oreos idea taken from Lovetobeinthekitchen.com – check her out, she has amazing  gluten-free recipes!)

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup dairy-free butter, softened (I use Earth Balance from Whole Foods or HEB)
• 1/4-1/2 cup cane sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cup gluten-free baking flour (I used Arrowhead Mills Gluten Free All Purpose)
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
  • If the dough is too dry, add 2-3 TBS of almond milk and 1/4 tsp Xanthan gum
• Gluten Free Oreos (I get mine from Whole Foods or Amazon, pictured below)

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, cream together butter, cane sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.
2. Add sea salt and stir in flour.
3. Fold in chocolate chips
4. Best if stored in the fridge in an airtight container for 30-45 minutes.
5. Lightly break open Oreos and roll cookie dough into balls. Sandwich the dough in the Oreos and press down very lightly, as gluten-free oreos have a tendency to be very breakable.