After a long day at school, kids often come home hungry and looking for a snack.
Instead of reaching for processed snacks that are often high in sugar and low in nutrients, why not provide them with a healthier, homemade option?
These No Bake Protein Oat Cookies are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that will keep kids satisfied and energized until dinner time.
Plus, they are incredibly easy to make ahead and store in the freezer, making snack time a breeze.
Ingredients
To make these No Bake Protein Oat Cookies, you will need the following simple ingredients:
- 2 cups rolled oats: A great source of fiber and whole grains, oats provide a chewy texture and help keep you full longer.
- 1 cup peanut butter: Packed with protein and healthy fats, peanut butter adds creaminess and a delicious nutty flavor.
- 1/3 cup maple syrup: A natural sweetener that provides just the right amount of sweetness without refined sugar.
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips: For a touch of indulgence, chocolate chips add a bit of sweetness and texture. You can use dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips depending on your preference.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare Your Freezer Bag
First, take a freezer bag and label it with the recipe name, “No Bake Protein Oat Cookies.” Also, include directions for how to use them from frozen, and note the expiration date, which will be three months from today’s date.
This step will help you keep track of when the cookies were made and how long they will stay fresh in the freezer.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients: 2 cups of rolled oats, 1 cup of peanut butter, 1/3 cup of maple syrup, and 1/4 cup of chocolate chips.
Use a sturdy spoon or spatula to mix everything together until well combined.
The mixture should be thick and sticky, holding together well when pressed.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Lay a piece of parchment paper on a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
Wet your hands with cold water to make shaping the cookies easier and less sticky.
Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into cookies, about the size of a golf ball.
You can also shape the mixture into balls if you prefer.
Place each cookie onto the parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
Step 4: Flash Freeze the Cookies
Once all the cookies are shaped and on the baking sheet, place the sheet in the freezer.
Flash freeze the cookies for 1 to 2 hours.
This step ensures that the cookies hold their shape and do not stick together when stored in the freezer bag later.
Step 5: Store the Cookies
After the cookies have frozen solid, remove the baking sheet from the freezer.
Transfer the cookies into the labeled freezer bag you prepared earlier.
Seal the bag tightly, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Place the bag back in the freezer.
Enjoying the Cookies
Whenever your kids are in need of a quick and healthy after-school snack, simply take a few cookies out of the freezer and let them thaw for a few minutes at room temperature.
These No Bake Protein Oat Cookies are delicious right out of the freezer as well, providing a satisfying crunch.
Tips and Variations
- Allergy-Friendly Options: If your child has a peanut allergy, you can substitute peanut butter with almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or any other nut or seed butter of your choice.
- Add-ins: Feel free to customize the recipe by adding other mix-ins such as dried fruit, nuts, or seeds. Just be sure to keep the proportions similar to maintain the right consistency.
- Health Boost: For an extra boost of nutrition, you can add a tablespoon of chia seeds, flaxseeds, or protein powder to the mixture.
Conclusion
These No Bake Protein Oat Cookies are a fantastic make-ahead snack that is both nutritious and delicious.
With minimal ingredients and no baking required, they are quick and easy to prepare.
By making a batch ahead of time and storing them in the freezer, you can ensure that your kids always have a healthy snack option ready to go.
Give this recipe a try and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing exactly what ingredients are going into your child’s snacks.
Credit: @myfamilydinner