Edible Chocolate Cookie Dough That's Good For Your Skin? Not Too Good To Be True!

Edible, protein-rich, chocolatey cookie dough. Need I say more? 

Decadent and filling, this sweet treat will satisfy your sweet tooth, sans blood sugar spike (and imminent crash later on). It also boasts 30 grams of protein depending on the protein powder you use, making it a fabulous snack for those who are looking to prioritize protein intake this year.

The must-have ingredient, of course, is mindbodygreen's chocolate beauty & gut collagen+, which uses organic cocoa derived from cacao trees in South America, East Africa, and the Dominican Republic to achieve a rich chocolate flavor. It's also sweetened with 100% pure monk fruit (meaning it's completely sugar-free), providing the perfect hit of sweetness you need to fulfill sugar cravings without glucose spikes. 

As its name suggests, the collagen also comes with skin and gut benefits: Collagen peptides, after all, have been shown to support skin elasticity and dermal collagen density1 by promoting the body's natural production of collagen2 and other molecules that make up the skin, like elastin and fibrillin.* The formula also boasts additional skin-supporting nutrients, like vitamins C and E, hyaluronic acid, biotin, and turmeric.*

Not to mention, the formula is loaded with additional nutrients, like vitamins C and E, hyaluronic acid, biotin, and turmeric. Of course, it also features collagen peptides, which have been shown to help promote the body's natural production of collagen2 and other molecules that make up the skin, like elastin and fibrillin.* As a result, research shows that these collagen peptides are able to support skin elasticity and dermal collagen density1.*

Collagen powder and protein powder are not interchangeable (they have differing amino acid profiles), so it's a great idea to include both in your daily routine for muscle gains and full-body benefits.* Vanilla- or chocolate-flavored protein will be your best bet here to keep up the sweetness—just make sure yours contains high-quality sweeteners (monk fruit, for example) with no artificial flavors. 

First, blend the oats until they reach the fine, powdery consistency of oat flour. Pour it into a mixing bowl, then add your protein powder, collagen, salt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract, if using. Mix until combined, then pour in a splash of milk at a time until you reach a thick, dough-like consistency. Take it slow: You may need less milk than you think! Finally, fold in your dark chocolate chips.