Banana Almond Breakfast Cookies
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
I love starting my day with a wholesome breakfast, and these Banana Almond Breakfast Cookies are my go-to choice. They’re not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that keep me energized throughout the morning. The natural sweetness from ripe bananas perfectly complements the nutty flavor of almonds. Plus, they’re so easy to whip up, making breakfast a breeze when I’m short on time. I find them to be a delightful addition to my morning routine, satisfying my sweet tooth without sacrificing health.
Making these Banana Almond Breakfast Cookies has become a cherished morning ritual for me. I remember the first time I experimented with this recipe; I wanted something both nutritious and satisfying. The combination of mashed bananas and almond butter creates a chewy texture that I absolutely adore. With a dash of cinnamon, these cookies not only smell divine while baking, but they also deliver a warm and comforting taste.
One tip I’ve learned is to use overly ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and softness in the dough. These cookies are perfect for meal prep; I often make a double batch and freeze half for later. When I take them out of the freezer, they thaw beautifully and are ready to enjoy any time I crave a healthy snack!
Why You'll Love These Cookies
- Easy to make with simple, wholesome ingredients.
- Naturally sweetened with ripe bananas, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
- Packed with healthy fats and nutrients to keep you energized.
The Power of Bananas
Ripe bananas serve as a natural sweetener in these cookies, allowing you to reduce additional sugars without sacrificing flavor. Their creamy texture binds the ingredients together, resulting in cookies that are moist and chewy. When selecting bananas, aim for ones that are heavily speckled or even brown; they provide the best flavor. It’s crucial to mash them until smooth for an even distribution throughout the dough, ensuring every bite delivers a taste of banana goodness.
Bananas are not just tasty; they are also a source of essential nutrients like potassium, which supports muscle function and heart health. This makes these cookies a particularly great pre- or post-workout snack. But don’t just eat them plain; you can experiment with adding extra spices like nutmeg or ginger to elevate the flavor profile and create a unique twist.
Choosing the Right Almonds
Chopped almonds not only add crunch but also introduce healthy fats and protein into your breakfast routine. Opting for raw or lightly roasted almonds ensures that you’re maintaining their nutritional integrity without added oils or salts. You can substitute with other nuts like walnuts or pecans if you're looking for a different flavor, but keep in mind that each nut has a distinct taste that will slightly alter the cookie’s overall flavor profile.
If you prefer a smoother texture, consider grinding the almonds into a coarse meal before adding them to the mix. This will distribute the nutty flavor more evenly throughout the cookie. However, be cautious not to over-process them into almond flour, as this will change the texture you want from your cookies.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to start making your Banana Almond Breakfast Cookies:
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup almond butter
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Mix these ingredients together in a bowl to create the perfect breakfast cookie dough.
Instructions
Follow these steps to bake your delicious cookies:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth, then add the rolled oats, chopped almonds, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Stir until everything is well combined.
Form Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Once cool, enjoy your cookies or store them in an airtight container for later!
Pro Tips
- For an extra flavor boost, feel free to add mini chocolate chips or dried fruit to the dough.
Storage Tips
These Banana Almond Breakfast Cookies can be stored airtight at room temperature for up to three days, but if you’d like them to last longer, refrigerate them in a sealed container for up to a week. For extended freshness, consider freezing the cookies; they can be frozen for up to three months. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper in between and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight or pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to warm them up. This method revitalizes their chewy texture, making them taste freshly baked even after freezing.
Variations and Add-Ins
Feel free to customize your cookies based on your favorite flavors or dietary needs. For a chocolatey twist, you can add 1/4 cup of dark chocolate chips or cocoa nibs, which harmonize wonderfully with the bananas. If you're looking to boost the nutritional content even further, consider stirring in some hemp seeds or chia seeds for added fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
To make these cookies suitable for a gluten-free diet, simply ensure that your rolled oats are certified gluten-free. This small substitution allows everyone to enjoy these delicious cookies without missing out on their healthy benefits.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use peanut butter instead of almond butter?
Yes, peanut butter works perfectly and adds a different kind of nuttiness!
→ How should I store these cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.
→ Can I replace the rolled oats with another ingredient?
You can use quick oats or even ground oats if you prefer a finer texture.
→ Are these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you ensure that your oats are certified gluten-free, these cookies are safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
Banana Almond Breakfast Cookies
I love starting my day with a wholesome breakfast, and these Banana Almond Breakfast Cookies are my go-to choice. They’re not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that keep me energized throughout the morning. The natural sweetness from ripe bananas perfectly complements the nutty flavor of almonds. Plus, they’re so easy to whip up, making breakfast a breeze when I’m short on time. I find them to be a delightful addition to my morning routine, satisfying my sweet tooth without sacrificing health.
Created by: Erin Wallace
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 12 cookies
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup almond butter
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth, then add the rolled oats, chopped almonds, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Stir until everything is well combined.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Extra Tips
- For an extra flavor boost, feel free to add mini chocolate chips or dried fruit to the dough.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 70mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 19g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 4g