Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Cookies: A Delicious and Portable Morning Treat

Are you tired of the same old breakfast routine? Do you crave something savory, satisfying, and easy to grab on the go? Look no further than these delectable Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Cookies! These aren’t your typical sweet cookies; instead, they’re packed with protein and flavor, making them the perfect way to start your day. Think of them as mini breakfast casseroles in cookie form – cheesy, savory, and utterly irresistible.

These breakfast cookies are incredibly versatile. They’re perfect for busy weekdays when you need a quick and easy breakfast, weekend brunch gatherings with friends and family, or even as a savory snack any time of day. Plus, they’re a great way to use up leftover cooked sausage and cheese.

This recipe provides a detailed guide on how to make these breakfast cookies from scratch, including ingredient substitutions and helpful tips to ensure perfect results every time. So, let’s get baking!

## Why You’ll Love These Breakfast Cookies

* **Portable and Convenient:** Easy to grab and go, perfect for busy mornings.
* **Savory and Delicious:** A satisfying alternative to sweet breakfast options.
* **Customizable:** Easily adaptable to your preferred flavors and ingredients.
* **Freezer-Friendly:** Make a batch ahead of time and freeze for future breakfasts.
* **Kid-Friendly:** A fun and appealing way to get kids to eat a balanced breakfast.
* **Great for Meal Prep:** Prepare a large batch on the weekend and enjoy them throughout the week.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to create these savory breakfast cookies:

* **All-Purpose Flour:** Forms the base of the cookie dough. You can substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option.
* **Baking Powder:** This is the leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
* **Salt:** Enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients.
* **Black Pepper:** Adds a touch of spice and savory flavor.
* **Garlic Powder:** Contributes to the savory profile of the cookies.
* **Onion Powder:** Adds depth of flavor and complements the other savory ingredients.
* **Cold Butter:** The cold butter creates pockets of steam as the cookies bake, resulting in a tender and flaky texture. Make sure the butter is very cold; you can even freeze it for 15 minutes before grating it.
* **Shredded Cheddar Cheese:** Provides a cheesy and delicious flavor. You can use other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or pepper jack for different flavor variations.
* **Cooked and Crumbled Sausage:** Adds protein and savory flavor. Use your favorite type of sausage, such as breakfast sausage, Italian sausage, or chorizo. Make sure the sausage is fully cooked and crumbled before adding it to the dough.
* **Eggs:** Bind the ingredients together and add moisture to the cookies.
* **Milk:** Adds moisture and helps to create a cohesive dough. You can use any type of milk, such as whole milk, 2% milk, almond milk, or soy milk.

## Equipment Needed

* **Large Mixing Bowl:** To combine the dry ingredients.
* **Grater:** To grate the cold butter and cheese.
* **Small Bowl:** To whisk the eggs and milk.
* **Cookie Sheet:** To bake the cookies on.
* **Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat:** To prevent the cookies from sticking to the cookie sheet.
* **Cookie Scoop (Optional):** For uniform cookie sizes.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to make the perfect Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Cookies:

**Step 1: Preheat and Prepare**

* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.

**Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients**

* In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure to whisk thoroughly to evenly distribute the baking powder and spices throughout the flour.

**Step 3: Add the Cold Butter**

* Grate the cold butter using a box grater. Add the grated butter to the dry ingredients. Use your fingers or a pastry blender to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for creating a tender and flaky texture.

**Step 4: Incorporate the Cheese and Sausage**

* Add the shredded cheddar cheese and cooked, crumbled sausage to the flour mixture. Gently toss to combine, ensuring that the cheese and sausage are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

**Step 5: Whisk the Wet Ingredients**

* In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined. Make sure the yolks and whites are fully incorporated.

**Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients**

* Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies. The dough should be slightly sticky.

**Step 7: Scoop and Bake**

* Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared cookie sheet, leaving about 1-2 inches of space between each cookie. If you don’t have a cookie scoop, you can use two spoons to form the cookies.
* Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown and cooked through. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on the cookies.

