These Healthy Breakfast Cookies are the perfect way to start your day! Packed with oats, fruits, and nuts, they are both tasty and good for you.
Who knew cookies could be breakfast? I love grabbing one on the go or enjoying it with my morning coffee. They make mornings much sweeter! ☕🍪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas are the base here; they add natural sweetness and moisture. If you’re out of bananas, you can substitute with unsweetened applesauce for a similar texture and flavor.
Oats: Rolled oats give these cookies a hearty base. If you need gluten-free cookies, make sure to choose certified gluten-free oats. Steel-cut oats can be used, but they will change the texture, making it chewier.
Nut Butters: I like using peanut butter for its rich flavor, but almond butter or sunflower seed butter are good alternatives if you have nut allergies or prefer different flavors.
Sweetener: Honey or maple syrup adds sweetness; you can also use agave syrup. For a low-carb option, consider sugar-free syrup or a sugar substitute that measures like sugar.
Add-ins: While I love chocolate chips and cranberries, feel free to switch them out for nuts, seeds, or dried fruits like raisins and apricots to suit your taste.
How Do I Get the Best Texture?
To ensure your cookies come out chewy and delicious, here are some tips:
- Use very ripe bananas. The darker the bananas, the sweeter your cookies will be!
- Don’t skip the flattening step before baking; this helps them bake evenly.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet before moving them. This helps them set and prevents them from crumbling.
How to Make Healthy Breakfast Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1/4 cup natural peanut butter or almond butter
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Add-Ins:
- 1/4 cup mini dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
Spices and Nutrition:
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Optional: 2 tbsp ground flaxseed or chia seeds for extra nutrition
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take around 20 minutes of prep time, plus about 15 minutes of baking. So, from start to finish, you’re looking at approximately 35 minutes before these delicious cookies are ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This will help keep your cookies from sticking.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Then, add in the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until well combined.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
Next, add the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, salt, and any optional flaxseed or chia seeds to the banana mixture. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully combined.
4. Add in the Sweet Treats:
Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips and dried cranberries. This is where your cookies get their delightful sweetness and flavor!
5. Scoop the Cookies:
Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to flatten each cookie a little with the back of the spoon for even baking.
6. Bake the Cookies:
Place your baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want them to be golden brown around the edges but soft in the center.
7. Cool and Serve:
After baking, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. And that’s it!
8. Enjoy or Store:
Your Healthy Breakfast Cookies are ready to enjoy! You can eat them warm, or store them in an airtight container for up to a week. Perfect for breakfast or a quick snack!
Enjoy your nutritious and delicious breakfast cookies!
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Bananas?
Yes! If you’re not a fan of bananas, you can substitute them with unsweetened applesauce or mashed sweet potato. Just keep in mind that these alternatives may alter the flavor slightly, but they will still keep the cookies moist.
How Do I Make These Cookies Vegan?
To make these cookies vegan, simply replace the honey with maple syrup or agave syrup. Ensure that your nut butter is also free from added non-vegan ingredients. The rest of the recipe remains the same!
Can I Freeze These Cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze, allow the cookies to cool completely, then place them in a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy one!
How Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
To make the cookies gluten-free, simply use certified gluten-free rolled oats. This way, you’ll still get that delicious chewy texture without any gluten worries!
