Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies: A Healthy and Delicious Start to Your Day

Are you looking for a quick, easy, and healthy breakfast option that you can grab on the go? Look no further than banana oatmeal breakfast cookies! These cookies are packed with nutrients, fiber, and natural sweetness, making them the perfect way to fuel your body and kickstart your day. They are also incredibly versatile and can be customized with your favorite add-ins, making them a breakfast you’ll never get tired of.

This recipe is simple, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. You can whip up a batch on Sunday evening and have a week’s worth of delicious and nutritious breakfasts ready to go. Plus, they are a great way to use up those overripe bananas that are sitting on your counter!

## Why Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies Are a Great Choice

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a look at why these cookies are such a fantastic breakfast choice:

* **Healthy and Nutritious:** These cookies are made with wholesome ingredients like bananas, oats, and nuts, which are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They provide sustained energy and keep you feeling full and satisfied until lunchtime.
* **Quick and Easy:** The recipe is incredibly simple and requires minimal prep time. You can whip up a batch in under 30 minutes.
* **Portable and Convenient:** These cookies are perfect for busy mornings. They are easy to grab and eat on the go, making them ideal for commutes or busy schedules.
* **Customizable:** You can easily customize the recipe with your favorite add-ins, such as chocolate chips, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, or spices.
* **Great for Using Overripe Bananas:** Don’t throw away those overripe bananas! They are perfect for making these cookies. The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful the cookies will be.
* **Kid-Friendly:** These cookies are a healthy and delicious treat that kids will love. They are a great way to sneak in some extra fiber and nutrients into their diet.
* **Freezer-Friendly:** These cookies freeze well, so you can make a big batch and store them in the freezer for a quick and easy breakfast option.

## The Ultimate Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cookie Recipe

Here’s a detailed recipe for making the best banana oatmeal breakfast cookies:

**Yields:** Approximately 12-15 cookies
**Prep time:** 10 minutes
**Cook time:** 15-20 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 2 ripe bananas, mashed
* 1 1/2 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick-cooking)
* 1/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
* 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (or other sweetener, adjust to taste)
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds) – Optional
* 1/4 cup chocolate chips (dark, milk, or semi-sweet) – Optional
* 1/4 cup dried fruit (such as raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates) – Optional
* 2 tablespoons flax seeds or chia seeds – Optional

**Equipment:**

* Large mixing bowl
* Baking sheet
* Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Fork or potato masher

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat the oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.

2. **Mash the bananas:** In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until they are smooth. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the cookies will be. If you have any large chunks, that’s perfectly fine.

3. **Combine wet ingredients:** Add the milk, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir well to combine all the wet ingredients. Make sure the honey or maple syrup is well incorporated into the banana mixture.

4. **Add dry ingredients:** Add the rolled oats, cinnamon, and salt to the wet ingredients. Stir until everything is well combined. Make sure all the oats are coated in the banana mixture. Don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing can result in tough cookies.

5. **Incorporate desired add-ins:** If you’re using any add-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, dried fruit, or seeds, gently fold them into the batter until they are evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can make the cookies dense and chewy.

6. **Drop cookies onto baking sheet:** Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a spoon or cookie scoop to create evenly sized cookies. Leave about 1-2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.

7. **Shape the cookies (optional):** If you want the cookies to be more uniform in shape, you can gently flatten them with the back of a spoon or your fingers. You can also sprinkle a few extra oats or nuts on top for added texture and visual appeal.

8. **Bake the cookies:** Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden brown around the edges. The baking time will vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them. The cookies should be slightly soft in the center but firm around the edges.

9. **Cool the cookies:** Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will prevent them from sticking to the baking sheet and breaking.

