Sleepy Time
Cookies
Recipe by Nicola Scruby, Nutritionist
A 2023 study evaluating the dietary influence on childhood sleep found that 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. We all know that consuming macro-balanced meals and 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.
Why these cookies
These cookies are a nutrient-dense snack with zinc, protein and magnesium to support growth, calm and sleep. They're not just for bedtime either (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.
Note on the study: The research 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.
Per cookie
protein
zinc (~50% toddler RDI)
Plus a good source of magnesium, iron, vitamin E, selenium and healthy fats
Ingredients
- ½ cup oats
- 1½ 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 Vanilla Vanguard Protein
- ¾ cup cashew or almond butter (melted/warmed)
- ½ cup ghee or softened butter
- 2 eggs
- ¾ cup coconut sugar
Method
- 01 Preheat oven to 170°C and line 2 baking trays with parchment paper.
- 02 In a large bowl, combine oats, almond meal, chocolate chips, pepitas, hemp seeds, cinnamon, ginger, baking powder, and Vanilla Vanguard Protein.
- 03 In another bowl, whisk together nut butter, ghee, eggs, and coconut sugar until smooth.
- 04 Add wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until a thick dough forms.
- 05 Roll into tablespoon-sized balls, place on trays, and flatten slightly with the back of a spoon.
- 06 Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until edges are golden.
- 07 Leave on tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
