Here's how to make a homemade version of those snackable tractor wheel shaped bars. You'll need pumpkin, oats, coconut oil, and a few simple pantry items. These soft-baked bites are chewy, great for on the go, and ready in 30 minutes.
Homemade tractor wheels
If you have a toddler, chances are you've heard of tractor wheels! These convenient snacks come in a variety of flavors. My son loves the pumpkin, banana, and cauliflower. When recipe testing, and tasting, we decided that keeping them pumpkin-forward tasted the best. But you can absolutely play with the ratios to include mashed banana or riced cauliflower.
What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to adapt. I've made these using flax egg (since I have an egg allergy) and using real egg (since my son doesn't show signs of an allergy or intolerance).
Additionally, you may have noticed that my tractor wheels aren't round. Somehow I don't own a circle cookie cutter, so I used my mickey mouse cookie cutter instead! Feel free to slice these into larger bars or make fun shapes that fit perfectly in little hands.
Ingredient notes
This recipe for toddler cookies comes together with a handful of simple ingredients, see below for my recommendations and suggested substitutions.
- Rolled oats: We don't keep oat flour on hand since it's so easy to make your own! Simply blend old-fashioned oats in a food processor or blender until finely ground.
- Flour: I used all-purpose flour, but 1:1 gluten-free flour works here too.
- Canned pumpkin: Make sure to use pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling!
- Flax egg: A flax egg is simply ground flaxseed and water mixed together to create a gelatinous binder that works great in baked goods. This is my preferred egg substitute for all my egg-free baking!
- Coconut oil: Melted coconut oil adds much needs moisture to these baked pumpkin oatmeal bars.
- Baking powder: This acts as the leavening agent and will help your pumpkin oat bars rise. It also helps contribute to the light, airy, and fluffy texture.
- Maple syrup: Use whichever sweetener your family prefers. I've used date syrup and agave nectar, and have friends who have used honey once your tot is over age 1.
Variations
- Banana: Swap some of the pumpkin puree for mashed banana.
- Cauliflower: Fold in up to ¼ cup cooked cauliflower rice.
- Real egg: If you tolerate eggs, use 2 for this recipe.
- Applesauce: No banana on hand? Try replacing with applesauce.
Suggested tools
- Mini food processor: This little food chopper is great for blending small quantities.
- Mixing bowl: This truly glass mixing bowl is durable and dishwasher safe, win win!
- 9x9 baking dish: My nonstick ceramic coated bakeware set is my new kitchen obsession. They're slick and so easy to clean.
- Cooling rack: For the best texture, let bars cool completely before cutting.
KitchenAid Food Chopper
Caraway 9" Square PanI hope you and your little one enjoy these oat flour pumpkin bars. If you give them a try, let me know what y'all think by leaving a comment below.
Wondering what to make with that extra pumpkin? Finish off the can with my pumpkin baked oatmeal, pumpkin overnight oats, pumpkin spice hummus, vegan pumpkin banana bread, baked vegan pumpkin donuts, or homemade dog treats!
Healthy Pumpkin Oat Cookies (Tractor Wheels Copycat Recipe)
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 6 tablespoon water
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup coconut oil
- 3 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
- Prep: Make flax egg by whisking together ground flaxseed and warm water. Set aside. Add 2 cups rolled oats to a food processor and pulse until finely ground.
- Combine: Add all of the ingredients to a mixing bowl and stir until just combined.
- Bake: Line a baking pan with parchment paper then pour in the dough, spreading into an even layer. Bake at 350F for about 20 minutes, until set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let cool: Once baked, remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack. Slice into bars or use cookie cutters to make fun shapes.
Notes
- Make gluten-free by using 1-to-1 GF flour in place of all-purpose flour.
- Replace a portion of the pumpkin puree with mashed banana.
- Add up to ¼ cup of cooked riced cauliflower.
- If you tolerate eggs, use 2 egg in place of the flax egg.
- Adjust sweetness to fit your preferences.
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