10. **Enjoy!** Once the cookies are completely cool, you can enjoy them immediately or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

## Tips for Making the Best Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies

Here are a few tips to help you make the best banana oatmeal breakfast cookies:

* **Use ripe bananas:** The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the cookies will be. Overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe.
* **Don’t overmix the batter:** Overmixing can result in tough cookies. Mix the ingredients until just combined.
* **Adjust the sweetness to your liking:** If you prefer sweeter cookies, you can add more honey or maple syrup. You can also use other sweeteners like brown sugar, coconut sugar, or stevia.
* **Experiment with different add-ins:** Get creative and experiment with different add-ins to create your own unique flavor combinations. Some popular add-ins include chocolate chips, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and spices.
* **Store the cookies properly:** To keep the cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months. If freezing, wrap the cookies individually in plastic wrap or freezer bags to prevent freezer burn.

## Variations on the Recipe

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s so versatile. Here are a few variations you can try:

* **Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Cookies:** Add 1/4 cup of peanut butter to the batter for a delicious and nutty twist. You can also add peanut butter chips for even more peanut butter flavor.
* **Chocolate Chip Banana Oatmeal Cookies:** Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a classic and comforting flavor combination. Use dark, milk, or semi-sweet chocolate chips, depending on your preference.
* **Cinnamon Raisin Banana Oatmeal Cookies:** Add 1/4 cup of raisins and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the batter for a warm and cozy flavor. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg for extra spice.
* **Nutty Banana Oatmeal Cookies:** Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds, to the batter for added crunch and flavor. You can also toast the nuts before adding them for a richer flavor.
* **Vegan Banana Oatmeal Cookies:** Substitute the milk with a plant-based milk, such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. You can also substitute the honey or maple syrup with agave nectar or brown rice syrup.
* **Gluten-Free Banana Oatmeal Cookies:** Make sure to use certified gluten-free rolled oats to ensure that the cookies are gluten-free.
* **Apple Cinnamon Banana Oatmeal Cookies:** Add 1/2 cup of diced apple and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the batter. This adds a lovely fall flavor to the cookies.
* **Coconut Banana Oatmeal Cookies:** Add 1/4 cup of shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical twist. You can also toast the coconut for a more intense flavor.
* **Super Seed Banana Oatmeal Cookies:** Add 2 tablespoons each of chia seeds, flax seeds and hemp seeds to the batter to boost the nutritional content and add a nutty flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

These banana oatmeal breakfast cookies are delicious on their own, but here are a few serving suggestions to take them to the next level:

* **With a glass of milk:** Enjoy these cookies with a cold glass of milk (dairy or non-dairy) for a classic and satisfying breakfast.
* **With yogurt:** Crumble a cookie over a bowl of yogurt for a healthy and delicious breakfast parfait.
* **With fruit:** Serve the cookies with a side of fresh fruit, such as berries, bananas, or apples.
* **As a topping for ice cream:** Crumble the cookies over a scoop of ice cream for a decadent and satisfying dessert.
* **Spread with nut butter:** Spread some peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter on the cookies for added protein and flavor.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.* This is calculated with the basic recipe using honey as a sweetener, no optional items:

* Calories: 120-150 per cookie
* Protein: 3-4 grams
* Fat: 2-4 grams
* Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams
* Fiber: 2-3 grams
* Sugar: 8-12 grams

These cookies are a good source of fiber, which helps to regulate digestion and keep you feeling full. They are also a good source of potassium, which is important for maintaining healthy blood pressure.

## Conclusion

Banana oatmeal breakfast cookies are a healthy, delicious, and convenient breakfast option that you can enjoy any day of the week. They are easy to make, customizable, and perfect for using up those overripe bananas. So, what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try and start your day off right!

These cookies are not only a delicious and healthy breakfast option but also a guilt-free treat you can enjoy any time of day. Their versatility allows you to experiment with different flavors and ingredients, making them a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent looking for a nutritious snack for your kids, or simply someone who enjoys a wholesome and satisfying treat, banana oatmeal breakfast cookies are the perfect choice.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a batch of these delightful cookies. Your taste buds (and your body) will thank you! And remember, don’t be afraid to get creative and add your own personal touch to the recipe. After all, the best recipes are those that are tailored to your own preferences and taste.

Enjoy your baking adventure, and happy breakfast-cookie-ing!