Welcome To The Sweet Side of Life

Life is better when its homemade
There’s something magical about baking cookies, isn’t there? The warmth of the oven, the soft hum of anticipation, and the irresistible aroma that fills the air—it’s the kind of simple joy that feels like a hug in dessert form. Whether you’re making them for a cozy night in, a special gift, birthday or just to indulge your sweet tooth, baking cookies is more than a recipe—it’s a little act of love.
So, tie on your prettiest apron, grab your favorite mixing bowl, and let’s whip up something sweet, buttery, and utterly delightful together. Because life is always better with a batch of homemade cookies.

A healthier twist on a family classic
Baking has always been a joy for me, but as a mama, it’s become a passion with purpose. I love creating delicious treats like cookies, but I also want to ensure my children can enjoy them guilt-free. That’s why I’m always experimenting with healthier ingredients. Swapping refined sugars for natural sweeteners, incorporating whole or ancient grains, and sneaking in a little extra nutrition wherever I can. It’s so rewarding to see their smiles knowing they’re enjoying something both tasty and nourishing. For me, it’s about blending love, flavor, and care into every bite.
How this all came about
When Gordy and I first started having children we knew we wanted to raise them with health at the forefront. Gordy being a Personal Trainer and both of our passion for knowing what is in our food. In turn what we are consuming and the potential long term effects; this transferred to making sure our kids have the best chance possible for health.
Gordy has a major sweet tooth and after much research and both of us reading numerous books. We came to the conclusion that eliminating refined sugars and highly processed food from our kids diets for at least the first 5 years was our goal!
Which honestly is where the idea for The Cottage at Holy Honey Ranch really started- I am constantly trying out recipes to make them healthier etc… there have been some epic fails… let’s be honest… it happens. But then we have had some huge success… This recipe being one of them!

Honey Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Sweet Twist on a Classic
Imagine the rich, melty goodness of chocolate chip cookies. But with a subtle tang and natural sweetness that takes them to the next level. That’s what you’ll get with these Honey Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies! Made with a touch of sourdough discard (check out how you can make your own starter here)and sweetened with our Bee Holy Honey. These cookies are the perfect balance of sweet, and slightly tangy. They’re a delightful way to use your sourdough discard while giving a healthier, more flavorful spin to a beloved classic.
This recipe was ultimately inspired by The Food Nanny– the recipe in the For The Love of Sourdough cookbook is fantastic! And honestly no changes need to be made… But when your 4 year old little girl says “Mama, can I have Chocolate Chip Cookies?” I started to experiment and this was a great place recipe to adjust! And Sofie is in LOOOVVEEE with these.
The Food Nanny is absolutely amazing for so many reasons, but my ultimate favorite… this is where I buy my Kamut flour! I’ll have a post soon on the benefits of Kamut!

Simple and Delicious
This recipe is the perfect mix of sweet, tangy, a bit savory with the finishing salt, and to top this off it comes together so quickly! When you’re a busy mom this is vital!
What I changed in the recipe
The biggest change for me was subbing out the sugar for honey. I do this on a 1:1 conversion and this creates an absolutely fantastic flavor. Then my next goal was finding chocolate chips not sweetened with sugar. After some major research I have found there are several options to choose from and we went with chocolate chips sweetened with dates! You could also go the dark chocolate route and they would be exceptional as well.
I also have to admit with this, and well most recipes I am very heavy handed when it comes to adding vanilla! I love vanilla! Vanilla is often described as adding “warmth” to baked goods because of its rich, aromatic profile. It has subtle floral, sweet, and slightly woody notes that enhance the overall flavor of a recipe. This creates a comforting and inviting taste experience. Vanilla acts as a natural flavor enhancer, rounding out and deepening other flavors like chocolate, spices, or fruits, while adding its own mellow sweetness. This combination for me literally evokes a sense of coziness and nostalgia. Making baked treats feel even more indulgent and satisfying. It’s the ingredient that I feel transforms simple baked goods into something truly heartwarming.
I also do make my own homemade vanilla so maybe I’m a bit biased… shh don’t tell!

A Sweet Ending
Honey Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies are more than just a treat. They’re a delightful fusion of rich flavors, wholesome ingredients, and a touch of creativity. By incorporating honey and sourdough, you’re not only adding depth and complexity but also crafting a cookie that is healthier, indulgent and nourishing. Whether you’re sharing them with family, gifting them to friends, or simply a glass of milk, these cookies are sure to bring joy to any moment.
Happy baking!


Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cream butter, sugars and discard for 5 minutes
- Add eggs and vanilla and set aside
- Whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl
- Add dry ingredients to the butter mix- mix well
- Add in chocolate chips
- Thoroughly combine
- Chill for at least 4 hours in the fridge
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Spoon out the dough (1-2 TBSP) and roll into balls before placing on the pan
- Gently press down with fingers
- Optional–Sprinkle with finishing salt
- Bake for 8-10 minutes
Nutrition
Notes
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