Healthy Seed & Oat No-Bake Cookies

My kids love sugar. I love sugar. The dog might even love sugar! I can’t fix this human-design flaw, it’s unavoidable. But, what I can do is look for healthy alternatives that I cook with, and know (and can pronounce!) all the ingredients. This recipe uses coconut sugar, a healthier alternative to refined white sugar. These cookies also incorporate hemp seeds. Hemp seeds have a rich nutrition profile. They contain high levels of antioxidants, fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins. Whole grain oats (gluten free if you prefer) which offer antioxidants, soluble fiber, and are very filling. Your nut butter of choice typically contains healthy fats. And finally, cacao powder is packed with flavonoids and is good for lowering blood pressure and reducing insulin sensitivity. If you’d like to avoid chronic inflammation and weight gain, cut back on your sugar intake. But wait until after you have one of these cookies! And then, find more ways to switch from white and refined sugar to more natural sources of sugar like coconut sugar, maple syrup, and honey!

Ingredients

• ¾ cup almond milk (or any type of mil

• 1½ cup coconut sugar

• ¾ cup virgin coconut oil

• ¼ cup cacao powder

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 1/4 cup peanut butter (sub any nut butter)

• 1/4 cup Trader Joe’s almond cocoa spread (or nutella or double peanut butter)

• 2 cups rolled oats

• 1 cup hemp seeds

Instructions

1. In a medium pot over medium heat, whisk together the almond milk, coconut sugar, coconut oil, and cacao powder. Stir occasionally and let the mixture warm up until it just comes to a simmer. Make sure the coconut sugar is dissolved.

2. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla, peanut butter, chocolate spread, rolled oats, and hemp seeds until fully incorporated.

3. On a parchment lined baking sheet, dollop the mixture and place in the fridge to set for 2 hours or more.

4. Enjoy! Store in a container in the fridge up to a week.