When Max went to kindergarten, I needed to find something that I knew he would eat quickly and get calories and protein in during his short – 15 minute – lunch period. This recipe also doubles as a grab and go protein ball, but remember to keep in mind why they were designed, and think of string bean Max.

It was a proud parenting moment when he told me the order in which he eats his lunch: veggie, main dish, fruit, and then these cookies.

Max’s cookies – double batch

Combine the following in a large saucepan, (big enough to eventually hold all the ingredients) and bring to a boil. Once it reaches a full boil, stir constantly over this heat for one minute:
2 C sugar
1 C whole milk (use cow)
2 sticks butter
6 TBLS powdered unsweetened cocoa

Remove from heat and add:
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 C of peanut butter – I don’t measure, I just eyeball it and if anything add more than 1 cup
6 C rolled oats

Mix all together and drop in spoonfuls on to a cookie sheet lined with parchment or wax paper. Allow to cool and harden (30 min – 1 hour depending on air temp – I often put in the garage when it is colder to expedite the process). Store in airtight container in the fridge after they are cooled. I have a 9×13 sized tupperware container that holds this double batch size. They keep pretty well! A spoon works fine, I use a small “disher” so mine end up more ball-like.


Hyatt family eats are occasional posts devoted to sharing some of the things our family is cooking. We believe in a whole-foods, minimally-processed approach to nutrition that is realistic for a busy family of four. We’d love to hear about what you’re eating too! Email us at Go@HyattTraining.com.