These healthy oatmeal breakfast cookies are sweet and chewy, packed with oats, bananas, and a touch of honey. They’re perfect for busy mornings!
Who needs cereal when you can grab a cookie? I love making a batch on Sunday, and then enjoying them throughout the week. They make breakfast a treat! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Mashed bananas are the main sweetener and give moisture to the cookies. If you’re not a fan of bananas, unsweetened applesauce can be a great substitute.
Rolled Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats create a hearty texture. Quick oats can work in a pinch, but avoid instant oats as they won’t hold up well.
Whole Wheat Flour: This adds fiber and a nutty flavor. You can substitute it with regular all-purpose flour or even almond flour for a gluten-free option.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Both serve as natural sweeteners. If you want to lower sugar, consider using a sugar-free syrup or a small amount of stevia.
Dried Cranberries: These add a pop of flavor and chewiness. You can swap in raisins, dried cherries, or other dried fruits you prefer.
How Do You Make Cookies Chewy and Delicious?
The key to a chewy cookie is the balance of wet and dry ingredients. Here are the steps to ensure your cookies turn out perfect!
- Start with ripe bananas, as they provide the best flavor and moisture.
- Mix the wet ingredients thoroughly before adding the dry mix; this helps bind them better.
- Don’t overmix once you add the dry ingredients—just mix until combined.
- When shaping, keep the cookies slightly thicker; they will spread out slightly as they bake.
- Let them cool completely on the rack, as they will firm up a bit more as they cool.
Have fun making these cookies, and enjoy the delicious aroma filling your kitchen!
How to Make Healthy Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Basic Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup whole wheat flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Add-Ins:
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (optional, e.g. walnuts or hazelnuts)
- 2 tbsp chia seeds or flaxseeds (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 12-15 minutes of baking time. Overall, you can have delicious, healthy cookies ready in about 30 minutes! Perfect for those busy mornings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, honey (or maple syrup), and the vanilla extract. Use a fork or a mixer to mix these together until they become smooth and creamy. This will make up the base of your cookie dough.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first ensures an even flavor throughout the cookies.
4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, gradually add the dry mixture into the banana mixture. Stir gently just until they are combined; be careful not to overmix—this helps keep the cookies soft and chewy.
5. Add a Little Fun:
Fold in the dried cranberries, dark chocolate chips, any nuts you’re using, and the chia or flaxseeds if you want an extra health boost. Mix well but still gently to avoid breaking up the chocolate chips too much!
6. Shape the Cookies:
Using a spoon, scoop out heaping tablespoons of the dough and drop them onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each scoop. Lightly press down on each mound to flatten them slightly to about 1/2 inch thick.
7. Bake and Cool the Cookies:
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Store Your Cookies:
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, feel free to freeze them for later enjoyment!
Enjoy these wholesome, chewy cookies as a quick breakfast or a tasty snack any time of day!
Can I Use Instant Oats Instead of Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats?
It’s best to stick with old-fashioned rolled oats for texture, as instant oats can make the cookies too mushy. If you only have instant oats on hand, reduce the amount slightly and keep an eye on the baking time.
How Can I Make These Cookies Vegan?
You can easily make them vegan by substituting honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. Just make sure that the chocolate chips you use are dairy-free as well.
What Are Some Good Storage Tips for These Cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them by placing them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge or warm them in the microwave for a quick snack!
Can I Add Other Ingredients or Substitute Some?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with add-ins like dried fruits, nuts, or seeds. You can also substitute the whole wheat flour with almond flour for a gluten-free version, but keep in mind it may alter the texture slightly.
