Healthy Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
Start your day on a wholesome note with these delightful Healthy Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies. With their chewy texture and naturally sweet flavor, they are the perfect morning treat or snack for any time of day. Made with simple, nutritious ingredients, these cookies are not only easy to whip up but also packed with fiber and essential nutrients. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that will quickly become a family favorite!
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
These Healthy Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies are a game changer for breakfast or a quick snack. Here’s why you’ll love them:
– Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and baking time, you can have these cookies ready in no time.
– Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with oats, bananas, and applesauce, these cookies are a healthy way to start your day.
– Customizable: You can easily add your favorite mix-ins, like nuts or seeds, to make them your own.
– Kid-Friendly: The natural sweetness makes these cookies a hit with kids and adults alike.
Ingredient Breakdown
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful Healthy Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies:
- 2 medium ripe bananas, mashed – These provide natural sweetness and moisture.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce – A great substitute for butter or oil, keeping the cookies moist.
- 2 tablespoons honey – For a touch of natural sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor profile.
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats – The main ingredient, providing texture and fiber.
- 2 tablespoons oat flour – Adds a bit of structure; you can make this by blending oats in a blender!
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon – A warm spice that pairs perfectly with bananas.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the cookies rise slightly.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
- 1/3 cup raisins – Adds natural sweetness and chewiness.
Equipment at a Glance
To make these cookies, you’ll need the following equipment:
- Mixing bowls – For combining the ingredients.
- Fork or potato masher – To mash the bananas.
- Baking sheet – For baking the cookies.
- Parchment paper – Optional, for easy cleanup.
- Oven – Preheated to the right temperature for baking.
Healthy Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies Cooking Guide
Ready to bake? Follow these simple steps to create your Healthy Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a mixing bowl, mash the 2 medium ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add the 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce, 2 tablespoons honey, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Mix well until fully combined.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the 1 1/2 cups rolled oats, 2 tablespoons oat flour, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir to blend the dry ingredients well.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the 1/3 cup raisins.
Step 6: Scoop the Cookies
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of the cookie dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave some space between each cookie, as they will spread slightly during baking.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!
Dietary Swaps & Alternatives
If you want to customize these Healthy Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies, here are some great swaps:
- Maple Syrup: Swap honey for maple syrup for a vegan option.
- Chocolate Chips: Add dark chocolate chips instead of raisins for a chocolatey twist.
- Nut Butters: Incorporate almond or peanut butter for added protein and flavor.
- Dried Fruits: Use dried cranberries or apricots instead of raisins for a different flavor.
Slip-Ups to Skip
To ensure your Healthy Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies turn out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes:
- Using overly ripe bananas can make the cookies too mushy. Aim for medium ripeness.
- Not measuring the oats accurately can lead to a dry or crumbly texture.
- Baking at too high a temperature can cause the cookies to burn on the outside while remaining raw inside.
- Overmixing the dough can make the cookies tough instead of chewy.
Storing, Freezing & Reheating
These cookies are perfect for meal prep! Here’s how to store and enjoy them later:
- Storing: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds, or in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
Popular Questions
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, you can use quick oats, but the texture of the cookies may be slightly different, becoming softer and less chewy.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just make sure to use gluten-free rolled oats and oat flour to ensure they are safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies should be golden around the edges and slightly soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool.
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans would be a delicious and nutritious addition to your Healthy Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies.
Keep Cooking
If you loved making these Healthy Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies, you might also enjoy these recipes:
- Whole Wheat Banana Bread – A wholesome twist on classic banana bread.
- Banana Muffins – Perfect for breakfast or snack time!
- Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies – A seasonal favorite that’s sure to please.
Wrap-Up
These Healthy Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies are not just delicious; they are also a nutritious way to start your day or a perfect snack for any time. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up a batch in no time. They are versatile, allowing for various add-ins, making them ideal for everyone in the family. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or as part of your meal prep, these cookies will surely become a staple in your household. Enjoy baking and indulging in these wholesome treats!
Healthy Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, mash the 2 medium ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth.
- Add the 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce, 2 tablespoons honey, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Mix well until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine the 1 1/2 cups rolled oats, 2 tablespoons oat flour, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir to blend the dry ingredients well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the 1/3 cup raisins.
- Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of the cookie dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freeze cookies for up to 3 months for a quick snack later.
- Reheat in the microwave or oven for a warm treat.
