Well I made and perfected these back on National Homemade Cookies Day (October 1st, don’t you celebrate?), and am finally out of my nutrient-rich cookie coma and getting a chance to share them. They are adorable, colorful, and protein-packed for growing kids. Sprinkles in them, on them, and around them (and on the floor them). Enjoy with a hot cup of something and a smile. Oh, and send an extra or two in your kids’ lunch boxes for their friends.

Secret Sprinkle Cookies
Makes 24

1/2 cup softened butter-type ingredient (I used Earth Balance)
3/4 cup sugar
1 Tbsp chia seeds soaked in 3 Tbsp water for 5 minutes
1 Tbsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups flour
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 cup hemp hearts
1/3 cup sprinkles plus 3 Tbsp for sprinkling on top
2 Tbsp soymilk or water if batter is too dry

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine buttery spread, sugar, vanilla, and chia/water combo in a bowl until mixed through. Add dry ingredients and stir to combine, adding 2 Tbsp water or non-dairy milk if batter is crumbly.

Form dough into 1-inch size balls and place 1 inch apart on a nonstick cookie sheet, topping with a few extra sprinkles — I use a funnel for less mess. Bake 10-15 minutes until dough spreads out and very slightly golden brown on the edges.

Per cookie: 102 calories, 4.5 g fat, 14 g carbs, 1 g fiber, 7.5 g sugar, 2 g protein.