First Monday of summer break for the girls and I’m ready for summer fun and adventure! Although that looks a little different for us this year we still have a lot planned and going on. Healthy on the go snacks are a must and with the summer heat, we skipped Spring, no bake options are always a favorite. Going with my cravings I had to make a non bake version of my Milk Monster Cookies and these Milk Monster Cookie Dough Bites have been on repeat!
Like my Milk Monster Cookies they aren’t just for nursing mama’s with little milk monsters but busy moms, kids, anyone! There is one ingredient I add specifically for increasing a milk supply that is optional and without it they still have healthy benefits for nursing mamas and EVERYONE.
Still can’t believe my little milk monster, aka Baby G, is going to be 3 months old in a week! Yes his blanket even has milk and cookies on it, had to have it from the moment I saw it.
Yep his blanket even has milk and cookies.
Smoothies and no bake bites like this are summer staples in our house and for good reason and if you follow me on Instagram you’ll have to stay tuned this week for A’s first treat request and a fun twist on it! A little hint… an easy healthy summer snacks never looked so good and it will be one you’ll want to enjoy before summer melts away!
As I mentioned I’m craving the monster cookie peanut butter, oat, raisin, combo like crazy! Peanut butter always and that only got stronger when I was pregnant. Another thank you to a very good friend that got me hooked on Mini Nutter Butters (never had them before she had them at my baby shower) and I’m happy to say I haven’t had them in a couple weeks now. Not that I’m counting.
I had made a bunch of Milk Monster Cookies that I had stashed in the freezer but when they ran out and I had to make more it was so hot out I didn’t want to turn on the oven. I also wanted to pack them for our adventures without eating crumbled cookies. I had plans to make some other energy bites and ended up making these.
One bite and I ended up making more, like DOZENS more!
Since playing with different nut butters, chocolate, and even this twist which is what I decided to measure out, write down, and share. The twist… PRETZELS! They add texture and a different balance to this sweet and salty combo.
So what’s in these “magical” Milk Monster Cookie Dough Bites? Let me tell you! There is pretty much everything you love in traditional monster cookies, PEANUT BUTTER, RAISINS, and CHOCOLATE CHIPS! Plus more… GROUND FLAXSEED, PRETZELS, and optional BREWERS YEAST!
Peanut butter, aside from being one of my biggest cravings still which honestly before getting pregnant I loved and never thought I could love it more but I do. I like to use natural no sugar and little to no salt peanut butter, just peanuts! These add fat and protein but mostly flavor. If you don’t want to use peanut butter there are two other options that will help boost the nutrition and milk production almond butter and tahini.
Chocolate chips and chocolate candies umm hello no reason for these other than mama needs chocolate and what kid doesn’t love chocolate? Maybe that’s why the girls are stealing these. Raisins are rich in B vitamins, iron and potassium. They are also a good source of carbohydrates for energy and also pack some fiber and protein.
Oats while the studies are on both ends of the spectrum on if they really do help with lactation or if it’s a wives tale they make a great base for any energy bite. They’re packed with healthy carbs, fiber, iron, and a rich source of phytochemicals. They are also heart healthy, helping to lower cholesterol and control blood sugar.
Ground Flax Seed adds Omega-3 essential fatty acids, “good” fats that have been shown to have heart-healthy effects. Lignans in flax seed have both plant estrogen and antioxidant qualities. Flax seed is packed with soluble and insoluble fiber which is good for everyone. Like sesame seeds, flaxseed has phytoestrogens that can influence breast milk production.
Flax seed also contains essential fatty acids. Eggs are rich in protein, choline, lutein, vitamins B12 and D, riboflavin and folate.
Brewer’s yeast (the one ingredient I leave out of the families cookies) is a healthy nutritional supplement that contains B vitamins, iron, protein, chromium, selenium, and other minerals. It can not only help produce more breast milk, but it may also give you more energy, have a positive effect on your mood and get rid of the baby blues.
If you want to use almond butter instead of peanut butter it’s high in protein and essential fatty acids! Amino acids in nuts are building blocks for serotonin which aids in lactation. The best nuts for improving milk production are almonds. Almonds are high in omega 3 which helps hormones product more milk. Or if you want to use tahini instead of peanut butter it’s high in calcium, sesame seeds are one of the best seeds for increasing milk supply. Also a great source of protein and alternative to almond butter.
Pretzels just add a little extra texture and different salty sweet balance.
WARNING they are so good you’ll want to hide these and keep them all to yourself! Luckily for me I make a batch for the family and then a batch that I say are “Just for Mama” with brewers yeast. That has kept the girls away from them but hasn’t stopped my husband from stealing them. He snuck one in front of the girls the other day and one of them commented that he needs to be careful or he’ll start making milk. Haha! Trust me it won’t.
Hope you all have an amazing week! For all my fellow mama’s out there are you excited for the kids to be out of school? I’m starting to think I’m one of the only ones excited about the kids being home. Even the kids wish they were still in school.
It’s Monday, grab a few Milk Monster Cookie Dough Bites, and an extra cup of coffee (cold brew for me) this afternoon!
Don’t forget it’s Meatless Monday and there are more great recipes linked up below and as always Deborah and I hope you join us and look forward to what’s cooking in your kitchen.
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Servings |
bites (1 1/2 TBSP)
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- 1/2 c peanut butter
- 1/2 c pure maple syrup or local honey
- 1 1/3 c oat flour, or course ground outs
- 2 TBSP ground flaxseed
- 2 TBSP brewers yeast (Mommy Knows Best Brewer's Yeast)
- 1/4-1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla, optional
- 2 TBSP raisins
- 2 TBSP chocolate chips, or chopped chocolate (Hu Chocolate or Enjoy Life Mini Chocolate Chips)
- 3-4 TBSP chopped pretzels (gluten free Quinn Pretzels)
Ingredients
|
|
- To make in a food processor pulse together oats, cinnamon, flaxseed, yeast, raisins, chocolate chips, and pretzels.
- Or you can rough chop raisins and chocolate chips (or use mini chips) and combine with oats, pretzels, flaxseed, yeast, and optional cinnamon.
- In a large bowl combine peanut butter, maple syrup/honey, and vanilla until smooth. Heat in the microwave for 30 seconds if needed and let cool before adding dry ingredients or the chocolate may melt.
- Pour dry ingredients in with the peanut butter mixture and stir until combine.
- Roll into balls and place on parchment paper lined plate or container.
- Put in the refrigerator, or freezer for about 20-30 minutes to set.
- When the balls have set move them to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator or freezer.
- Enjoy straight from the refrigerator or let come to room temperature, or pack to go, from the freezer.
*Brewers yeast is optional for additional nutritional support for breastfeeding.
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Becca | Rabbit Food Runner
These look great. I do love no bake recipes in the summer!