Breakfast doesn’t always have to be a bowl of cereal or a slice of toast. These breakfast cookies offer a fun, convenient, and nutritious alternative to your morning routine. Packed with wholesome ingredients like bananas, oats, and optional add-ins, these cookies are perfect for busy mornings or as an on-the-go snack. They’re easy to make, customizable, and provide a balanced combination of protein, fiber, and healthy fats to fuel you throughout the day.

The beauty of these breakfast cookies lies in their flexibility. You can personalize them with a variety of add-ins, whether you prefer a hint of sweetness from chocolate chips, a boost of healthy fats from peanut butter or nuts, or a touch of tropical flavor from coconut. These cookies are naturally sweetened with bananas and honey, ensuring that you get a delicious breakfast without any added refined sugars. Plus, with a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, these cookies come together quickly and can be stored for several days—making them an ideal breakfast for meal prep. Whether you’re an early riser or need something to take with you on a busy day, these breakfast cookies are sure to become a go-to in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy to Make

With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation, these cookies come together in no time, making them the perfect grab-and-go breakfast option.

2. Customizable Add-Ins

You can mix and match your favorite ingredients to make these cookies your own. From peanut butter and chocolate chips to dried fruit and nuts, the possibilities are endless.

3. Naturally Sweetened

Made with ripe bananas and a touch of honey, these cookies are naturally sweetened, providing a healthier alternative to traditional breakfast pastries or sugary cereals.

4. Perfect for Meal Prep

These breakfast cookies can be baked in advance and stored for several days, making them ideal for meal prepping and busy mornings when you need a quick, healthy option.

5. Nutrient-Packed

With oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, these cookies provide a balanced mix of fiber, healthy fats, and protein, giving you sustained energy throughout the morning.

Ingredients

2 large bananas (for sweetness and moisture)
1 ¾ cups quick oats (base of the cookie)

Optional Add-Ins:

4 tablespoons peanut flour or any nut butter (for creaminess and protein)
¼ cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet, dark, or miniature for a chocolatey boost)
1-2 teaspoons honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
¼ cup cacao nibs (for a slightly bitter, chocolatey crunch)
¼ cup Nutella or any hazelnut spread (for a rich, creamy addition)
¼ cup peanut butter chips (for an extra peanut flavor)
⅓ cup crushed peanuts, pecans, almonds, walnuts, or any preferred nuts (for added crunch and healthy fats)
⅓ cup dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, sultanas, chopped dates for natural sweetness)
1-2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (for extra flavor)
¼ cup shredded coconut (for a tropical touch)

Variations

Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free oats and ensure your add-ins are also gluten-free.
Nut-Free: Replace the nut butter and peanut-based add-ins with sunflower seed butter and a nut-free mix of dried fruit and seeds.
Vegan: Ensure the honey is replaced with maple syrup or agave nectar for a completely plant-based option.
Chocolate Lovers: Add more chocolate chips or drizzle melted dark chocolate on top of the cookies once baked for an extra decadent treat.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

In a large mixing bowl, peel and mash the two bananas until smooth. They will provide natural sweetness and moisture to the cookies.

Step 3: Add Oats and Mix-ins

Stir in the oats, and then add any optional add-ins such as peanut butter, chocolate chips, honey, cacao nibs, Nutella, nuts, dried fruit, or shredded coconut. Mix until everything is evenly combined.

Step 4: Scoop and Shape the Cookies

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion out spoonfuls of the dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten them slightly with the back of the spoon to form cookie shapes.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cookies are golden brown around the edges. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your homemade breakfast cookies!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Banana Ripeness: The riper the bananas, the sweeter your cookies will be. Use bananas with brown spots for maximum flavor.
Consistency of Dough: If the dough is too wet, add a little more oats. If it’s too dry, add a small amount of water or more mashed banana.
Even Cooking: Make sure the cookies are spaced evenly on the baking sheet to ensure they bake uniformly.
Optional Toppings: After baking, top your cookies with a drizzle of almond butter or a sprinkle of extra coconut for added flair.

How to Serve

These breakfast cookies are delicious on their own, but you can also pair them with a cup of coffee, a smoothie, or a bowl of fruit for a more complete breakfast. They’re also great for a mid-morning snack or even a post-workout refuel.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once baked, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. They can also be kept in the fridge for up to a week for added freshness.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! After baking and cooling, store them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. To reheat, just microwave for 10-15 seconds or let them thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

If you prefer warm cookies, microwave them for about 10 seconds or warm them in a toaster oven for a few minutes to bring back their soft, chewy texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats?

Yes, you can use old-fashioned oats, but the cookies might have a chewier texture.

2. Can I replace the bananas with applesauce?

Yes, applesauce can be used as a substitute for mashed bananas, though the flavor will be different.

3. How do I make these cookies sweeter without adding sugar?

The bananas and optional honey or maple syrup will naturally sweeten the cookies. You can also add dried fruit for extra sweetness.

4. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, just make sure you use certified gluten-free oats and check that your add-ins are gluten-free.

5. Can I use a different nut butter?

Absolutely! Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter are all great alternatives.

6. How can I make these cookies nut-free?

Simply swap the nut butter for seed butter (like sunflower seed butter) and omit any nuts in the mix-ins.

7. Are these cookies vegan?

They can be made vegan by replacing honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.

8. Can I add protein powder to these cookies?

Yes, you can add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the dough for an extra boost of protein.

9. Can I freeze the dough and bake later?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough balls and bake them directly from the freezer. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

10. Can I make these cookies without any sweetener?

If you prefer less sweetness, you can skip the honey or syrup altogether, as the bananas provide natural sweetness.

Conclusion

Breakfast cookies are a delicious and convenient way to start your day. Packed with nutritious ingredients like oats, bananas, and optional add-ins like nuts, chocolate, and dried fruit, they offer a great balance of taste and energy-boosting nutrients. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a portable snack, or a wholesome meal prep option, these cookies have you covered. With endless customization options, you can adjust the recipe to your taste and dietary needs.