Ingredients
Method
Tap the time in each step to start a build-in timer and cook with a little more ease and flow. Be sure to have your volume up to hear the timer chimes!
Gather and Welcome:
Invite your child to lay out the ingredients. Smell the cocoa powder. Scoop the oat flour.Say together: “We’re making something soft and strong.”🌿 Mindful Moment: Pause before beginning. Notice the ingredients in front of you, their colours, textures, and scents.👧 Kid Prompt: “What does the cocoa smell like? Deep, cozy, or chocolatey?”💬 Prompt: “How does it feel to begin something together?”Mixing Magic:
In a bowl, combine the oat flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond butter, maple syrup, vanilla, and plant milk until smooth.Combine the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing gently until a thick batter forms.🌿 Mindful Moment: Notice the shift from powder to thick, rich batter. Stir slowly and feel the resistance.👧 Kid Prompt: “What does the batter remind you of? Mud pie or chocolate clouds?”💬 Prompt: “What textures are you noticing as it comes together?”Roll and Top:
Scoop heaping spoonfuls of the batter and roll into balls. Place on a parchment paper lined baking tray and gently flatten. Or alternately you can use a lined muffin tin. Add any toppings if desired.🌿 Mindful Moment: Feel the dough in your hands, soft, slightly sticky, shaping with warmth.👧 Kid Prompt: “Should we give them a chocolate hat or coconut scarf?”💬 Prompt: “What does it feel like to shape something with your hands?”Bake and Breathe:
Bake in the oven at 175°C (350°F) for 12 to 15 minutes, until set but soft. Let cool slightly.🌿 Mindful Moment: While they bake, pause. Listen to the quiet hum of the oven. Notice the smell filling the space.👧 Kid Prompt: “What does the kitchen smell like now?”💬 Prompt: “Can you feel your body slowing down as we wait?”Savour Slowly:
Eat together warm or cooled. Chew slowly and notice the flavors and textures.🌿 Mindful Moment: Take one slow bite. Let it melt and soften before swallowing.👧 Kid Prompt: “What would you name this brownie if it were a friend?”💬 Prompt: “Can you feel the fudginess on your tongue?”
Nutrition
Notes
Note: the nutritional content is an approx. per brownie. It will vary with extra toppings and sweetener.
Kid Friendly: This is a wonderful recipe for sensory integration. Smelling cocoa, stirring slowly, rolling with hands. Little ones love the mess and the magic.
Storage & Serving
Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 5 days. Freezer: Freeze bites in a single layer and transfer to a bag for up to 3 months. Reheating: Reheat gently in a microwave or oven for a soft, just-baked texture.Variations
- Peppermint Cocoa Bites: Add in 1/4 tsp peppermint extract for a wintery twist.
- Zesty Orange: Add in 1 tsp orange zest to the batter for a fresh citrus-cocoa combo.
- Protein Boost: Stir in 1 scoop of plant protein powder and 2 tbsp flax meal.
- Nut-Free School Safe: Use sunflower seed butter and skip toppings with nuts.
- Double Chocolate: Stir in extra dark chocolate chips for molten centers.
Drink Recommendations
Family Friendly- Warm almond milk with cinnamon dust
- Caffeine-free cocoa tea
- Chilled oat milk with a splash of vanilla