Introduction
Banana Bread Breakfast Cookies are the perfect way to kickstart your day with a wholesome, flavorful treat. Combining the deliciousness of banana bread with the convenience of a cookie, these breakfast cookies are packed with fiber, healthy fats, and natural sweetness. They make for a satisfying breakfast or snack and are perfect for on-the-go mornings or when you’re craving a light yet filling treat. With oats, bananas, and a hint of cinnamon, these cookies bring all the comfort of banana bread in a bite-sized, portable form.
I remember the first time I made these for a busy morning when I didn’t have much time but still wanted something healthy and delicious. The kitchen was filled with the comforting aroma of bananas and cinnamon, and the cookies were a hit with everyone. What’s great about these cookies is how customizable they are—you can add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit for an extra touch of flavor and texture. They’re also surprisingly simple to make, requiring just a few pantry staples and a quick bake.
These cookies are a perfect way to enjoy the taste of banana bread in a more convenient, portable form, and they’re sure to keep you energized throughout the day. Whether for a busy breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a quick on-the-go bite, Banana Bread Breakfast Cookies are sure to become a new favorite!
Perfect for:
- Breakfast on-the-go
- Healthy snacks
- Busy mornings
- Kid-friendly meals
- Meal prep
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s why Banana Bread Breakfast Cookies are bound to become your new go-to breakfast:
- Natural Sweetness: The natural sugars from ripe bananas and a touch of honey or maple syrup make these cookies the perfect sweet treat without refined sugar.
- Packed with Nutrients: These cookies are full of fiber, protein, and healthy fats, making them both filling and nutritious.
- Easy to Make: With just a few basic ingredients, these cookies come together quickly and easily.
- Customizable: You can add your favorite mix-ins, like nuts, dried fruits, or even chocolate chips, to make them your own.
- Make-Ahead: These cookies are perfect for meal prep and can be stored for a few days for an easy, grab-and-go breakfast.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Baking Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 12 cookies
- Calories per serving: Approximately 120-150 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbs: 18g, Fat: 6g
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make your Banana Bread Breakfast Cookies:
For the Cookies:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup almond butter (or peanut butter)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or almonds (optional)
- ¼ cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
- ¼ cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
Ingredient Highlights
- Bananas: The ripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture to the cookies, keeping them soft and chewy.
- Oats: Oats provide fiber and make these cookies hearty, keeping you full throughout the morning.
- Almond Butter: Adds healthy fats and protein to keep the cookies satisfying and creamy.
- Cinnamon: A warm, comforting spice that enhances the banana bread flavor.
- Egg: Acts as a binder and helps the cookies hold their shape.
- Nuts and Dried Fruit: Add texture, flavor, and additional nutrients.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to make Banana Bread Breakfast Cookies:
Prepare the Cookie Dough:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mash the Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Stir in the almond butter, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract into the mashed bananas.
- Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the oats, cinnamon, salt, baking soda, and egg. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until fully combined.
- Add Optional Mix-ins: If desired, fold in the walnuts, raisins, or chocolate chips.
Shape and Bake the Cookies:
- Shape the Cookies: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Press down gently on each dough ball to flatten slightly.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are golden around the edges and set in the center.
- Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Enjoy: Once the cookies are fully cooled, enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee for a wholesome breakfast or snack.
How to Serve
- With a Side of Yogurt: Pair with a dollop of Greek yogurt or your favorite plant-based yogurt for added protein.
- As an On-the-Go Snack: These cookies are perfect for busy mornings or as a mid-morning snack to keep you satisfied.
- In a Lunchbox: Pack a few cookies in your lunchbox for a filling and healthy treat.
- With Fresh Fruit: Serve alongside fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples for a balanced meal.
Additional Tips
- Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter the cookies, so make sure to use very ripe bananas for the best flavor.
- Oats: For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free oats.
- Mix-ins: Get creative with your mix-ins! You can add seeds, coconut flakes, or even mini chocolate chips for an extra treat.
- Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft to handle, chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes before shaping into cookies.
Recipe Variations
- Peanut Butter Banana Breakfast Cookies
- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Cookies
- Coconut Banana Bread Breakfast Cookies
- Banana Nut Breakfast Cookies
- Banana Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
- Apple Cinnamon Banana Cookies
- Vegan Banana Breakfast Cookies
- Gluten-Free Banana Breakfast Cookies
- Banana Pecan Breakfast Cookies
- Banana Zucchini Breakfast Cookies
Freezing and Storage
- Freezing: Store the cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or heat in the microwave.
- Storage: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Special Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Wire rack for cooling
FAQ Section
- Can I make these cookies vegan? Yes, replace the egg with a flax egg and use maple syrup for sweetness.
- Can I use a different nut butter? Absolutely! Feel free to use peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter.
- Can I add chocolate chips? Yes, mini dark chocolate chips make a delicious addition.
- Can I use frozen bananas? Yes, just thaw them out first and drain any excess liquid.
- Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats? Rolled oats work best for texture, but quick oats will work in a pinch.
Conclusion
Enjoy the comforting flavors of banana bread in the form of these Banana Bread Breakfast Cookies. These soft, chewy cookies are perfectly portable and packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, ripe bananas, and a touch of cinnamon. They’re naturally sweet and satisfyingly hearty, making them an ideal start to your day or a delicious snack on the go.
Whether you’re rushing out the door or craving a midday treat, these cookies are the perfect balance of nutrition and flavor. With every bite, you’ll experience the cozy, familiar taste of banana bread in a convenient cookie form. They’re sure to become a new favorite!
I’d love to see how your Banana Bread Breakfast Cookies turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your tasty creations. Enjoy!