These Healthy Breakfast Cookies are just the thing to kickstart your day! Full of oats, bananas, and a hint of honey, they are chewy and delicious.
Who knew cookies could be good for you? I love grabbing one on busy mornings. They make early starts feel a little sweeter (and easier)! 🍌
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture. If you’re out of bananas, unsweetened applesauce can be a good substitute. Just use about 1/2 cup for every banana.
Rolled Oats: They give texture and bulk to your cookies but can be swapped for quick oats if that’s what you have on hand. Just be mindful that quick oats may result in a softer cookie.
Nut Butter: Almond butter is delicious, but peanut butter works well too, providing a different flavor. For nut allergies, you can use sunflower seed butter instead.
Sweetener: Honey or maple syrup is used for sweetness. If you want a lower glycemic option, consider using agave syrup or a sugar-free syrup instead.
Dried Fruits & Nuts: Feel free to play around! Swap dried cranberries with raisins or even add dried apricots. If you’re not a fan of almonds, any other nut like walnuts or pecans would work beautifully.
How Do I Make Sure My Cookies Hold Together?
One common struggle with these cookies is their texture. Since they are mostly made from oats and bananas, they need a little help to stick together. Here are some tips:
- Make sure your bananas are really ripe. The riper they are, the stickier and sweeter they become.
- Mix the wet and dry ingredients thoroughly; this helps everything bind together better.
- If the mixture seems too crumbly, a splash of almond milk can help moisten it up.
- Don’t skip the flattening step—press them down a bit before baking to ensure they hold their shape.
With these steps, your Healthy Breakfast Cookies will come out perfectly chewy and delicious every time!
Healthy Breakfast Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1/4 cup natural almond butter or peanut butter
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup chopped almonds
- 1/4 cup chopped dates
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
- Optional: 2 tablespoons chia seeds or flaxseeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 12-15 minutes to bake. Including cooling time, you’ll have delicious breakfast cookies ready in about 30 minutes! Perfect for a quick breakfast or snack anytime.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your cookies bake perfectly. While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, which keeps the cookies from sticking.
2. Mash the Bananas:
In a large mixing bowl, take your ripe bananas and mash them until they are smooth. A fork works great for this! The more ripe the bananas, the sweeter your cookies will be, so don’t be shy about using very ripe ones.
3. Mix in the Wet Ingredients:
Add the almond or peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir everything together until it’s all well combined. This creates the delicious base of your cookies!
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, mix the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, salt, chopped almonds, chopped dates, dried cranberries (or raisins), chia seeds (if you’re using them), and chocolate chips. This blend gives your cookies flavor and texture!
5. Bring It All Together:
Now, gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to combine everything until it’s evenly mixed. Be careful not to overmix; just combine until you don’t see any dry flour.
6. Shape the Cookies:
Using a spoon or your hands, scoop out even portions of the mixture and shape them into cookies. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, giving a little space between each cookie.
7. Flatten and Bake:
Gently flatten the cookies slightly with the back of a spoon. This helps them cook evenly. Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until they are set and lightly golden on the edges.
8. Cool and Enjoy:
Once they’re done baking, take them out and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. They’ll firm up a bit as they cool.
9. Storage:
These cookies stay good in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them, where they’ll keep fresh for about a week. Enjoy these as a lovely breakfast treat or a wholesome snack throughout the day!
Can I Use Different Types of Sweeteners?
Absolutely! You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave syrup if you prefer. If you’re looking to reduce sugar altogether, try using a sugar-free syrup alternative or adjust the amount to your taste.
What If I Don’t Have Ripe Bananas?
If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can use regular bananas, but make sure to mash them well. You could also substitute with unsweetened applesauce—use about 1/2 cup to replace the two bananas.
Can I Freeze These Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the cookies! Just let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or a zip-top bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
What Variations Can I Try?
You can customize these cookies based on your preferences! Consider adding nuts like walnuts or pecans, or swap dried cranberries for other dried fruits such as apricots or figs. You could also add spices like nutmeg for an extra flavor kick!