**Step 8: Cool and Serve**

* Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the cookie sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature. These cookies are delicious on their own, or you can pair them with your favorite breakfast sides, such as fruit, yogurt, or a side salad.

## Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to customize your Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Cookies:

* **Cheese Variations:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, pepper jack, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top before baking.
* **Sausage Variations:** Use different types of sausage, such as Italian sausage, chorizo, or even vegetarian sausage crumbles.
* **Vegetable Additions:** Add chopped vegetables like bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms to the dough for added flavor and nutrients. Sauté the vegetables before adding them to the dough to remove excess moisture.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dough for a spicy kick.
* **Herb Infusion:** Incorporate fresh herbs like chopped chives, parsley, or thyme into the dough for added flavor.
* **Gluten-Free Option:** Use gluten-free all-purpose flour to make these cookies gluten-free. Make sure to use a gluten-free baking powder as well.
* **Make it Ahead:** Prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake the cookies just before serving.
* **Freezing Instructions:** Allow the cookies to cool completely before freezing. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw the cookies in the refrigerator or at room temperature and then warm them in the oven or microwave.
* **Egg Wash:** Brush the tops of the cookies with an egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water) before baking for a golden brown and glossy finish.
* **Add-ins:** Consider adding other ingredients like cooked bacon crumbles, diced ham, or sun-dried tomatoes for different flavor combinations.
* **Serving Suggestions:** Serve the breakfast cookies with a side of fresh fruit, yogurt, or a simple green salad. They’re also great with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of sour cream.

## Troubleshooting Tips

Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you avoid common mistakes and ensure perfect results:

* **Cookies are too dry:** Make sure you’re not overbaking the cookies. Reduce the baking time slightly if needed. Also, ensure you’re using enough liquid in the dough. If the dough seems too dry, add a tablespoon or two of milk until it reaches the desired consistency.
* **Cookies are too flat:** This could be due to using butter that is too warm. Make sure the butter is very cold before grating it into the flour mixture. Also, avoid overmixing the dough, as this can develop the gluten and cause the cookies to spread. Finally, make sure your baking powder is fresh.
* **Cookies are too tough:** Overmixing the dough is the most common cause of tough cookies. Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Avoid kneading the dough.
* **Cookies are not browning:** Make sure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature. You can also brush the tops of the cookies with an egg wash before baking to promote browning.
* **Cookies are sticking to the cookie sheet:** Always line your cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

* Serving Size: 1 Cookie
* Calories: 200-250
* Fat: 12-15g
* Saturated Fat: 7-9g
* Cholesterol: 80-100mg
* Sodium: 300-400mg
* Carbohydrates: 15-20g
* Fiber: 1-2g
* Sugar: 1-2g
* Protein: 8-10g

## Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

* **Make Ahead:** The dough can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake the cookies just before serving. You can also bake the cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
* **Storage:** Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
* **Freezing:** Allow the cookies to cool completely before freezing. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw the cookies in the refrigerator or at room temperature and then warm them in the oven or microwave.

## Serving Suggestions

These Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Cookies are delicious on their own, but here are some serving suggestions to elevate your breakfast:

* **With Fresh Fruit:** Serve with a side of fresh fruit, such as berries, melon, or sliced bananas, for a balanced and refreshing meal.
* **With Yogurt:** Pair with a dollop of Greek yogurt or plain yogurt for added protein and creaminess.
* **With a Side Salad:** Serve with a simple green salad for a light and healthy breakfast.
* **With Maple Syrup:** Drizzle with maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.
* **With Hot Sauce:** Add a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
* **As a Breakfast Sandwich:** Slice the cookies in half and use them as the base for a breakfast sandwich, adding additional eggs, cheese, or other toppings.

## Conclusion

These Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Cookies are a delightful and convenient way to start your day. They’re packed with flavor, protein, and cheesy goodness, making them a satisfying and portable breakfast option. With their versatility and easy customization, you can create endless variations to suit your taste preferences. So, ditch the boring breakfast routine and give these savory cookies a try. You won’t be disappointed!

Enjoy your delicious and homemade Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Cookies!