There are few times in a day where I feel totally content.
One recent moment happened this weekend.
I had completed my 'to-do' list for the day, and I was sitting in our family room, holding baby Sam in my lap, watching one Disney movie or another with my husband and girls, all while dinner was finishing up in the kitchen.
Most times, I have a constant revolving list of tasks to complete, rapidly firing away in my brain, so these rare, sanguine times are to be cherished.
As baby Sam nears three months, I am even more aware of the need to treasure the little things. He is smiling up a storm lately, and it melts my heart to see him grow and get more handsome each day...
I look forward to finding out more about him!
What kind of music will he like? Will he play sports like daddy? Will he prefer Superman to Batman?...and, of course, what kind of food will he most enjoy??
If it's anything like what I craved when I housed him, he will love eggs, sardines, and anything chocolate!
All kids love sweets, don't they? If left to their own devices, my daughters would surely gorge themselves on anything and everything dessert, and I'm guessing most kids would do the same.
I have a pretty strong sweet tooth myself, so it always helps to have a little something hiding in the freezer for treat attacks!
Ever since discovering that I could eat cookie dough healthfully, I've been a bit obsessed with the idea, creating things like these Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Balls or these Nut-Free Candy Bars. These Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Squares are also a favorite, and this Cookie Dough Cereal is healthy enough for breakfast!
My latest 'cookie dough' creation involves one of my favorite foods: pumpkin seeds.
I love these little treats because they're low in sugar and nut-free, so everyone in the house can enjoy them!
They make a great addition to my hubby's diet as well, as pumpkin seeds are full of good stuff to keep his man parts working well. 😉
Pumpkin Seed Flour Cookie Dough Bites (Nut-Free, Low Sugar)
Ingredients
- 2 c. raw pumpkin seeds
- ½ t. baking soda
- ¼ t. sea salt
- pinch powdered stevia extract
- 2 T. coconut oil melted
- 1 T. pumpkin seed butter see notes
- 1 T. raw honey or maple syrup
- 2 t. vanilla
- 2 T. dairy-free milk
- cacao nibs as desired (see notes)
Instructions
- Process the pumpkin seeds until flour-like.
- Pulse in the baking soda, salt, and a dash or two of stevia.
- Add in the oil, butter, honey or syrup, vanilla, and milk.
- Process until well combined.
- Pulse in a handful of cacao nibs, if desired.
- Roll into balls and freeze.
- Keep cold for best results.
Notes
Nutrition
Notes:
I use this raw pumpkin seed butter for these, but you can use any nut or seed butter you tolerate. Keep in mind, the flavor will change with your choice.
I personally add in about 2-3 tablespoons of raw cacao nibs, as I love the bitter crunch they add!
dawn
Baby Sam is ADORABLE!!!! glad to see a picture and that cute little smile 🙂 <3
Lauren
Thanks so much Dawn! 🙂
Mike@TheIronYou
Baby Sam is the cutest boy ever and he looks like a winner. You must be the proudest mom ever.
Those cookie dough bites are also winner, I need to try 'em asap!
Lauren
Haha, thanks Mike! 🙂
stephanie wilson
Oh my-so much cuteness!! Baby Sam is such a doll! I am so excited to try this recipe! I didn't even realize pumpkin seed flower existed!
Lauren
Thanks Stephanie! The flour is actually just the ground seeds! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
So cute!!!
I have been obsessing over pumpkin seed butter lately and even make a bit recipe with it too!
donna
First of all your baby is a gas!!! What a bright and joyful face and expression. Looks like he will be a lot of fun. I wish you all the best in health and happiness.
Next, I was doubtful with this tecioe, BUT omg, it is fab! I did not do the nibs, but took out half the batter and put in just 1 T of carob it was just enough to give it a chocolate niceness. I also did not do coconut oil. Having Nad 'nut or seed balls for a very long time, I knew they would be fine without. I did however put in just 1 T of avocado oil. Sooooo goid. Just 1 T of MS. No stevia. I will experiment fir crunch. Thx lauren.
Lauren
Thanks Donna! I'm so glad the bites turned out well for you, I love the addition of carob!
Donna
Lauren can I ask why the addition of BS? Does it serve a purpose?
Lauren
I just like the taste! 🙂 It makes it seem more like actual cookie dough to me, but you can leave it out if you like.
Patti
Two words ... YUM - EEEEEE!!! These are AWESOME. I finally got around to trying them and I love them! I've never eaten raw cookie dough before, so the texture was a bit of a surprise - a pleasant one ? Nutritious & delicious. Thanks so much!!
Lauren
Thanks Patti, I'm so happy you liked them! 🙂
Susan
Love these since we can't do nuts over here, thanks!