The Trail Mix Variation -- awesome school cookies -- vegan, sugar free, nut free, gluten free, grain free!!

In addition to a nut-free lunch, I need to pack 2 nut free snacks for my grade-one kiddo. These are a good kiddie snack because they are packed with natural, high-energy components. Because, you know, I'm still on my high horse about keeping kids away from processed foods. Don't get me started!! This time, for the cookies, I decided to throw in some pea protein powder for extra 'oomph' this time, and added more mix-ins. I think they are delicious, and my child has no trouble gobbling them down when he needs a quick nibble. No nuts means they are school-safe. No sugar means I'm happy. The krisda chocolate chips are stevia sweetened, and of course entirely optional.  The sunflower-seed-and-raisin variety are terrific in my opinion. This version, with the krisda chocolate chips, raisins, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and shredded coconut as mix-ins was really just because I can. But not, strictly speaking, necessary.

1 cup water
1 cup coconut sugar
1 tbsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp sea salt
1 tbsp ground vanilla bean

1/4 cup ground chia seeds
1/4 cup raw cacao
1/4 cup carob powder
1 cup ground up hemp hearts
1 cup sunflower seed flour
1/4 cup pea protein powder

1/4 cup coconut flour
1 tsp baking soda

1/2 cup whole sunflower seeds
1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1 cup organic raisins, picked through
1/2 cup krisda chocolate chips


directions:

1. preheat the oven to 345
2. combine the ingredients in the order listed
3. form balls of the dough, and place on a lined baking sheet (lined with parchment or a silicone baking mat)
4. flatten the balls with a fork dipped in water
5. bake at 345 for 20 minutes
6. will make 2 trays -- 3 to 4 dozen depending on size