These Healthy Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies are a tasty way to start your day! Packed with oats, bananas, and a hint of honey, they’re chewy and satisfying.
If you’re like me, you might find yourself sneaking a cookie (or two) before breakfast. They are perfect for a quick bite on busy mornings. Yum!
It’s so easy to make a batch! Just mix, scoop, and bake. I love having them ready to grab for breakfast or a snack anytime. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: The bananas are key for natural sweetness and moisture. If you’re allergic or don’t have bananas, you can use unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tbsp water) as a substitute.
Oats: Rolled oats give the best texture, but quick oats are okay too. For gluten-free options, make sure they are certified gluten-free oats.
Nut Butter: I used peanut butter, but almond butter or sunflower seed butter works wonderfully too. Just keep in mind that the flavor will vary a bit with each type!
Dried Cranberries: You can swap them for raisins, chopped dates, or even fresh berries for a different fruity twist. I love using dark chocolate chips as a fun treat, but you can leave them out if you prefer.
How Do I Get the Right Cookie Texture?
The key to achieving the perfect chewy texture is in the mixing and baking process. Here are some tips:
- Preheat the oven: Make sure it’s fully heated to 350°F (175°C) for an even bake.
- Don’t over-mix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. This keeps your cookies tender!
- Spacing: Leave enough space on the baking sheet to prevent them from sticking together as they spread.
- Cooling: Allow the cookies to cool a bit on the sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up and maintain their shape.
With these tips, you’ll bake cookies that are delicious and the perfect grab-and-go breakfast! Enjoy your healthy treats!
Healthy Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Base:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup almond flour (or whole wheat flour)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup natural peanut butter or almond butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup chia seeds or flaxseeds (optional)
Add-ins:
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped nuts (optional)
For Topping (Optional):
- Additional rolled oats or extra dried fruit for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and an additional 12-15 minutes to bake. So, you’ll have delicious, healthy oatmeal breakfast cookies ready in about 25-30 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make clean-up easy.
2. Mash the Bananas:
In a large mixing bowl, add your ripe bananas. Use a fork or potato masher to mash them until they’re nice and smooth. This will serve as the sweet base for your cookies!
3. Mix in Other Wet Ingredients:
Add the honey (or maple syrup), peanut butter (or almond butter), and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir well until the mixture is evenly combined and creamy.
4. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, almond flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and optional chia seeds or flaxseeds. This keeps the dry ingredients separate until you’re ready to mix!
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet banana mixture. Stir until everything is well combined and there are no dry flour spots remaining. It should have a thick cookie-dough consistency.
6. Add the Fun Stuff!
Fold in the dried cranberries and, if you’re using them, the dark chocolate chips or nuts. This adds flavor and texture to your tasty cookies!
7. Form the Cookies:
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave about 2 inches between each scoop. Press them down gently to flatten slightly—this helps them bake evenly.
8. Top (Optional):
If you want, sprinkle a few oats or extra dried fruit pieces on top of each cookie for a nice touch!
9. Bake the Cookies:
Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown.
10. Cool Down:
Once baked, take the cookies out of the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Enjoy!
These cookies are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a dessert. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or store them in an airtight container for later!
These cookies are chewy, slightly sweet, and filled with wholesome ingredients, making them a perfect healthy start to your day! Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use a Different Sweetener in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer to avoid honey or maple syrup, you can use agave nectar, coconut sugar, or a sugar substitute like stevia. Just adjust the amount according to your taste, keeping in mind that some alternatives are sweeter than others.
How Can I Make These Cookies Vegan?
To make the cookies vegan, simply replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar, and use almond butter instead of peanut butter if you need a nut-free option. All listed ingredients are plant-based!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place them in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months; just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Yes! These cookies are super customizable. You can add nuts, seeds, or even spices like nutmeg or ginger for extra flavor. Dried fruits like apricots or raisins work well, too—get creative!