Blueberry drop biscuits - dairy-free cookies that are quick to make, kid-friendly and perfect for snacks (freezer friendly too).
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Of course a Birthday party to me is almost as much about the food as the celebrating (eating is celebrating right?), but for my big boy's first Birthday party, I wanted the food to be all stuff that he could eat.
I am going to admit it but I have turned into one of 'those' mums and I am definitely not going to apologise for it.
I want my kids to eat as healthily as possible and I seriously limit any food that has preservative, additives, any artificial colours or generally, most stuff that comes out of a packet (although there are quite a few acceptable options around now).
It’s two-fold really - we don’t buy much packet stuff because I think it’s a lot cheaper to make it yourself and I don’t like all the hidden nasties lurking in a lot if it (even the ‘kid’ food). If you want to know more about the nasties in food, then the girls from Additive Free Lifestyle are a great place to start.
It might not last forever, I definitely don’t judge anyone for not doing the same and sometimes convenience wins out but for me that’s the way it is and that meant party food needed to be mostly healthy.
I don't want my kids missing out on ‘treats’ though so of course there was cake and there were cookies and all sorts of healthy things masquerading as naughty stuff.
One of the older boys wasn’t too impressed when he took a spoonful of ‘chocolate pudding’ only to realise it was made of banana, which he is not a fan of.
One of my big boy's favourite foods is blueberries so they had to be on the menu.
These blueberry drop biscuits are a variation of jam drop cookies using a blueberry in the middle instead of jam. They also look like eyeballs hence ‘monkey eyes.’
The Birthday boy loved them so mission accomplished. I need to bring this recipe out again for lunchboxes.
I think they taste a bit a cross between a snickerdoodle and an Anzac biscuit and they’re pretty soft and crumbly like shortbread.
If you want to make them with jam just press an indent into the top of the dough before baking and fill it with jam. Enjoy!
What about you? Do you like making things from scratch? What do you always make yourself and never buy?
ps this recipe uses the Thermomix but could easily be made using a food processor.
Recipe
Blueberry drop biscuits aka monkey eyes
Ingredients
- 80 g 3oz rolled oats
- 20 g ¼ c shredded coconut
- 50 g 2oz Brazil nuts
- 80 g 3oz Wholemeal self-raising flour
- 80 g 3oz Pure maple syrup
- 80 g 3oz coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 24 fresh blueberries
Instructions
- Place the oats, coconut and Brazil nuts in the bowl of the Thermomix and process for 10 seconds, speed 7.
- Add the flour, maple syrup, coconut oil, coconut milk, vanilla and cinnamon and mix 10 seconds, speed 4.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until chilled.
- Pre-heat the oven to 170C (340F) fan-forced and line two baking trays with baking paper.
- Using a heaped teaspoon of dough at a time, roll the mixture into balls.
- Flatten slightly and place on the trays then press a blueberry into the top of each one.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes or until golden.
- Leave to rest on the tray for 5 minutes and then transfer to a wire rack to cool.
- Can be frozen.
Nutrition
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
I cooked all the food for my kids too and worked full time so it's possible but it's a lot of work. You have to be committed to it because the pull of the fast food joints and the snack food companies on tv make it really difficult. I had to tell my kids that we could only eat out if the restaurant used cloth napkins and often told them that there were no toys in a cereal box better than what I could buy. They often called me Sarge to their friends who thought home cooked treats were wonderful. We went one full year making bread every single day. Never again! I really admire you, Claire!
Claire says
Wowee Maureen that is seriously impressive. I do love baking bread but I don't think I could do it every day. I guess if you got into a routine? Well done you! Love the cloth napkins rule. Can I just apply that to when Will takes me anywhere?
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
They look really tasty! I love home made items and it's all a matter really I think for lots of people. :)
Claire says
Yes I think you're probably right there!
Chris @ The Café Sucré Farine says
You are such a good mama Claire. You take so much thought into what you make for that little man. Bravo! It sounds like a wonderful party and these cookies are too cute - love the name!
Claire says
Aww thanks Chris. I do try!
The Life of Clare says
You know I love homemaking things! This look like a wonderful treat. I might have to make a batch for afternoon snacks.
Claire says
Good idea Clare!
Hotly Spiced says
They're lovely looking cookies and I do love the blueberry centre. My kids all loved blueberries too so I was forever grateful they're available all year round xx
Claire says
Yes that's true Charlie. Ollie's favourite is actually the frozen ones so even easier!
Barbara @ Barbara Bakes says
What a fun treat for the birthday boy. Well done!
Claire says
Thanks Barbara!