Are you craving a tasty and healthy breakfast option? Look no further! These Banana Bread Breakfast Cookies combine all the goodness of classic banana bread but are perfect for breakfast on the go. With ripe bananas, oats, and just a sprinkle of cinnamon, they offer a delightful flavor and chewy texture. You’ll love how easy they are to make and customize. Let’s get started on this satisfying recipe!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Healthy Ingredients: This recipe uses ripe bananas and oats, making these cookies a nutritious choice for breakfast or snack time.
- Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have these delicious cookies ready to bake in no time.
- Customizable: Add your favorite nuts or chocolate chips to personalize the cookies to your taste.
- Deliciously Satisfying: The combination of flavors from banana, cinnamon, and optional mix-ins makes these cookies irresistible!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients for Banana Bread Breakfast Cookies
– 2 ripe bananas
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup almond flour
– 1/4 cup maple syrup
– 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or applesauce
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Optional add-ins:
– 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
– 1/2 cup chocolate chips or raisins
To make these cookies, start with ripe bananas. They should be soft and sweet. The more spots they have, the better! Next, grab rolled oats. They give the cookies a nice chewy texture. Almond flour keeps them moist and adds a lovely nutty flavor. If you don’t have almond flour, any flour works too.
Maple syrup sweetens the mix. You can adjust the amount based on your taste. Greek yogurt adds creaminess. For a vegan twist, use applesauce instead. It keeps the cookies soft while adding natural sweetness.
Don’t forget the vanilla extract! It lifts all the flavors. Baking powder helps the cookies rise just right. Cinnamon adds warmth, making each bite feel cozy. Finally, a pinch of salt boosts all these yummy flavors.
For fun, consider optional add-ins. Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch. You can also toss in chocolate chips or raisins for extra sweetness. Mix and match based on what you love!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat the oven and prepare the baking sheet
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps the cookies not stick.
2. Mash the bananas
In a large bowl, take your ripe bananas and mash them until smooth. A fork works great for this!
3. Combine other ingredients
Add rolled oats, almond flour, maple syrup, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir well until all is mixed.
4. Mix in baking powder and spices
Sprinkle in the baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until everything is combined. This adds flavor and helps the cookies rise.
5. Fold in optional ingredients
If you want, add in chopped walnuts or pecans and chocolate chips or raisins. Gently fold them into the mix.
6. Portion the dough onto the baking sheet
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop mounds of dough on the prepared baking sheet. Space them a couple of inches apart for even baking.
7. Baking time and checking for doneness
Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. Check for a light golden color around the edges. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack.
Tips & Tricks
Tips for Perfect Cookies
– Choosing the right bananas
Use ripe bananas for sweet flavor. Look for bananas with brown spots. These spots show they are sweet and soft. The riper the banana, the better the taste of your cookies.
– Customizing sweetness with maple syrup
Adjust the sweetness by changing the amount of maple syrup. If you like sweeter cookies, add a bit more syrup. If you prefer less sweetness, use less. This gives you control over the flavor.
– Optimal baking techniques
Bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on the cookies. Look for a light golden edge. This means they are ready. Let them cool slightly before moving them to a rack.
Storage Tips
– How to store cookies
Store your cookies in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh. Place parchment paper between layers if stacking. This helps prevent sticking.
– Shelf life and freezing options
These cookies last up to a week at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze them. Place cookies in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven.
Pro Tips
- Use Overripe Bananas: The riper your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be. Look for bananas with brown spots for the best results.
- Experiment with Flours: While almond flour adds a nice texture, feel free to substitute with whole wheat flour, coconut flour, or a gluten-free blend to suit your dietary needs.
- Customize Your Mix-ins: Get creative with add-ins! Try adding shredded coconut, dried fruits, or different types of nuts for variety and extra nutrition.
- Storage Tips: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them for longer storage. Just reheat for a warm treat!
Variations
Flavor Variations
– Nut-free version: To make these cookies nut-free, simply leave out the nuts. You can replace almond flour with oat flour or use a seed-based flour like sunflower seed flour.
– Different flour options: You can use whole wheat flour or coconut flour instead of almond flour. Each flour gives a unique taste and texture.
– Flavoring with spices or extracts: Add a pinch of nutmeg for warmth or try almond extract for a nutty flavor. A dash of pumpkin spice can also add a fun twist.
Alternate Add-ins
– Fruit variations: Dried cranberries or blueberries make great additions. They add natural sweetness and a pop of color. You can also use chopped apples for a fresh crunch.
– Other nut options: If you like variety, try using pecans or hazelnuts instead of walnuts. Each nut brings its own flavor and texture.
Nutritional Information
Caloric Breakdown
Each cookie is about 100 calories. The serving size is one cookie, so you can enjoy them guilt-free! They contain:
– Carbohydrates: 15g
– Protein: 3g
– Fat: 4g
This balance of macros helps keep you full and satisfied.
Health Benefits
Bananas offer many health perks. They are rich in potassium, which helps your heart and muscles. Bananas also give you energy and improve your mood.
Oats are a great source of fiber. They help with digestion and can lower cholesterol. Nuts add healthy fats and protein, making these cookies even better. Together, these ingredients create a tasty snack that is good for you.
FAQs
Common Questions About Banana Bread Breakfast Cookies
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes, you can make these cookies vegan. Use applesauce instead of Greek yogurt. This swap keeps the texture and flavor great while making them plant-based.
How long do they last?
These cookies last about a week at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container. You can freeze them for up to three months for longer storage.
Can I use different sweeteners?
Yes, you can try different sweeteners. Honey works well, but keep in mind it is not vegan. You can also use agave syrup or coconut sugar for a change.
What can I substitute for almond flour?
You can use any flour you like. Whole wheat flour or oat flour can be great options. Just make sure to adjust the amount as needed.
How can I make these gluten-free?
To make these cookies gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend. This keeps the cookies tasty and safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
You learned how to make tasty banana bread breakfast cookies. We covered the key ingredients, from ripe bananas to optional add-ins like nuts. The step-by-step guide simplifies the process, making baking easy. I shared tips for perfect cookies and storage advice to keep them fresh. Lastly, we discussed variations for your personal touch and the health benefits of each ingredient. Enjoy your cookies knowing they are both delicious and nutritious. Baking can be fun and rewardin
