A Calming, Cookielicious Evening Ritual for Deep Rest
Tart Cherry & Lavender Oat Cookies
There is something sacred about the last hours of the day.
The lights soften.
The tea steeps.
The pace slows.
Instead of ending the day with scrolling or mindless snacking, I wanted to create a small ritual - something warm, grounding, and intentional.
These Tart Cherry & Lavender Oat Cookies were born from that idea:
a nourishing, healthy treat that supports rest, recovery, and calm.
They’re lightly sweet, softly floral, and built around ingredients that actually serve your body at night.
Tart (sour) cherries → naturally contain melatonin
Lavender → traditionally used to calm the nervous system
Oats & flax → fiber to support steady blood sugar overnight
Olive oil → heart-friendly fats
Just enough Maple Syrup → for warmth, not spikes
They are not overly sweet.
They are not heavy.
They are intentional.
Perfect with chamomile, lemon balm, or simple black tea.
Tart Cherry & Lavender Oat Cookies
Makes 8 cookies
~110 kcal per cookie
Ingredients
100g rolled oats
1 tbsp ground flaxseed
1 tsp baking powder
1–2 tbsp honey (to taste)
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 egg
2 tbsp dried tart (sour) cherries, chopped
½ tsp culinary lavender (very light hand)
Method
Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).
In a bowl, mix oats, flax, baking powder, and lavender.
In a separate bowl, whisk egg, olive oil, and honey.
Combine wet and dry ingredients. Fold in chopped cherries.
Let mixture sit 5 minutes so oats absorb moisture.
Shape into 8 small cookies on a lined baking tray.
Bake 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.
Cool fully before enjoying.
They firm up as they cool — patience is part of the ritual.
How to Turn It Into an Evening Ritual
Instead of eating standing up in the kitchen:
Brew tea first.
Plate one cookie.
Sit down.
No phone.
Slow bites.
Notice the lavender.
Let your body downshift.
This isn’t about calories.
It’s about signaling safety to your nervous system.
And when the nervous system feels safe, sleep improves, recovery improves, and inflammation often softens too.
Sometimes the most powerful health tool isn’t restriction, it’s rhythm.
If you make them, let me know. I would love to see your rituals.