Guilt-Free, Nutrient-Dense Cookies for Hashimoto’s: My Favourite Paleo Recipes.

Image: Lisa From Pexels

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned on my healing journey and now teach to others — is that food should never be feared. Especially when it’s made with love, whole ingredients, and a purpose.

Yes, there are foods that can flare inflammation or disrupt your gut if you’re healing from Hashimoto’s. But that doesn’t mean we have to live in a world of restriction, bland substitutes or ultra-processed alternatives, if you've moved through the therapeutic diets necessary and found your personalised diet. In fact, there is so much joy to be found in creating new recipes that feel indulgent and support your body. You can still enjoy sweet treats, (depending on your bio-individual response to sugar), it’s simply about using ingredients that nourish rather than deplete.

So today I want to share two of my all-time favourite nutrient dense, guilt free, Paleo cookie recipes for people with Hashimoto's, and other autoimmune conditions. These are my go-to’s when I want something comforting, naturally sweetened, and high in nutrients, without the blood sugar crash or the bloat. They’re also naturally high in protein and healthy fats, helping to balance blood sugar and keep energy stable, which is crucial for Hashimoto’s healing.

These cookies are made with just a few whole food ingredients. They’re Paleo (completely gluten-free and dairy-free), and can be made egg-free if needed, though I personally prefer using the egg, as it gives the cookies a lovely crunch, helps bind everything together, and adds an extra boost of protein, B vitamins, iodine, selenium and choline.

Why These Ingredients Are So Good for You

Let’s take a moment to appreciate the real power behind these simple ingredients:

• Almond flour – rich in healthy fats, vitamin E, magnesium, and a good source of plant-based protein. It’s also low in carbs and easy on the digestive system.

• Eggs – a complete protein, providing all essential amino acids. Eggs are rich in B vitamins, selenium, and choline – all important for liver detox, hormone health, and thyroid function.

• Tahini – ground sesame seeds packed with calcium and magnesium, which are essential for bone health, nervous system support, and reducing inflammation. Tahini also contains plant-based iron and zinc.

• Peanut butter – a nostalgic favourite in my house (my son absolutely loves it!). It’s high in protein, folate, and vitamin B3. That said, it can slow gut motility, so if you're dealing with constipation or SIBO, it’s best introduced once gut function is more stable.

• Olive oil – heart-healthy monounsaturated fats with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

• Maple syrup – used in small amounts, it provides a natural sweetness without refined sugar, and contains small traces of minerals like zinc and manganese.

• Sesame seeds – not only pretty on top, they’re also rich in calcium, magnesium, and healthy fats.

Paleo Cookie Recipes For Hashimoto's:

Recipe 1: Tahini Almond Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups almond flour

• ½ cup tahini

• ⅓ cup maple syrup

• 1 egg (omit if you react to eggs)

• Pinch of sea salt

• Olive oil (for greasing the baking sheet)

• Sesame seeds (for topping)

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F) and lightly grease a baking sheet with a little olive oil.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, tahini, maple syrup, egg, and salt. Mix until you get a smooth, sticky dough.

3. Scoop out small spoonfuls of dough and roll into balls with your hands.

4. Place on the baking sheet and gently flatten into cookie shapes.

5. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for a lovely crunch and a calcium-rich finish.

6. Bake for around 18–20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.

7. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the tray for at least 10 minutes – this is when they crisp up beautifully!

Image: Sofia Lonshakova, Pexels

🥜 Recipe 2: Peanut Butter Almond Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups almond flour

• ½ cup peanut butter (replace with almond butter if you prefer)

• ⅓ cup maple syrup

• 1 egg (omit if you react to eggs)

• Optional: a small handful of dark chocolate chips

• Olive oil (for greasing the baking sheet)

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F) and grease a baking sheet with olive oil.

2. Mix the almond flour, peanut butter, maple syrup, and egg together in a bowl until you get a thick, sticky dough.

3. Add chocolate chips if you like — they melt into the cookie and add a rich, satisfying bite.

4. Roll the dough into balls with your hands and place them on the baking sheet.

5. Press each ball gently into a cookie shape with your fingers or a fork.

6. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until the cookies are golden.

7. Let them cool on the tray for 10 minutes – they’ll firm up as they cool.

These cookies are such a beautiful example of how nourishing food can also feel like a treat. When you're navigating an autoimmune condition like Hashimoto's, it can feel like you're constantly being told what not to eat. But I believe in focusing on what you can enjoy — and making that joy delicious, nutrient-rich, and healing.

These aren’t just cookies. They’re an act of self-care. A way to connect with your body. And a reminder that food is still something to be savoured and celebrated.

With love and nourishment,

Sarah x