Banana Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies

Introduction

If you’re looking for a breakfast option that’s quick, easy, and packed with nutrients, these Banana Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies are just what you need. I first made these cookies one morning when I was in a rush but still wanted something wholesome and delicious to start the day. The combination of ripe bananas, oats, and blueberries not only creates a naturally sweet and satisfying cookie but also provides a great source of fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats. These cookies quickly became a family favorite. My kids loved them, and my husband took some to work as a healthy snack. They’re perfect for meal prep and can be stored for several days, making them an ideal grab-and-go breakfast or afternoon snack. Whether you’re looking for something nutritious to start your day or need a light treat, these Banana Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies won’t disappoint!

Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas 🍌
• 1 cup rolled oats 🌾
• 1/2 cup fresh blueberries 🫐
• 1/4 cup almond butter 🥜
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup 🍯
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 🌿
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 🧂
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional) 🌰

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Mash the Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. You can use a fork or potato masher for this step.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: Stir in the rolled oats, almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), cinnamon, and salt until everything is well combined. The almond butter and honey will create a rich, creamy base for the cookies.
4. Add Blueberries and Nuts: Gently fold in the fresh blueberries and chopped nuts (if using). Be careful not to crush the blueberries too much to preserve their shape and burst of flavor in each bite.
5. Shape the Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. The cookies won’t spread much during baking, so you can shape them into rounds if you prefer.
6. Bake the Cookies: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges and firm to the touch. The exact baking time will depend on your oven, so keep an eye on them towards the end.
7. Cool the Cookies: Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Enjoy: These Banana Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies are now ready to be enjoyed! Whether you serve them as a quick breakfast, snack, or dessert, they’re sure to be a hit.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Servings: 12 cookies
• Calories per serving: 140 kcal (approximate)
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 55mg
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 10g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

(Note: These nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on the exact ingredients used and portion sizes.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 22-25 minutes

How to Serve

• As a Breakfast: These cookies make a great option for a quick and nutritious breakfast. Serve them alongside a cup of coffee, tea, or your favorite smoothie for a well-rounded meal.
• As a Snack: Grab one or two cookies for an on-the-go snack during the day. They’re perfect for packing in lunchboxes or having as a mid-morning or afternoon treat.
• With Yogurt: For a more filling snack, enjoy these cookies with a side of Greek yogurt. The creamy texture of the yogurt pairs perfectly with the chewy cookies.
• With Nut Butter: Spread a little extra almond butter, peanut butter, or even cashew butter on top of the cookies for an extra boost of protein and healthy fats.

Additional Tips

1. Use Overripe Bananas: The riper your bananas, the sweeter your cookies will be. Overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe as they mash easily and provide natural sweetness.
2. Freeze for Later: These cookies freeze well! After baking and cooling, store the cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, just thaw them for a few minutes.
3. Customize the Flavor: Feel free to switch up the spices. A pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice can add a warm, comforting flavor to the cookies.
4. Make It Vegan: If you want to make these cookies vegan, simply swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar, and use a plant-based almond butter.
5. Reduce the Sugar: If you want to cut back on sugar, you can reduce the amount of honey or maple syrup to 2 tablespoons without affecting the taste too much.

Recipe Variations

• Nut-Free Version: Omit the chopped nuts if you have a nut allergy, or substitute with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for some crunch.
• Add Chocolate Chips: If you want a more indulgent treat, you can stir in a handful of dark chocolate chips or mini chocolate chips for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Dried Fruit: For an added fruity flavor, replace the blueberries with dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots.
• Chia Seeds: Add a tablespoon of chia seeds for an extra nutritional boost, giving the cookies an added texture and a higher omega-3 content.

Serving Suggestions

• Holiday Breakfast: Serve these cookies as part of your holiday breakfast spread. They’re perfect for busy mornings when you still want something healthy and festive.
• Picnics and Potlucks: These cookies are portable, making them a great option for picnics, potlucks, or outdoor gatherings.
• Dessert Option: If you’re craving something sweet, serve these cookies for dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of honey.
• For Kids: These cookies are perfect for kids! They’re naturally sweetened with bananas and honey, making them a healthier option than many store-bought snacks.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: As mentioned earlier, these cookies freeze well. Allow the cookies to cool completely before freezing. Store them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave them at room temperature for about 10 minutes or microwave them for a few seconds.
• Storage: Store the cookies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days. If you want them to stay fresh for longer, you can refrigerate them, though the texture may change slightly.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats? You can, but rolled oats provide a better texture and chewiness in these cookies. Quick oats may make the cookies softer and less substantial.

2. Can I use frozen blueberries? Yes, you can use frozen blueberries, but be sure to fold them in gently to avoid crushing them too much. If using frozen, don’t thaw them beforehand.

3. Can I substitute the almond butter with peanut butter? Yes, peanut butter works great in this recipe, giving the cookies a slightly different flavor. You can also use cashew or sunflower butter if you prefer.

4. Can I make these cookies without nuts? Yes, you can omit the nuts if you prefer a nut-free version. The cookies will still be delicious without them.

5. Can I use a different sweetener? Yes, you can substitute the honey or maple syrup with other liquid sweeteners like agave nectar or brown rice syrup, although the flavor may vary slightly.

6. Can I make these cookies gluten-free? Yes, you can use gluten-free oats in place of regular oats to make these cookies gluten-free. Ensure the almond butter and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

7. How do I make the cookies chewier? If you prefer chewier cookies, underbake them slightly, checking around the 12-minute mark. Let them cool on the baking sheet to firm up.

8. Can I add protein powder to these cookies? Yes, you can add protein powder to increase the protein content. Start with 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite protein powder, adjusting the moisture by adding a bit more milk if needed.

9. Can I use other fruits besides blueberries? Yes, you can use other fruits like raspberries, strawberries, or even chopped apples or pears for a different flavor profile.

10. How can I make these cookies sweeter? If you prefer a sweeter cookie, you can increase the amount of honey or maple syrup by 1-2 tablespoons, depending on your taste.

Conclusion

These Banana Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies are a perfect combination of health and

indulgence. With their naturally sweetened base and the wholesome goodness of oats, bananas, and blueberries, they’re the ideal snack or breakfast for busy mornings. These cookies are easy to make, customizable, and freezer-friendly, which makes them great for meal prep. Whether you’re preparing them for yourself, your family, or guests, they are sure to be a hit. So go ahead and give this recipe a try, and enjoy a delicious, nutritious treat that’s perfect for any time of day!

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