Hygge Honey Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Life is a little chaotic right now, but baking relaxes me. And I’ve also discovered the wonderful world of hygge. Let’s get hygge and make cookies! Sharing a simple, tasty recipe for honey oatmeal chocolate chip cookies that will make your home smell and feel super hygge any time of year.

About a month ago, I picked up a book a book called The Little Book of Hygge, and it, like yoga did many years ago (and still does), has inspired me to make further positive and healthy shifts in my life. Life is a constant project. I like projects, so what I’m calling West Coast Hygge Project was born.

Why? Why not? But to pinpoint a specific reason, like the city of Edinburgh, and like yoga, the book and the Danish concept of hygge spoke to my soul. I realize how ‘whatever’ that may sound, but it’s the truth.

I’ve spent the last three years healing and strengthening from separation and divorce. The latter two of those years has been in a relationship with the Brit, who would be so British-ly embarrassed by me saying that he is wonderful and the person who makes me feel the happiest and most hygge. But it’s true. I brought my inner light back to full shine with a lot of hard work, but he has significantly contributed wattage. We are merging our homes together in November and my heart is very full. Which is part of what hygge is about.

Simplified, hygge is the Danish concept of getting cozy and living well. I’m not Danish. I am very proudly Canadian, born and bred, but was possibly born in the wrong country. Ha. Meik Wiking, the author of TLBOH, tells me in his book that Canada’s version of hygge is hominess. (We are clearly both from countries that can get mega cold in the winter…) He is the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Denmark and they study happiness around the world. Denmark is apparently the happiest country in the world so they must be on to something…

But hygge or hominess isn’t just about wearing a cozy sweater. It’s a way of life in Denmark. TLBOH outlines the aspects of Hygge (some of which are very similar to components of yoga):

• Atmosphere – Soft lighting. Candles. Lots of candles.
• Presence – Be in the moment. Put your phone away. (I think this is going to be my main focus because I am very phone guilty…)
• Pleasure – Indulging in the things that bring us joy. Food, activities, etc.
• Equality – Kind of like the expression that there is no ‘I’ in team, hygge is about sharing and doing things together.
• Gratitude – Appreciation of what is around you. So important!
• Harmony – No competition.
• Comfort – Cozy, cozy, cozy! Relaxation and recognizing when you need a break.
• Truce – No drama or controversy.
• Togetherness – Nurturing and building relationships.
• Shelter – Feeling safe and secure.

My birthday is on Thursday and I’ve decided to immerse myself in hygge for a year. I look forward to learning what hygge means to me and have the feeling it will be a really wonderful adventure. The Brit is on board; intrigued, and I think a bit wary of some of the crazy ideas I will toss his way, but he’s a good sport.

Circling back to baking, here is my recipe for Hygge Honey Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies. They are my go-to dessert to make for any event, and the way my apartment smells when I make them is on point (or on hygge?) for hominess. It’s the perfect recipe to step into the autumn season with.

Who/what/where makes you feel hygge? Share in the comments below.

Whatever you decide to do, make sure it makes you happy.

~ An unknown, but very smart person ~