These Healthy Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies are perfect for a quick morning treat! Packed with oats, bananas, and a hint of cinnamon, they’re chewy, delicious, and good for you.
They make breakfast feel like dessert, and who doesn’t love that? I love grabbing a couple for on-the-go mornings. They’re a tasty way to start the day right!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas are essential as they add natural sweetness and moisture. If you don’t have bananas, unsweetened applesauce can work as a substitute.
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats provide great texture. Quick oats can be used in a pinch but may lead to a softer cookie. Steel-cut oats, however, are too tough for this recipe.
Nut Butter: Almond butter gives a lovely flavor, but you can use peanut butter, sunflower seed butter, or any nut butter you prefer. Just ensure it’s natural to keep it healthy!
Sweeteners: Honey or maple syrup adds sweetness. Agave syrup or coconut sugar are other great options. Adjust to your preferred taste!
Dried Fruits: I like cranberries for a tangy bite, but raisins or even chopped dried apricots can also work well. Use what you have on hand!
How Do I Ensure My Cookies Are Chewy?
To get the perfect chewy texture, follow these steps carefully:
- Make sure your bananas are very ripe; the brown spots mean they’re sweet and moist.
- Don’t overmix the dough once you add the dry ingredients. Just mix until combined to keep the cookies from becoming dense.
- Flatten them slightly before baking; this helps with even baking and a chewy texture.
- Watch the baking time; overbaking can lead to crunchy cookies. Pull them out when the edges are golden.
These tips will help you achieve deliciously chewy oatmeal cookies every time! Enjoy!
Healthy Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- ¼ cup natural almond butter or peanut butter
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup dried cranberries (or raisins)
- ¼ cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of preparation time and around 12-15 minutes to bake. In total, you should set aside about 25-30 minutes to enjoy these delicious cookies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Prepare the Banana Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, take your ripe bananas and mash them with a fork until smooth and creamy. This will be the base of your cookies!
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
Add the almond butter (or peanut butter), honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and smooth.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, stir together the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. This step helps ensure everything is evenly distributed in the cookies.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Now, gradually add the dry oat mixture to the wet banana mixture. Stir gently until everything is fully incorporated, but don’t overmix!
6. Add Fun Ingredients:
Fold in the dried cranberries (or raisins) and, if you’d like, sprinkle in some dark chocolate chips for extra sweetness. This part is where you can let your creativity shine!
7. Scoop the Dough:
Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop mounds of the cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each mound with the back of the spoon.
8. Bake the Cookies:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and let the cookies bake for 12-15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are golden brown, and the centers look set.
9. Cooling Time:
Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Storing Your Cookies:
Store your delicious cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for later enjoyment!
Enjoy these wholesome, chewy cookies as a perfect nutritious start to your day or a healthy snack any time you need a pick-me-up!
Can I Substitute the Bananas?
Yes! If you don’t have bananas, you can use unsweetened applesauce as a substitute. You’ll need about ½ cup to replace the two bananas.
How Can I Make These Cookies Vegan?
To make these cookies vegan, use maple syrup instead of honey, and ensure your nut butter is vegan-friendly. These simple swaps keep the recipe plant-based!
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts like walnuts or pecans, seeds like chia or flaxseed, or even coconut flakes. Adjust the quantity according to your preference, but maintain the overall balance in the dough.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, place them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
