You can't have cookies for breakfast.

Its no secret that Cookie Monster had a large influence on my life. I adore cookies. I can't say no to cookies. I love every kind of cookie (with the exception of white chocolate macadamia nut - bleh). My life motto is:

"Today, I will live in the moment...unless its unpleasant, in which case I will eat a cookie." (see gif at right)

**You can also replace the word "cookie" with "cupcake" and the above statements would still be true.

That being said, I was a little worried when I first decided to go paleo. What would I bake on Sunday evenings? What would I eat for desert? More importantly, how would I survive?! I'd made a few paleo cookie recipes before, but they were never mind blowing. They always cost too much money (almond flour is not a cheap), some went bad too quickly (banana based cookies need to be kept in the fridge, FYI) and they just didn't do it for me.

No fear, the perfect paleo cookie is here. Its name implies that its a "breakfast cookie," which immediately made me think of the early '90s Cookie Crisp commercial, "You can't have cookies for breakfast!" with the old school cop and robber mascots. Presh. In this instance, however, I suppose that rule is out the window. You can totally have paleo cookies for breakfast.

editor's note: they are delicious any time of day.

Paleo Breakfast Cookies

1 cup almond butter
1 egg
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
3 cups total mix-ins of choice (ie: dried fruit, nuts, coconut, dark choc chips)
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt 

Preheat oven to 350. Combine all ingredients and mix until blended. Drop by tablespoons onto a greased baking sheet. Press down slightly with hand. Bake 12-15 minutes. 

I've made them with dried cranberries, coconut and dark chocolate chips. I've also made them with dried cherries, coconut and pecans (I've used honey both times). Both ways are delicious, but the outcome is completely different. The versatility and ease of these cookies is what makes them great (and, of course, the fact that you can eat them for breakfast!).

Enjoy!