If you’re looking for a delightful way to start your day with a treat that’s both nourishing and delicious, you’ve got to try this Healthy Banana Breakfast Cookies Recipe. I absolutely love how these cookies come out—soft, naturally sweet, and packed with wholesome ingredients that give you energy without the crash. Whether you’re rushing out the door or savoring a slow morning, these breakfast cookies make the perfect grab-and-go snack that feels indulgent but is totally guilt-free. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever did breakfast without it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Wholesome Ingredients: Made with bananas, oats, and seeds, giving you a natural boost of fiber and protein every morning.
- Easy and Quick: With minimal prep and a straightforward process, these cookies are ready in under 30 minutes.
- Customizable: You can swap nuts, seeds, or chocolate chips to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Perfect On-the-Go Breakfast: They travel well and keep their texture, making busy mornings a breeze.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Healthy Banana Breakfast Cookies Recipe is all about combining simple, nourishing ingredients that harmonize beautifully. The ripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture, while the oats and seeds bring texture and lasting energy — perfect for kickstarting your day. When shopping, look for ripe bananas (the riper, the better!) and fresh nut butter for the best flavor.
- Extra ripe bananas: The riper your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be.
- Natural peanut or almond butter: Choose a no-sugar-added variety to keep it healthy.
- Pure maple syrup: Adds gentle sweetness and balances the flavors without refined sugar.
- Egg or flax egg: Egg binds the cookies; flax egg is a great plant-based substitute for vegans.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash to enhance the natural sweetness.
- Oat flour: You can make this by grinding oats in a blender if you don’t have it on hand.
- Flaxseed meal: Adds omega-3s and fiber with a subtle nutty flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: Warm spice that pairs perfectly with bananas.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and stay soft.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors.
- Old fashioned rolled oats: Gives hearty texture and chew.
- Hemp hearts: These little nutrition powerhouses add protein and healthy fats.
- Chia seeds: Great for fiber and a natural thickener.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: A little indulgence that keeps these cookies exciting.
- Chopped walnuts (optional): Adds crunch and makes the cookies even more satisfying.
- Flaky sea salt (for topping): Just a sprinkle on top to contrast the sweetness beautifully.
Variations
I love tweaking this recipe depending on what I have in the pantry or to suit different taste buds at home. Feel free to make it your own — you’ll find that swapping ingredients or adding extras can make it even better tailored to you.
- Nut-free variation: Swap nut butter for sunflower seed butter and use dairy-free chocolate chips. I tried this for a friend with allergies and it turned out fantastic!
- Extra protein boost: Mix in a scoop of your favorite protein powder or add more hemp hearts.
- Seasonal twist: Add dried cranberries or chopped apple instead of chocolate chips during fall.
- Make it vegan: Use a flax egg and vegan chocolate chips — totally delicious and just as satisfying.
How to Make Healthy Banana Breakfast Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Mix the wet ingredients to creamy perfection
Start by mashing those ripe bananas in a large bowl until smooth—don’t worry if a few lumps remain; they add to the texture. Then, stir in the peanut or almond butter, maple syrup, egg (or flax egg), and vanilla extract. I like to mix this until it’s super creamy so the flavors meld nicely, making for a deliciously moist cookie.
Step 2: Gently fold in the dry ingredients
Next up, add the oat flour, flaxseed meal, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Stir just until everything is combined to avoid overmixing—this can make your cookies dense instead of soft. Then, fold in the oats, hemp hearts, chia seeds, chocolate chips, and walnuts if you’re using them. Letting the dough rest for five minutes at this point is a small trick I discovered to help the oats soften slightly, so your cookies keep that perfect chewy texture.
Step 3: Scoop and bake with care
Use a large cookie scoop (about 3 tablespoons each) to place dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them a couple of inches apart because these cookies expand a touch. I always top mine with a few extra chocolate chips for an irresistible look. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 14 minutes—keep an eye on them so they’re set but still soft in the center. Remember, they’ll firm up more as they cool.
Step 4: Cool and sprinkle with sea salt
Once out of the oven, sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt—this little finishing touch elevates the flavor in a way you wouldn’t expect but will absolutely love. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This step ensures they hold their shape and have that perfect soft but not squishy bite.
Pro Tips for Making Healthy Banana Breakfast Cookies Recipe
- Use Riper Bananas: I used to struggle with bland cookies until I realized the riper the banana, the better the natural sweetness and moisture.
