These healthy breakfast cookies are easy to make and perfect for busy mornings. Packed with oats, bananas, and nuts, they are chewy and delicious!
Who knew cookies could be a breakfast hero? I love grabbing one on the go or enjoying it with my coffee. They even make for a great snack later in the day!
Making these cookies is a breeze. Just mix the ingredients, scoop onto a tray, and bake. It’s a fun way to start my day with something tasty and good for me!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas are perfect for natural sweetness and moisture. If you’re allergic, unsweetened applesauce can work as a great alternative.
Rolled Oats: These provide texture and are a great source of fiber. If you don’t have rolled oats, quick oats or even oat flour can be used, but be aware the texture might change slightly.
Almond Butter: This adds healthy fats and protein. You can substitute with peanut butter or sunbutter if you prefer or have nut allergies.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Both are excellent natural sweeteners. If you’re vegan, opt for maple syrup or agave syrup for a plant-based option.
Dried Fruit: I often use raisins, but feel free to switch to dried cranberries, apricots, or even dark chocolate chips for a sweet twist!
How Do I Ensure My Cookies Are Soft and Chewy?
The key to achieving that perfect chewy texture lies in not overbaking them. Make sure to watch closely in the oven! Here’s how:
- First, take them out when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft; they’ll firm up as they cool.
- Using mashed bananas not only sweetens but also adds moisture—critical for chewiness.
- Don’t skip the rest period; letting them cool on a wire rack helps them maintain a soft texture.
- If you want a richer flavor, try toasting your nuts slightly before adding them into the mix.
How to Make Healthy Breakfast Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Key Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- ¼ cup almond butter
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries
- ¼ cup almonds, chopped (or any nuts of choice)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 15-18 minutes to bake, totaling approximately 30 minutes from start to finish. In no time, you’ll have delicious, healthy cookies ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Mash the Bananas:
In a large bowl, take those ripe bananas and mash them up until they’re nice and smooth. This not only gives flavor but also acts as a natural sweetener!
3. Mix in the Wet Ingredients:
Add the almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir it all together until well combined. This will create a creamy base for your cookie dough.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, mix together the rolled oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
5. Bring It All Together:
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the banana mixture, stirring until everything is well combined. The dough should be somewhat thick.
6. Add the Fun Mix-Ins:
Now it’s time to fold in the raisins or dried cranberries and chopped almonds. This will add a delightful texture and extra flavor!
7. Scoop and Shape:
Using a spoon (or a cookie scoop, if you have one), scoop out portions of the dough and place them on the lined baking sheet. Gently flatten each scoop to form cookie shapes. They won’t spread much while baking, so shape them how you want them to look!
8. Bake the Cookies:
Place the baking sheet in the oven and let the cookies bake for 15-18 minutes, or until their edges turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as oven times can vary!
9. Cool Down:
Once baked, take the cookies out of the oven and let them cool on the tray for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Enjoy!
Your healthy breakfast cookies are ready! Grab a few for an easy, nutritious breakfast or snack throughout the day. They’re perfect paired with a cup of coffee or tea!
Can I Substitute the Bananas in This Recipe?
Yes, if you’re not a fan of bananas or have allergies, you can use unsweetened applesauce or a different fruit puree, like pumpkin, for similar moisture and sweetness.
Can I Make These Cookies Vegan?
Absolutely! To make the cookies vegan, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave syrup, and ensure the almond butter is vegan-friendly (most are!).
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for about a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months; just make sure to wrap them properly!
Are There Any Other Mix-Ins I Can Use?
Definitely! Feel free to add in dark chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or other dried fruits like apricots. Just keep the total amount of mix-ins around 1 cup to maintain the cookie texture.
