Soulful Crumbs: Affirmation-Filled Heath Bar Delights
Cookies always take me back to my Nana’s kitchen on Jefferson Avenue, where the door was always open, just like her heart. She had a special way of making everyone feel like they belonged—greeting neighbors, friends, and even strangers with the warmth of a long-lost friend. Her home was a treat in every sense of the word, and cookies were her trademark. Everyone in the neighborhood knew to stop by for one of her sweet creations.
I can still picture her: wearing a blue skirt and high heels (even if they were slippers), with an apron on and humming along to the oldest radio I’ve ever seen. She’d make a little tutting noise as she worked, a sound etched in my memory as vividly as the scent of butter and sugar wafting through the air. When a storm rolled in, we would sit on her front porch with cookies in hand, watching the rain and sharing stories, savoring those simple moments.
These Heath Bar Cookies are my way of channeling her magic. They’re elevated with one of her favorite candies and transport me straight back to her kitchen. On days when I don’t quite feel like myself, baking these cookies becomes my therapy—grounding me in memories of her unwavering kindness, her sense of community, and the joy of sharing something sweet. Cookies are versatile and comforting, just like those moments on her porch, where life felt simple and full of love. I hope these bring a little of that warmth and nostalgia to your kitchen too.
Suggested Affirmation: Just like these cookies, I am made of rich layers, surprising delights, and a little extra sweetness.
Ingredients:
Affirmation: "Every ingredient adds to the beauty of your creation, just as every moment shapes your journey."
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp almond extract (optional, for a subtle depth)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp espresso powder (optional, for enhanced flavor)
1 1/2 cups chopped Heath bars or toffee bits
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Flaky sea salt, for finishing
Instructions:
Brown the butter
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until golden and nutty in aroma.
Affirmation: “As I brown this butter, I am reminded of my own ability to transform. Just as this butter becomes golden and rich through patience, I, too, can become stronger and more radiant through life’s challenges.”
Reflection/Action: Pay attention to the change in color and aroma as the butter browns. Let this process serve as a reminder of how gradual transformations can be beautiful, just like your personal growth.
Mix the sugars with the browned butter
Pour the browned butter into a bowl and mix with brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth.
Affirmation: “As I blend these ingredients, I honor the sweetness that comes from both effort and ease. I create balance in my life with every choice I make.”
Reflection/Action: Take a moment to notice the texture as the sugars dissolve into the butter. Think about how balancing both effort and rest is key to achieving harmony in life.
Add eggs and vanilla
Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
Affirmation: “Each step adds depth and richness, just as every experience shapes the fullness of my life.”
Reflection/Action: As you mix the eggs and vanilla, reflect on the richness of your own experiences—how every challenge, joy, and lesson has contributed to making you who you are today.
Combine dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients.
Affirmation: “In bringing these elements together, I see the importance of structure and balance in both my baking and my life.”
Reflection/Action: Take a moment to notice how the dry ingredients come together with the wet ones, forming a cohesive mixture. Consider how structure in life, whether through habits, routines, or decisions, creates balance and flow.
Fold in Heath bars and chocolate chips
Gently stir in the chopped Heath bars and chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
Affirmation: “As I fold in the toffee and chocolate, I welcome all the unique parts of myself, knowing they create something truly special.”
Reflection/Action: As you fold in the ingredients, think of how the diversity in your life—your passions, your quirks, and your strengths—comes together to create a beautiful, unique version of you.
Chill the dough
Cover the dough and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Affirmation: “Patience is an act of self-care. In resting, I allow space for growth and reflection.”
Reflection/Action: While the dough rests, take this time to pause and breathe. Think of how sometimes the greatest growth happens in moments of stillness and reflection, allowing ideas and energies to simmer and develop.
Preheat oven and prepare baking sheets
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Affirmation: “Preparation is the first step toward creation. I trust in the process, knowing each moment is a part of the bigger picture.”
Reflection/Action: As you prepare your baking sheets and preheat the oven, take a moment to appreciate the preparation that goes into all of your endeavors. Consider how planning and readiness set the stage for success in your life.
Scoop and bake
Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
Affirmation: “As these cookies bake, I remind myself that just like these treats, I am constantly evolving, growing, and becoming more beautiful with time.”
Reflection/Action: While the cookies bake, reflect on your own personal growth. Like the cookies, you evolve over time—becoming more refined, beautiful, and complex with each passing moment.
Sprinkle with sea salt
Immediately sprinkle the cookies with flaky sea salt as they cool on the baking sheet.
Affirmation: “A little touch of salt enhances the sweetness. I embrace life’s contrasts, knowing they enrich my experiences.”
Reflection/Action: As you sprinkle the salt, think of how life’s contrasts—joy and sorrow, quiet and loud, success and failure—are what give richness to your experiences. Embrace the balance.
Cool and enjoy
Let the cookies cool completely before savoring or sharing.
Affirmation: “In this moment, I take a breath, savor the sweetness, and celebrate the beauty of creation.”
Reflection/Action: As the cookies cool and the scent fills the air, take a moment to pause. Savor the process and the results of your work, appreciating the time and effort that has gone into this creation. Allow yourself to feel gratitude for this moment of peace and accomplishment.
