Like so many of us (I know I’m not alone here), this cookie dough fandom started when I was a kid. I grew up in a pretty health-conscious household (think more fruits and veggies, fewer sugary sweets), but on those special nights when baking cookies was on the agenda, I always loved sneaking some raw dough—much to my mom’s dismay. Now, as a health editor and well-being-aware adult, I regularly dream up ways to make more nutritious alternatives to so many of my favorite treats—and that includes cookie dough. I’m not the only one taking notice: Nutritionist Frances Largeman-Roth, R.D., shared that she’s a fan of the promising trend, as well. “Garbanzo beans and pea protein are often in the mix, which is a great way to add extra plant protein to your diet,” she says. “Just keep your eye on the added sugars. Even ‘healthy’ cookie dough can become not so healthy if it’s overloaded with added sugars, including coconut sugar and maple sugar.” Curious to give one a try? Here are some of the alternative cookie dough brands we’re drooling over at mbg—which we’re hopeful are just the beginning. Get ready to grab a spoon and dig in! Largeman-Roth is a fan, too: “They are super delicious, and a couple of spoonfuls are the perfect pre-run or pre-yoga fuel,” she says. “You can bake them into cookies, but I’ve never gotten that far!” My personal favorite is the ginger doodle flavor, which includes cinnamon, ginger, and ashwagandha! Deux Ginger Doodle Enhanced Cookie Dough, eatdeux.com This blend features an ingredient list that reads just like a recipe (something I look for in any packaged food). Most notably: fiber-packed organic chickpea puree and organic date paste; organic cassava root flour, which is a great prebiotic source; and adaptogenic organic maca powder. Daily Harvest Cacao Nib + Vanilla Bites, dailyharvest.com ($7.99) Toto Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, totofoods.com ($20) Ingredients:
