If you’re on the hunt for a wholesome, delicious, and super satisfying way to start your day, then you’re going to flip for this Healthy Banana Breakfast Cookies Recipe. I absolutely love these cookies because they’re packed with nutritious ingredients yet taste like a treat. Whether you’re rushing out the door or need a quick snack, these cookies have got your back. Stick around—I’ll walk you through making these beauties with tips from my own kitchen adventures to help you nail them every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nourishing Ingredients: Made with bananas, oats, and seeds, it’s a natural energy boost to kickstart your morning.
- Easy and Quick: You only need one bowl and less than half an hour from start to finish.
- Flexible to Your Taste: Nut butter, chocolate chips, nuts – customize it any which way you want.
- Perfect for Busy Mornings: Grab-and-go cookies that everyone in my family adores.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love about this Healthy Banana Breakfast Cookies Recipe is how each ingredient plays a role—flavor, texture, or nutrition. Plus, grabbing real food staples like ripe bananas and oats means you’re setting a solid foundation for your day.
- Extra ripe bananas: The riper, the better—this adds natural sweetness and moisture, which makes these cookies soft and chewy.
- Natural peanut butter or almond butter: Choose unsweetened and natural versions to keep it wholesome and boost protein content.
- Pure maple syrup: This replaces refined sugar with a real, rich natural sweetener that pairs perfectly with bananas.
- Large egg or flax egg: Acts as a binder; use flax egg for a vegan twist.
- Pure vanilla extract: Just a splash makes a noticeable flavor difference—it wakes everything up.
- Oat flour: You can buy this or blitz oats in your blender for a quick homemade version; it’s the gluten-free base here.
- Flaxseed meal: Adds omega-3 fatty acids and a little extra fiber, plus helps with binding.
- Ground cinnamon: Warm spice that complements the banana and nut butter beautifully.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly and avoid being dense.
- Kosher salt: Just a pinch helps balance all the flavors.
- Old fashioned rolled oats: For that chewy, hearty texture everyone loves in breakfast cookies.
- Hemp hearts: These tiny seeds pack a punch of healthy fats and protein—feel free to swap if you need.
- Chia seeds: Another superfood addition that adds texture and nutrition.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Ah, the best part! They add little pockets of melty sweetness—use dairy-free if you want vegan-friendly.
- Chopped walnuts (optional): I throw these in sometimes for a bit of crunch and lovely nuttiness.
Variations
I love that this Healthy Banana Breakfast Cookies Recipe is so versatile — you can make it your own! From swapping nuts to adjusting sweetness, here’s how I’ve played around with it, and trust me, you’ll find combos that totally elevate it for your palate.
- Nut-free version: I’ve used sunflower seed butter instead of peanut or almond butter for allergy-friendly treats, and it worked like a charm.
- Vegan option: Using a flax egg instead of a regular egg and dairy-free chocolate chips makes these cookies fully plant-based without sacrificing texture.
- Extra protein boost: Adding a scoop of your favorite protein powder can turn these into post-workout power cookies.
- Seasonal flair: I sometimes add dried cranberries or swap walnuts for pecans around the holidays—such a cozy upgrade.
How to Make Healthy Banana Breakfast Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Oven and Baking Sheet Ready
Go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper—this helps with easy cleanup and keeps the cookies from sticking. Having this ready means you’re all set when the dough’s mixed and ready to go.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients Until Smooth
In a big bowl, mash those extra ripe bananas until nice and smooth. Add your nut butter, maple syrup, egg (or flax egg), and vanilla extract. I like to whisk gently until everything blends into a creamy batter. This is where the sweet magic starts.
Step 3: Stir in Dry Ingredients Gently
Next, sprinkle in the oat flour, flaxseed meal, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Stir until just combined—you don’t want to overmix it here or the cookies might turn out dense. Then toss in the oats, hemp hearts, chia seeds, chocolate chips, and walnuts if you’re using them. Let the dough sit for about 5 minutes; it helps the oats and seeds absorb some moisture, leading to a sturdier cookie.
Step 4: Scoop and Shape Your Cookies
Use a large cookie scoop (about 3 tablespoons per cookie) to portion out the dough onto the baking sheet. Make sure they’ve got around 2 inches between each cookie so they can spread a little. I love topping mine with a few extra chocolate chips for that lovely melty look—you’ll enjoy it too!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop your tray in the oven and bake for 10 to 14 minutes. The cookies should be set but still soft when you gently press the top—don’t overbake or they’ll dry out. Once out of the oven, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the warm cookies for a delicious contrast that I always swear by.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes—they’ll firm up just enough to move. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, or if you’re like me, you’ll probably sneak one warm because they’re irresistible fresh!
Pro Tips for Making Healthy Banana Breakfast Cookies Recipe
- Ripe Banana Matters: I learned the hard way that underripe bananas make the dough too dry—make sure your bananas have lots of brown spots.
- Let Dough Rest: Sitting the dough for 5 minutes improves texture because the oats and seeds absorb moisture.
- Don’t Overbake: These cookies stay soft and chewy when you take them out right as they set—you’ll avoid dryness this way.
- Flaky Sea Salt Finish: A sprinkle after baking lifts the flavor and adds a delightful contrast to the sweetness.
How to Serve Healthy Banana Breakfast Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a big fan of adding a tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt right out of the oven—it honestly takes these cookies from good to unforgettable. Sometimes I toss on a few extra chocolate chips or a little drizzle of natural nut butter for a fancier touch. Fresh berries on the side also add a bit of brightness when serving.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a hot cup of coffee or tea for the perfect morning combo. If you want something more filling, a Greek yogurt or a small smoothie on the side works beautifully. I’ve also served them alongside fresh fruit salad for a quick balanced breakfast.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunches or special occasions, I like to arrange these cookies stacked on a cake stand with fresh flowers and a bowl of almond butter for dipping. Wrapping a few cookies in parchment paper tied with twine makes an adorable gift too—friends love this mini breakfast surprise!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover banana breakfast cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They stay soft and tasty without any extra steps, which is perfect for busy weeks when I want a quick grab-and-go option.
Freezing
If I bake a big batch (which I often do), I freeze extras in single layers separated by parchment paper inside a freezer-safe container. They freeze really well for up to 3 months. When you want one, just pull it out and thaw at room temperature or warm it up slightly.
Reheating
I usually reheat banana breakfast cookies in the microwave for about 15 seconds or pop them in a toaster oven for 5 minutes. This brings back their softness and melty chocolate chip goodness, almost like fresh-baked!
FAQs
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Can I make this Healthy Banana Breakfast Cookies Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Simply swap the large egg for a flax egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons of water, mixed and set for 5 minutes) and use dairy-free chocolate chips. The cookies still come out wonderfully soft and flavorful.
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How ripe should the bananas be?
Your bananas should be very ripe, with lots of brown spots or even mostly brown skins. This ensures maximum sweetness and moisture, which is key for the perfect texture and flavor in these cookies.
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Can I substitute the oat flour?
You can make your own oat flour by pulsing rolled oats in a blender until fine. Avoid swapping with wheat flour or other flours without adjusting the recipe, since the texture and moisture absorption will differ.
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How long do these cookies keep fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, these cookies stay fresh at room temperature for about 3 days. After that, I recommend freezing to keep them tasty and fresh longer.
Final Thoughts
When I first tried this Healthy Banana Breakfast Cookies Recipe, I didn’t expect to love it so much, but it quickly became a family favorite and my go-to quick breakfast hack. It’s wholesome, easy, and unbelievably tasty—and the best part is, you don’t need a big morning to enjoy a big flavor. So the next time you’ve got some ripe bananas and a craving for something nutritious yet indulgent, I hope you give this recipe a try. Trust me, once you do, you’ll want to keep these cookies in your morning rotation just like I do!
Print
Healthy Banana Breakfast Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-14 minutes
- Total Time: 25-29 minutes
- Yield: 15 cookies
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These delicious breakfast cookies are a wholesome and satisfying treat perfect for starting your day. Made with ripe bananas, natural nut butter, oats, and packed with nutritious ingredients like flaxseed, chia seeds, and hemp hearts, they offer a great balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Sweetened naturally with maple syrup and studded with semi-sweet chocolate chips, these cookies are soft, flavorful, and easy to make, ideal for a grab-and-go breakfast or a healthy snack.
Ingredients
Wet ingredients:
- 2 large extra ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup (128g) natural peanut butter or almond butter
- ¼ cup (78g) pure maple syrup
- 1 large egg or flax egg (for vegan option)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Dry ingredients:
- 1 cup (92g) oat flour
- 3 tablespoons flaxseed meal
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup (95g) old fashioned rolled oats
- 2 to 3 tablespoons hemp hearts
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- ⅓ cup (60g) semi-sweet chocolate chips, plus extra for on top of cookies
- Optional: ⅓ cup chopped walnuts
Topping:
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent the cookies from sticking and ensures even baking.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed ripe bananas, natural peanut or almond butter, pure maple syrup, egg (or flax egg for vegan option), and vanilla extract. Stir these together until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: To the bowl with the wet ingredients, add oat flour, flaxseed meal, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and kosher salt. Stir gently until just combined. Then fold in the rolled oats, hemp hearts, chia seeds, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and walnuts if using. Let the dough rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and chia seeds to absorb moisture.
- Scoop the dough: Using a large cookie scoop or spoon, drop about 3 tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Top each cookie with a few extra chocolate chips for added indulgence.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10 to 14 minutes, or until the cookies look set around the edges but remain soft in the center. This ensures a chewy, moist texture.
- Cool and finish: Remove the cookies from the oven, and while still warm, sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt for a delicious contrast of flavors. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy fresh or store for later!
Notes
- To make these cookies vegan, substitute the regular egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, allowed to sit for 5 minutes).
- You can swap peanut butter for almond butter or any other natural nut butter based on preference or allergies.
- Flaky sea salt topping is optional but highly recommended for enhancing the cookie’s flavors.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze for longer storage.
- Feel free to omit walnuts or replace with other nuts or seeds to suit dietary needs or preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
