Sleepy-time Cookies

Sleepy-time Cookies

A 2023 study evaluating the dietary influence on childhood sleep found that those children who consume adequate protein and healthy fats throughout the day and in the evening were more likely to fall asleep faster and stay asleep for longer. Disclaimer: the study showed a high intake of healthy foods doesn’t necessarily guarantee higher sleep quality itself, but rather, the higher consumption of fast food and soft drink resulted more strongly in issues related to poor sleep outcomes.

Regardless, we all know that consuming macro balanced meals & snacks during the day will keep us feeling fuller for longer and can help to stabilise your child’s blood sugar levels for longer overnight.

These cookies are a nutrient-dense snack with zinc, protein & magnesium to support growth, calm and sleep. These cookies are not just for bedtime (I actually don’t recommend offering dessert all the time as it can lead to them not consuming their dinner!). These make a great anytime snack.


🛒 Ingredients (makes ~25 cookies)

  • ½ cup oats
  • 1 ½ cups almond meal
  • ¾ cup dark chocolate chips
  • ½ cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
  • 2 tbsp hemp seeds
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 2 tbsp Unrefined Nutrients Vanilla Vanguard Protein
  • ¾ cup cashew or almond butter
  • ½ cup ghee (or butter, softened)
  • 1 egg
  • ¾ cup coconut sugar

👩🍳 Method

  1. Preheat: Oven to 170°C (340°F) and line 2 baking trays with parchment paper.
  2. Mix dry: In a large bowl, combine oats, almond meal, chocolate chips, pepitas, hemp seeds, cinnamon, ginger, baking powder, and Vanilla Vanguard protein.
  3. Combine wet: In another bowl, whisk together nut butter, ghee, egg, and coconut sugar until smooth.
  4. Bring together: Add wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until a thick dough forms.
  5. Shape: Roll into tablespoon-sized balls, place on trays, and flatten slightly with the back of a spoon.
  6. Bake: 10–12 minutes, or until edges are golden.
  7. Cool: Leave on tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

🌱 Nutritional Highlights (per cookie)

  • ~1.3 mg zinc (≈50% of a toddler’s daily needs)
  • ~9 g protein
  • Good source of magnesium, iron, vitamin E, selenium & healthy fats

Tip: These cookies freeze well – make a batch and keep some on hand for busy weeks.

Made these? Tag us — we love seeing your creations!

Our Ingredients

  • Pasture-raised Collagen

    Collagen is a natural structural protein that makes up approximately 30% of the total protein in the human body. Collagen can support your child’s joint health, help maintain muscle mass and aid in bone health. Sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle, with the highest standards of care, our collagen has been produced using a hydrolyzed process that breaks it down into smaller, more easily digestible peptides ensuring superior bioavailability and easy absorption. Our Immune Protein contains a complete essential amino acid profile, due to the addition of L-Tryptophan, the only essential amino acid missing in natural bovine collagen.

  • B Vitamins derived from Organic Quinoa Sprouts

    The B Vitamins in Immune Protein are a proprietary blend of ACTIVE B vitamins obtained from Organic Quinoa Sprouts. Unlike synthetic B vitamins which can be poorly absorbed (and sometimes upset little tummies), PANMOL® B-Complex is derived from a whole food source and contains Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12 in their biologically active (natural) form for maximum absorption. Nutrients derived from a whole food source are said to be more readily recognised by the body than synthetic nutrients, making them more bioavailable for better absorption. We chose this form to also ensure the B vitamins are gentle on little tummies!

  • Vitamin D derived from Organic Shiitake Mushrooms

    Vitamin D is essential for several important functions in children, including bone growth and development (it helps the body to absorb calcium) and immune system support. The Vitamin D in our Kid’s Immune Protein is a plant-based source of Vitamin D extracted from Organic Shiitake Mushrooms. After harvesting, shiitake mushrooms are exposed to UV-B light (similar to sunlight) for a certain period of time. This exposure triggers a natural process in the mushrooms where ergosterol, a compound found in the cell membranes of fungi, is converted into vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol). This is the same process that occurs in human skin when exposed to sunlight, converting cholesterol into vitamin D3.

  • Camu Camu

    Camu camu is a small, tart fruit native to the Amazon rainforest, renowned for its exceptional potency as a source of vitamin C. In fact, camu camu contains up to 60 times more vitamin C than an orange, making it one of the most concentrated natural sources of this vital nutrient. Vitamin C plays a key role in supporting a healthy immune system, helping the body fight off infections, reduce inflammation, and promote overall wellness. For growing children, this powerful antioxidant is especially important in boosting immune defense and promoting healthy skin, tissues, and gums. Camu camu provides a natural, highly bioavailable form of vitamin C, helping ensure your child receives optimal support for their immune system in a gentle and effective way.

  • Zinc Gluconate

    Zinc is an essential mineral and particularly important for children as adequate zinc intake is crucial for proper growth, immune function, and development, especially in cases where picky eating may limit the variety of foods consumed. Since zinc is not stored in the body, it must be replenished regularly through diet or supplements. Some studies have also shown a correlation between zinc deficiency and reduced appetite, often contributing to picky eating behaviours. For example, a 2021 study found that 37.4% of picky eaters had lower zinc levels than non-picky eaters! Many multivitamins combine zinc and iron, but because these two minerals compete for absorption, we’ve chosen to exclude iron from our blends to ensure your child gets the full benefit of the zinc included!

  • Pre & Probiotics

    Prebiotics and probiotics play a key role in supporting a child's gut health, which is closely linked to digestion, immunity, and overall development. Our Immune Protein contains Queensland grown green banana resistant starch, which is a natural prebiotic that feeds good gut bacteria and promotes regular bowel movements. We've also included the specific probiotic, Bacillus coagulans as it can survive stomach acid, is heat resistant and can help to balance gut flora while reducing digestive discomfort. When used together, these two ingredients create a synbiotic effect, enhancing each other's benefits and supporting long-term gut flora balance, a resilient immune system and better nutrient absorption for thriving children.