These healthy breakfast cookies are the perfect grab-and-go snack! Packed with oats, bananas, and your favorite mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips, they are tasty and filling.
Making these cookies is super easy! I love having a batch ready for busy mornings—just bake, cool, and enjoy. Who knew breakfast could be so yummy and convenient? 🍪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas are crucial here because they add natural sweetness and moisture. If you don’t have bananas, unsweetened applesauce can work too, though the texture may slightly change.
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats provide the right texture and chewiness. Quick oats can be used, but avoid instant oats since they may become too mushy.
Dried Fruits: I typically use cranberries for a tart contrast, but raisins or chopped dates also work well. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste or what’s available.
Seeds and Nuts: Pumpkin seeds add a nice crunch and nutrition. For nuts, walnuts are my favorite, but you may use any nuts you like or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.
Cinnamon: This spice elevates the flavors wonderfully! If you want a different twist, try nutmeg or pumpkin spice instead.
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture for My Cookies?
The texture of these cookies hinges on the right balance of ingredients. Make sure to mash the bananas well; they should be smooth to ensure even mixing. When combining the oats and mix-ins, don’t overmix — just enough to bring everything together.
- Use a cookie scoop to get even-sized cookies; this helps them bake uniformly.
- Flatten the cookies slightly before baking. This helps them spread and cook evenly.
- Keep an eye on the baking time. You want them golden around the edges but soft in the middle; they’ll firm up while cooling.
Healthy Breakfast Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup dried cranberries or raisins
- ¼ cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or pecans)
Flavorings:
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp chia seeds or ground flaxseeds (optional)
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe only takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 15-18 minutes to bake. That means you can have delicious, healthy breakfast cookies ready in about half an hour! Perfect for a quick breakfast or snack on the go.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper so that your cookies don’t stick.
2. Mash the Bananas:
In a large bowl, take your ripe bananas and mash them until they are nice and smooth. This will be the base for your cookies, adding natural sweetness and moisture.
3. Add Flavor:
Mix in the vanilla extract with the mashed bananas. It adds a wonderful aroma and flavor that complements the sweetness of the bananas.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to add the oats, cinnamon, chia or flaxseeds (if you’re using them), and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until it’s nicely combined.
5. Fold in the Goodies:
Gently fold in the dried cranberries or raisins, pumpkin seeds, and chopped nuts. This is where you can personalize your cookies if you wish by adding different nuts or seeds!
6. Scoop the Cookies:
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of your cookie batter onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to flatten each cookie slightly to help them spread while baking.
7. Bake to Perfection:
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 15-18 minutes. Keep an eye on them — you want the cookies to be set and just slightly golden around the edges.
8. Cooling Time:
Once they’re baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Storing Your Cookies:
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to save some for later, feel free to freeze them for a tasty treat anytime!
Enjoy your wholesome, naturally sweetened cookies packed with fiber and nutrients. They’re a fantastic way to start your day or a great snack whenever you need a boost! 🍪
Can I Substitute the Bananas?
Yes! If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can use unsweetened applesauce as a substitute. The texture may be slightly different, but it will still work well.
How Can I Customize the Mix-Ins?
Feel free to get creative! You can use any dried fruit like chopped dates or apricots, different seeds like sunflower seeds, or even chocolate chips for a sweet touch. Just keep the overall quantity similar so the texture remains balanced.
Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Just use certified gluten-free oats in place of regular oats. This small change makes these cookies safe for anyone with gluten sensitivities.
How Do I Store Extra Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them — just place them in a freezer bag, and they’ll keep for up to 3 months!
