OK, I admit it: I'm totally one of those people who loves sneaking a spoonful of cookie dough before it hits the oven. A food safety hazard? Probably. Delicious? Absolutely.

Like so many of us (I know I'm not alone here), this cookie dough fandom started when I was a kid. I grew up in a pretty health-conscious household (think more fruits and veggies, fewer sugary sweets), but on those special nights when baking cookies was on the agenda, I always loved sneaking some raw dough—much to my mom's dismay. Now, as a health editor and well-being-aware adult, I regularly dream up ways to make more nutritious alternatives to so many of my favorite treats—and that includes cookie dough.

That's why I was so thrilled when I started noticing healthier edible cookie dough products hitting the market recently. Not only are these products free of raw eggs and generally plant-based, but you'll also find functional foods on their ingredient list (maca! vitamin C! baobab!).

I'm not the only one taking notice: Nutritionist Frances Largeman-Roth, R.D., shared that she's a fan of the promising trend, as well. "Garbanzo beans and pea protein are often in the mix, which is a great way to add extra plant protein to your diet," she says. "Just keep your eye on the added sugars. Even 'healthy' cookie dough can become not so healthy if it's overloaded with added sugars, including coconut sugar and maple sugar."

If you're new to the whole healthy cookie dough thing and want to give it a try before you buy, follow this paleo cookie dough recipe, featured from Kristen Tomlan, the founder and CEO of DŌ, Cookie Dough Confections—and find out how to bake it, here!