With the holidays here, we have been going to a lot of holiday parties and cookie exchanges. I will be making some traditional Christmas cookies in the upcoming weeks, but I will also be making these healthy alternatives as well.  Baking cookies with my boys is a holiday tradition and I love that they like to help me in the kitchen!!  These two recipes are simple and your kids will love to make them with you too.  One recipe is even a no bake cookie.  So grab your kids and an apron and check these out!

5 Ingredient No Bake Energy Bites

These energy bites are quick and easy to make and they are made with ingredients that you probably already have on hand.  The best part is that they are a no bake cookie.  The kids had a lot of fun making them with me.  I love any opportunity for them to help me in the kitchen.  Sadly, I know that these moments won’t last forever!

           

Ingredients

-1 1/2 cups brown rice crisps (I used the Whole Foods 365 organic brand brown rice crisps) or quick cooking oats
-1/3 cup organic honey or pure maple syrup
-2/3 cup organic natural peanut butter (SunButter can be substituted if there is a peanut allergy in the family)
-1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
-3/4 cup mini chocolate chips (I use Enjoy Life mini chocolate chips)

Directions

Pour the rice crisps (or quick cooking oats) in a bowl and crush lightly with your hand or the back of a spatula. Add the peanut butter, cinnamon and honey (or syrup). Stir together and then add chocolate chips. Place in the refrigerator for an hour and use a small cookie scooper to form into balls. Enjoy 😊

 

Peanut Butter Crispy Treats

These rice treats are a healthy alternative to the traditional Rice Krispie treats that contain artificial colors and preservatives. I love that these do not contain refined sugars or marshmallows. They are gluten free, naturally sweetened with honey, and the peanut butter adds extra protein. Plus they are kid tested and approved. Here is the recipe (I found it at HappilyUnprocessed.com).  Again, I had a little help from my oldest son!

Ingredients
-4 cups brown rice crisps (I used the Whole Foods 365 organic brand brown rice crisps)
-1/2 cup organic honey
-1/2 cup organic natural peanut butter (SunButter can be substituted if there is a peanut allergy in the family)
-1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
-1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions
Line a 9×9 baking pan with parchment paper. Heat the honey, peanut butter, vanilla and salt in a pan over low heat until it all melts together. Pour the rice cereal into a large bowl and pour the melted honey and peanut butter over it. Stir together. Press into the baking pan using either a rubber spatula or your hand with wax or parchment paper. Let cool and cut into squares or use holiday cookie cutters to cut out fun shapes!

Happy holidays and happy baking!!