Mind Pump Ahoy! Keto Cacao Nib Cashew Cookies (Paleo / Vegan)

A few weeks ago, I published an episode of Actually Adultish with Adam and Sal from the Mind Pump podcast, which has been one of my all-time favorite podcasts for a long time. The hosts of Mind Pump – Adam, Sal, and Justin – are incredibly knowledgeable and have a ton of experience in the fitness industry. Their podcast addresses pretty much every health/fitness/diet trend and myth you could think of, and they cut through all of the BS in the industry to help people figure out what information they can actually trust. Basically, we have the same agenda. They’ve had so many incredible guests on their podcast, and I cannot tell you how much information I have learned from their episodes. Plus, they’re hilarious. And I feel an unspoken connection to them because we’re both from the Bay Area.

Do you ever listen to a really good podcast and realize it’s actually killing you that you can’t respond or join in on the conversation? That’s how I feel every time I listen to Mind Pump. I’ve definitely said things out loud, as if they could hear me, while listening to their episodes. Embarrassing, but true. A few months ago, I was listening to an episode where they were addressing issues with social media and girls’ body image. I literally yelled, “HELL YES!” during their conversation, and then I immediately ran to my computer. I had to email them and try to get them on my show.

I knew it was a long shot for them to come on Actually Adultish, but somehow it magically happened. Just goes to show – if you want something, ask for it. They ended up coming to my apartment while they were on a quick trip to L.A., and I was beyond honored that they made the time to be on my lil’ old podcast. It was a major fangirl moment, and I was really overwhelmed because I knew I had to use my time wisely. If they had all the time in the world, I would talk to these guys for 500 hours and ask them a million questions.

I had to narrow it down, though, because I wanted to make sure we covered the topics that I needed you guys to hear. Information that I can tell you again and again, but that you might not really internalize until you hear it out of someone else’s mouth. These guys have the science and personal experience to back up what they say, and they make everything super approachable. Most of my audience is female, and I know that oftentimes information is received differently when it comes from the male perspective. This was definitely my favorite podcast I’ve ever recorded. If you haven’t listened to it yet, please do! We talk about how much exercise you really need for optimal health, the longterm effects of overtraining and undereating, what the deal is with cardio, who you can trust in the health industry, eating disorders in the bodybuilding world, how porn affects testosterone levels, and so much more. It was a VERY interesting, informative conversation, and I had such a blast recording it! So many listeners told me that this episode made them completely rethink their approach to fitness and overall health, and I am so happy to hear that.

Again, I was floored that they took the time to come on some random girl’s podcast during their short trip, in between being guests on some other big podcasts. I still can’t believe it. They were such a pleasure to hang out with – truly great guys. If you listen to the episode, you’ll know that I made them some cookies while they were here. That’s my version of a thank you, and I figured it was the perfect opportunity to recipe test! I guess it was kind of risky to have them taste test the first time I met them, but it worked out. The guys were obsessed with these cookies and kept snacking on them throughout the interview. Don’t worry – I sent them home with the leftovers! If they’re Mind Pump approved, you know they’re delicious. Aaaaand that’s why they’re called Mind Pump cookies! I posted about my interview in their Facebook group, and someone suggested we call these cookies Pumps Ahoy! I loved that, so I combined the name. Mind Pump Ahoy!

The guys from Mind Pump are no strangers to the keto diet, so it was the perfect day for some keto-friendly cookies. I’m still in shock over how many of you share my obsession with my sugar-free Vanilla Coconut Collagen Cookies. A lot of people write off low-sugar or sugar-free baked goods without even giving them a chance! I promise, though, you don’t need sugar to make something delicious.

Since publishing that recipe, I’ve received a ton of requests for more sugar-free/low-sugar/keto-friendly recipes, and that’s exactly what I plan to keep delivering! I’ve been sugar-free for over six months now, and I will be continuing that for at least another three months while I heal my gut. I kinda consider myself a pro at the low-sugar / sugar-free lifestyle.

I wanted to make a keto-friendly cookie that does have a little sweetness, though, for those of you who aren’t completely sweetener-free like me right now. I used Lakanto monkfruit sweetener (use code WELLNESS for 15% off) in this recipe to add that extra punch without the big insulin spike. Although I prefer sweeteners like maple syrup, honey, or yacon syrup, when I need something with the same texture as sugar, this is what I go to. It doesn’t have the same bitter aftertaste as stevia or xylitol, and it also doesn’t bother my gut like those do. Lakanto uses non-GMO erythritol in their monk fruit sweetener, and erythritol usually doesn’t cause digestive upset like stevia and xylitol. Because monk fruit is a zero glycemic sweetener, it’s a great option for keto/low-carb friendly baking.

These cookies are a play on the classic chocolate chip, but they’ve got a little somethin’ extra. I replaced the chocolate chips with cacao nibs, which means you get the antioxidant benefits and chocolatey flavor of cacao without the added sugar of conventional chocolate. I also used unsweetened cashew butter to give the cookies a chewy texture that’s oh-so-delicious. Cashew butter is hands down one of the best nut butters ever invented. I spoon it plain for dessert. Make sure you use a cashew butter with no other ingredients besides raw cashews. The cookies will still work if you use another nut butter, but they won’t be as sweet! Cashews have a natural sweetness that really help tie the whole cookie together and balance out the cacao nibs!

These Mind Pump Ahoy! cookies are, in my opinion, the perfect combination of chewy, soft, and firm. Does that make sense? They’re paleo, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, grain-free, keto-friendly, low-carb friendly, soy-free, etc. I’m going to call this an upgraded chocolate chip cookie. Not overly sweet, but far from plain. The cashew / cacao nib combo definitely packs a punch!

Mind Pump Ahoy! Keto Cacao Nib Cashew Cookies (Paleo / Vegan)

Total Time: 25 minutes

Makes: 12 cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup almond flour
1/4 cup coconut flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 eggs (can also sub 2 flax eggs*)
1/4 cup cashew butter
1/4 cup melted coconut oil
1/2 cup Lakanto monkfruit sweetener (use code WELLNESS for 15% off)
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp sea salt
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup cacao nibs

* To make one flax egg, mix 1 tbsp ground flaxseeds with 3 tbsp water.

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350*F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
If using flax eggs instead of regular eggs, prepare your flax eggs. Mix 2 tbsp flax with 6 tbsp water in a small bowl, and place the mixture in the fridge to set for at least 5 minutes.
Add the almond flour, coconut flour, baking soda, monk fruit, cinnamon, and salt to a large bowl. Mix to combine.
Add the eggs / flax eggs, cashew butter, coconut oil, and vanilla to the bowl. Mix well to combine.
Add in the cacao nibs and stir until they’re incorporated evenly throughout the dough.
Make little balls with the dough and place them evenly apart on the baking sheet, leaving space in between each. Press down to form a cookie shape.
Cook for about 15 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden. Halfway through your cooking time, you can press down on the cookies to flatten them a bit, or you can leave them to “fluff up.”
Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
Enjoy!