These healthy breakfast cookies are a great way to start your day! Made with oats, bananas, and nuts, they are chewy and sweet, but without all the guilt.
My secret? I love adding a few chocolate chips for that extra treat vibe! They are so easy to make, and perfect for busy mornings. Just bake, grab, and go! 🍌
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture. If you’re out of bananas, unsweetened mashed avocado can be a unique substitute. It won’t add sweetness but keeps the cookies moist.
Rolled Oats: These create a chewy texture. Quick oats can work too, though they’ll give a slightly different texture. If gluten is a concern, look for certified gluten-free oats.
Applesauce: Unsweetened applesauce is a great way to reduce added sugar. You can replace it with Greek yogurt for extra protein, but this will change the flavor slightly.
Dried Cranberries: They add tartness. You could switch them out for other dried fruits like raisins, apricots, or cherries depending on your taste preference.
Nuts: Chopped almonds give a nice crunch. Pecans or walnuts are tasty alternatives. If there are nut allergies, try sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead.
How Do You Get the Right Cookie Texture?
Getting the perfect texture for breakfast cookies is vital. You want them chewy yet not too dry. Here’s how:
- Make sure your bananas are truly ripe—they’ll mash better and add more moisture.
- Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies.
- Allow cookies to cool before eating; they’ll firm up as they sit.
- Flatten the cookie mounds slightly before baking for an even shape.
By following these tips, you’ll create delicious cookies that everyone will love!
How to Make Healthy Breakfast Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup almonds, chopped
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- Optional: ¼ cup dark chocolate chips or raisins
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15-18 minutes to bake. Overall, you’ll spend around 30-35 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and easy breakfast option!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure it’s hot enough to bake those cookies perfectly! While the oven is warming 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 up until they’re nice and smooth. The riper the bananas, the sweeter your cookies will be! This is a perfect way to use up bananas that are getting a bit too ripe.
3. Mix in the Wet Ingredients:
Add the applesauce, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined. This mixture should be smooth and syrupy.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, mix together the rolled oats, chopped almonds, dried cranberries, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well to distribute all the ingredients evenly.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Now, pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir it all together until you have a sticky dough. This dough will hold together when you scoop it out.
6. Add Optional Ingredients:
If you’d like to add dark chocolate chips or raisins for a little extra sweetness, now is the time! Gently fold them into the dough.
7. Form the Cookies:
Using a spoon, scoop out cookie-sized mounds of dough and drop them onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each mound slightly with the back of the spoon for even baking.
8. Bake Time:
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
9. Cooling Time:
Once they’re done baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before enjoying!
These healthy breakfast cookies are perfect for busy mornings or a quick snack anytime. Enjoy a tasty and nutritious start to your day!
Can I Use Different Nuts in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While almonds provide a nice crunch, you can easily substitute them with walnuts, pecans, or even sunflower seeds if you have nut allergies. Just ensure they’re chopped to maintain a good texture.
Can I Sweeten This Recipe Differently?
Yes! If you prefer a different sweetener, you can use agave syrup, coconut sugar, or even stevia. Just keep in mind that different sweeteners may affect the moisture level, so you might need to adjust the amount of applesauce accordingly.
How to store the cookies for freshness?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge and enjoy!
Can I Make These Cookies Vegan?
Yes! This recipe is already vegan-friendly if you use maple syrup instead of honey. Additionally, stick to vegan chocolate chips if you decide to add them. Enjoy your plant-based breakfast!
