Pin it
These healthy breakfast cookies offer a nutritious and tasty way to jumpstart your morning. Made from wholesome ingredients like oats, bananas, and nuts, they provide steady energy and satisfy your hunger without the sugar crash. Perfect for busy days, they double as a convenient snack to keep you fueled.
I first whipped up these cookies on a hectic school morning, and they quickly became a routine favorite. My kids love grabbing them on the way out the door, which makes mornings a little less chaotic.
Ingredients
- Two ripe bananas mashed: key for natural sweetness and moisture use very ripe for best flavor
- One cup rolled oats: the base for texture and fiber old-fashioned oats hold their shape nicely
- Half cup almond butter or peanut butter: adds protein and creaminess choose natural, unsweetened for health benefits
- Quarter cup honey or maple syrup: a gentle sweetener opt for pure maple or raw honey for depth
- Half cup chopped nuts such as walnuts almonds or pecans: bring crunch and healthy fats toast lightly to enhance flavor
- Quarter cup dark chocolate chips optional: adds a touch of indulgence use at least 70% cacao for richness
- One teaspoon vanilla extract: elevates all flavors with warm aroma
- Half teaspoon cinnamon: subtle spice to balance sweetness
- Quarter teaspoon salt: intensifies all other ingredients while balancing flavors
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius and line a baking sheet with parchment paper if you have it. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl mash the ripe bananas thoroughly until smooth. Add the almond butter honey and vanilla extract. Stir vigorously to combine until the mixture is creamy and uniform.
- Add Dry Ingredients:
- Sprinkle in the rolled oats chopped nuts cinnamon and salt. Mix everything gently but thoroughly so that each oat and nut is coated with the banana mixture. This ensures even flavor and texture throughout the cookies.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips if Using:
- If you decided to include chocolate chips fold them in carefully to distribute without melting or clumping. Chocolate adds a nice contrast to the wholesome ingredients.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Using a spoon or your hands scoop small portions of the cookie dough and shape them into rounds. Place these on the prepared baking sheet spaced evenly apart so they bake uniformly.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Put the tray in your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You will know they are done when the edges turn a lovely golden brown and the cookies feel set but still soft to the touch.
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then transfer them carefully to a wire rack so they cool completely. This step lets them firm up without getting soggy.
Pin it
One of my favorite parts about this recipe is the wholesome crunch the nuts add, reminding me of cozy breakfast moments with family on slow weekend mornings. The balance of soft banana and crisp nuts always brings smiles at our table.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If you want them to last longer place them in the fridge for up to one week. For even longer storage freeze them in a sealed bag or container for up to three months. Simply thaw before enjoying.
Ingredient Substitutions
- You can swap almond butter for peanut butter or even sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
- Oats can be replaced with gluten-free rolled oats if you need to avoid gluten.
- Try adding dried fruits like raisins or cranberries to change up the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Pin it
- These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of yogurt or a smoothie for a more filling breakfast.
- They also make a fantastic snack alongside fruit or a glass of milk to keep energy steady between meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What makes these cookies healthy?
They use natural ingredients like ripe bananas, rolled oats, and nuts, providing fiber, healthy fats, and natural sweetness without refined sugar.
- → Can I substitute the nut butter?
Yes, almond or peanut butter work well, and you can also try sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
- → How do I store these cookies to keep them fresh?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for about a week to maintain freshness.
- → Can I add other ingredients to vary the flavor?
Definitely. Adding dried fruits, different nuts, or even spices can tailor the flavor to your preference.
- → Is it necessary to use parchment paper when baking?
While parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier, you can also lightly grease the baking sheet instead.
- → How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
They’re ready when the edges turn a golden brown and the cookies feel firm to the touch.