Chocolate Oat Cookies
If you’re looking for an enjoyable activity to do with your children that’s also suitable for a lunchbox (nut-free) and doesn’t require the oven (patience-free), these no-bake oat cookies are perfect! Not only are they delicious, but they are also extremely simple and safe for children to prepare.
This recipe is completely lick-the-bowl friendly. Since it’s no-bake, it’s safe to lick and dip the batter.
Superpower Ingredients
Medjool Dates
Dates are a natural sweetener and a great alternative to refined sugar. They are high in fibre and contain essential vitamins and minerals, including potassium, magnesium, and Vitamin B6. Dates also provide sustained energy and help keep you full for longer.
Cacao Powder
Cacao is a superfood that is packed with antioxidants and is a natural mood booster. It is also high in magnesium, iron, and calcium. Cacao helps keep your heart healthy, your bones strong, and your brain functioning at its best.
Rolled Oats
Oats are a great source of fibre and protein, making them an excellent choice for a healthy snack. They are also rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, and Vitamin B6.
Hemp Seeds
Hemp seeds are a great source of plant-based protein and are rich in essential fatty acids. They are also high in vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, and calcium. I love adding these wherever I can as a small boost of protein for kids, which I often find is the hardest to achieve.
Tips for Making No-Bake Oat Cookies with Young Children
- Make sure to supervise children while they are using the food processor and melting chocolate.
- Let children help shape the cookies and decorate them with the toppings of their choice. You’ll get some weird and wacky shapes, this is all part of the fun.
- Use this recipe as a chance to teach children about healthy sweeteners like dates, and show them that things can taste just like their favourite desserts when using healthy ingredients.
- Show the kids images of the food growing in its natural environment (a simple google will do the trick). They are always so fascinated, and this is so important in helping them see the full picture of how food comes from the earth all the way to their bellies and lunchboxes.
- Emphasise safety throughout the process. Make sure your children are aware of the potential hazards of using kitchen tools and working with hot materials. This is a great opportunity to teach them about kitchen safety and the importance of being careful.
- Have fun! This is the most important step.
By following these tips, you can ensure a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your children. Happy “no-baking”!
Chocolate Oat Cookies
Ingredients
- 8 medjool dates
- 1/4 cup oat milk
- 3 tbsp cacao powder
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 30 g dark chocolate
- 2 tbsp hemp seeds
- 2 tbsp dark chocolate
Instructions
- One by one, remove the pips from the dates and place the pitted dates in the bowl of a food processor. Use an adult to help with the food processor due to the sharp blades.
- Add the oat milk and turn the food processor on until a smooth paste forms.
- Add cacao powder to the food processor and pulse until well combined. Transfer the mixture to a bowl.
- Pulse the rolled oats in the food processor (you don't even need to clean it out) and pulse until they are broken down but still have some texture.
- Add the pulsed oats to the bowl with the date mixture and stir until well combined.
- Take spoonfuls of the dough and shape into cookies (or any creative shape) and place on a tray.
- Place the chocolate in a bowl and melt in the microwave in 30 second increments. Transfer to a new bowl.
- Set up a cookie decorating station with hemp seeds in a bowl, and cacao nibs in another.
- Decorate the cookies with a small spoonful of melted chocolate and sprinkle over hemp seeds and cacao nibs. Place in the fridge for 15 minutes for the chocolate to harden.