- Don’t Overmix: Overworking the dough can make cookies tough; mix just until ingredients come together for tender bites.
- Rest Your Dough: Allowing the dough to sit helps the oats absorb moisture, leading to a soft texture I’ve come to love.
- Watch Baking Time Closely: I learned the hard way that baking even a minute too long can dry these out, so set a timer and check early.
How to Serve Healthy Banana Breakfast Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a simple gal, so just a few flaky sea salt crystals on top is my go-to garnish for these cookies—it brings out the sweetness and adds a bit of sophistication. Sometimes, I’ll sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or even chopped nuts for a nutty crunch if I’m feeling fancy.
Side Dishes
These cookies are a powerhouse on their own, but when I pair them with a side of Greek yogurt or a fresh fruit salad, it turns into a complete breakfast that keeps me full all morning. A cup of herbal tea or black coffee pairs beautifully too, making breakfast feel like a real treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch or a weekend treat, I’ve layered these cookies on a pretty platter with fresh berries and a drizzle of honey. Kids love it when I serve them with a little bowl of nut butter for dipping — it’s a fun twist that makes snack time special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They stay soft and tasty — and if they ever seem a bit dry, I pop one in the microwave for 10 seconds to revive that fresh-baked vibe.
Freezing
I often freeze these cookies individually wrapped, so I can grab a couple on busy mornings. They freeze well for up to 2 months, and thaw quickly at room temperature or in the microwave.
Reheating
To reheat, I find that warming cookies in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or briefly in a toaster oven revives their softness without drying them out. It’s like getting a fresh-baked cookie all over again!
FAQs
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Can I make the Healthy Banana Breakfast Cookies Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just make sure to use certified gluten-free oats and oat flour. The recipe naturally excludes wheat flour, so swapping to gluten-free versions keeps your cookies safe and just as tasty.
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How can I make these cookies vegan?
Simply replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 10 minutes), and use dairy-free vegan chocolate chips. This substitution works beautifully without affecting texture.
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Will these cookies be crunchy or soft?
They come out soft and chewy, which is part of what makes them so special as a breakfast cookie. If you prefer crunchier cookies, bake them a couple of minutes longer, but watch closely to avoid drying them out.
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Can I substitute the nut butter for another ingredient?
You can swap peanut or almond butter for sunflower seed butter or tahini if you want to avoid nuts. Just make sure your substitution has a similar texture for the cookies to hold together properly.
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How long do these cookies keep fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay fresh for about 3 days. For longer storage, pop them in the freezer and thaw as needed.
Final Thoughts
This Healthy Banana Breakfast Cookies Recipe is genuinely one of my favorite kitchen discoveries. It hits that sweet spot between wholesome and indulgent, making mornings feel a little brighter—and a lot tastier! I encourage you to give this recipe a try, whether you’re a seasoned baker or just want an easy, healthy way to fuel your day. Once you taste that perfect soft crumb and hint of chocolate with the salty finish, I promise you’ll be hooked, too.
Print
Healthy Banana Breakfast Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 15 cookies
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These delicious breakfast cookies are a wholesome and satisfying way to start your day. Made with ripe bananas, natural nut butter, oat flour, seeds, and a touch of chocolate chips, they offer a perfect balance of sweetness and nutrition. Easy to make and customizable with nuts, they are vegan-friendly when using a flax egg and dairy-free chocolate chips, making them a great grab-and-go breakfast or snack option.
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 teaspoons 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 and prepare baking sheet: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, natural peanut or almond butter, maple syrup, egg (or flax egg), and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined to create a consistent wet base.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Add the oat flour, flaxseed meal, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir just until combined. Then fold in old fashioned rolled oats, hemp hearts, chia seeds, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and optional chopped walnuts. Let the dough rest for 5 minutes to hydrate the ingredients.
- Scoop the dough: Using a large cookie scoop, portion about 3 tablespoons of dough per cookie onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Top each cookie with a few extra chocolate chips for garnish.
- Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 14 minutes or until the cookies are set but remain soft in the center. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and, while still warm, sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy once cooled or slightly warm.
Notes
- To make these cookies vegan, substitute the large egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water, mixed and set to gel).
- Use dairy-free chocolate chips to keep the recipe vegan-friendly.
- Feel free to swap walnuts with other nuts or seeds as preferred.
- For extra chewiness, let the dough rest before baking as suggested to absorb liquids.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg