These healthy breakfast cookies are a yummy way to kick off your day! Packed with oats, bananas, and a handful of chocolate chips, they’re chewy and delightful.
Who knew breakfast could be so fun? I love grabbing one on busy mornings. They taste like a treat but keep me full without the guilt. Perfect for busy bees! 🐝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas are great for sweetness and binding. You can substitute them with unsweetened applesauce if you’re avoiding bananas.
Rolled oats: These provide structure. Quick oats work too, but they might change the texture slightly.
Nut butters: I love peanut butter for its rich flavor, but for a nut-free option, sunflower seed butter works well!
Sweeteners: Honey adds a lovely sweetness, but maple syrup or agave syrup are good vegan options.
Dried cranberries: Use any dried fruit you like! Raisins, chopped dates, or even dried blueberries all add unique flavors.
Pumpkin seeds: These add a nice crunch and nutrition. Feel free to swap them with sunflower seeds or chopped nuts.
How Do I Make Sure My Cookies Hold Together?
Getting the right texture is key for these cookies. Here are a few tips:
- Be sure to mash the bananas properly. They should be smooth to help bind the ingredients.
- Mix the wet ingredients thoroughly before adding the dry ones. This ensures even distribution of flavors.
- Don’t skip the resting time on the baking sheet; it helps them firm up a bit before cooling entirely.
With these tips, your breakfast cookies will hold together beautifully and taste amazing! Enjoy your baking! 🍪
Healthy Breakfast Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 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
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries (plus more for topping)
- 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds (plus more for topping)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts or dark chocolate chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and 15-18 minutes to bake. So, in just under half an hour, you’ll have a tasty batch of healthy cookies ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’ll be just the right temperature when your cookies are ready to bake! Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Mash the Bananas:
In a large mixing bowl, take those ripe bananas and mash them with a fork until they’re smooth. The more ripe the bananas, the sweeter your cookies will be!
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
Next, stir in the peanut butter (or almond butter), honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s all combined—don’t worry if it’s a little lumpy, that’s perfectly fine!
4. Add Dry Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add the oats, cinnamon, and salt. Stir everything together until the dry ingredients are fully incorporated into the wet mixture.
5. Mix in Extras:
Gently fold in the dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds, and any optional nuts or chocolate chips you want to include. This is where you can get creative!
6. Scoop and Shape:
Using a spoon, scoop out portions of the cookie batter. Place them on your prepared baking sheet and flatten them slightly with the back of your spoon for a nice cookie shape.
7. Add Toppings:
For an extra touch, sprinkle some additional dried cranberries and pumpkin seeds on top of each cookie before baking.
8. Bake the Cookies:
Pop your baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-18 minutes. They’ll be done when they’re golden brown and set!
9. Cool and Enjoy:
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these wholesome, chewy cookies as a quick and satisfying morning snack!
These cookies are not only delicious but packed with healthy ingredients to kickstart your day! Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Ripe Bananas That Are Overripe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe as they’re sweeter and easier to mash. Just make sure they’re still safe to eat and don’t have any mold.
Can I Substitute the Sweetener?
Yes, you can! If you prefer a lower-glycemic option, you can use coconut sugar, or if you’re looking for a vegan option, maple syrup works great instead of honey.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week or freeze them for up to 3 months!
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative. You can add chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even other dried fruits like raisins or apricots to customize the cookies to your taste.
