These healthy breakfast cookies are a tasty way to start your day! Packed with oats, bananas, and a hint of chocolate, they are chewy and satisfying.
Who knew breakfast could be so fun? I love grabbing one on busy mornings. They’re like a delicious hug for your stomach—no guilt, just yum!
Making these cookies is super easy! Just mix, scoop, and bake. Plus, they’re great for on-the-go days. You can even sneak in some nuts or dried fruit—your choice!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: Bananas are key for natural sweetness and moisture. If you’re out, unsweetened mashed pumpkin or apples can work too, though the taste will change slightly.
Old-fashioned Rolled Oats: They provide a chewy texture. Quick oats can be used, but they might make the cookies softer. Steel-cut oats won’t work here since they need cooking.
Chopped Almonds: Nuts add crunch and protein. If you prefer, use walnuts, pecans, or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free option!
Chopped Dates: They bring natural sweetness. Raisins, dried figs, or chopped apricots can be swapped in without altering texture much.
Cinnamon: This spice offers warmth and flavor. You can experiment with other spices like nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a twist.
How Do I Mash Bananas Properly?
Mashing bananas might seem easy, but doing it right is important for texture. Here’s how:
- Choose ripe bananas—really ripe ones will be sweet and easy to mash.
- Place them in a bowl and use a fork to mash. Aim for a smooth consistency with no big chunks.
- Make sure to measure after mashing if the recipe calls for it!
What’s the Best Way to Shape Cookies?
Shaping the cookies can affect their overall texture. Follow these tips:
- Use a spoon or cookie scoop to portion out the batter. This keeps them uniform and helps with even baking.
- When placing them on the baking sheet, leave enough space—about 2 inches apart—so they have room to spread.
- Don’t skip the step of pressing them down slightly. It helps them bake evenly!
How to Make Healthy Breakfast Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds
- 1/3 cup chopped dates (pitted)
- 1/3 cup raisins or dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Time Needed
This delicious recipe will take about 10 minutes for preparation and 15-18 minutes to bake. You’ll have warm, nutritious breakfast cookies ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the cookies bake evenly. While your oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mash the Bananas:
In a large bowl, take your ripe bananas and mash them with a fork until smooth. They should be free of lumps for the best texture!
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
Add in the unsweetened applesauce, vanilla extract, and cinnamon to the mashed bananas. Stir them together well until they’re nicely combined. This will create a sweet and fragrant base for your cookies.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to add the rolled oats, chopped almonds, dates, raisins (or dried cranberries), baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything together until all the ingredients are fully incorporated. You want to make sure every cookie is delicious!
5. Shape the Cookies:
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop dollops of the cookie batter onto your prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches of space between each one because they will spread a little as they bake.
6. Flatten the Cookies Slightly:
Gently press down on each dollop to flatten them slightly. This will help the cookies bake evenly and gives them a nice shape.
7. Bake the Cookies:
Pop your baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-18 minutes. You want the edges to turn golden brown and the cookies to be set. Your kitchen should smell amazing!
8. Cool Them Down:
When the cookies are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures they don’t get soggy.
9. Enjoy!
Serve these tasty cookies as a wholesome breakfast or a snack with your morning coffee or tea. Enjoy your nutritious and delicious breakfast cookies packed with oats, nuts, and natural sweetness from fruit!
Can I Substitute the Bananas in This Recipe?
Yes! If you’re not fond of bananas or don’t have any on hand, you can use unsweetened applesauce or mashed sweet potatoes as a replacement. Just remember that this might slightly alter the flavor and moisture of the cookies.
How Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
To make these cookies gluten-free, simply swap the old-fashioned rolled oats with certified gluten-free oats. Be sure that all your other ingredients, like baking powder and any dried fruits, are also gluten-free.
Can I Store Leftover Cookies?
Absolutely! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let them cool completely before storing!
What Can I Add for Extra Flavor?
Feel free to get creative! You can add ingredients like chopped nuts, seeds, or even a handful of dark chocolate chips for a sweet twist. Spices like nutmeg or ginger also work well to enhance the flavor profile!