If you are on the lookout for a simple, wholesome treat to brighten your mornings, this Banana Breakfast Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine the wholesome goodness of oats and ripe bananas blending perfectly with peanut butter’s creamy richness and just the right hint of cinnamon and vanilla. These cookies are not only super easy to whip up but are also packed with flavors that feel like a warm hug – perfect for a busy morning or a healthy snack anytime. Plus, the optional chocolate chips add a joyful little surprise that makes each bite feel indulgent yet nourishing. Trust me, once you try this Banana Breakfast Cookies Recipe, it will quickly become your new favorite go-to breakfast or snack!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s amazing about this Banana Breakfast Cookies Recipe is how simple the ingredients are, yet how much they contribute to the texture, flavor, and heartiness of these cookies. Each item plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding chewiness, sweetness, or that irresistible nutty undertone.
- Oats (1 1/2 cup): The base ingredient providing chewy texture and filling fiber to keep you energized all morning.
- Peanut butter (½ cup): Adds creamy richness and a subtle nutty flavor that perfectly complements the banana.
- Overripe mashed bananas (2): Naturally sweet and moist, they bind everything together while adding that classic banana flavor.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Just a pinch to enhance all the other flavors without overpowering the cookies.
- Chocolate chips (½ cup, plus 2 tablespoons for topping, optional): These bring a delightful melty sweetness that pairs beautifully with the peanut butter and banana.
- Cinnamon (¼ teaspoon, optional): Adds warmth and depth, elevating the flavor without being overpowering.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon, optional): A splash of vanilla rounds out the flavor profile with a fragrant sweetness.
How to Make Banana Breakfast Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it warms up, line a sheet pan with parchment paper – this will make cleanup a breeze and help your cookies bake evenly without sticking.
Step 2: Mix Your Ingredients
In a roomy mixing bowl, toss in the oats, mashed bananas, peanut butter, cinnamon, and salt. Gently fold everything together with a rubber spatula until it forms a thick, well-mixed dough. Now is the time to fold in the chocolate chips, if you’re using them, to add little pockets of sweet surprise throughout the cookies.
Step 3: Shape Your Cookies
Divide the cookie dough into seven equal portions. Place each mound onto your prepared pan and press down gently to form cookie shapes around half an inch thick. Don’t forget to sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top for that beautiful look and extra melty bites!
Step 4: Bake and Cool
Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overbake – you want them soft and chewy, not hard. Once done, let your cookies cool completely on the pan before transferring them to a plate. Enjoy the first bite warm or room temperature!
How to Serve Banana Breakfast Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies are delicious just as they are, but if you want to elevate the presentation, try sprinkling some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans on top before baking for extra crunch. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted peanut butter over cooled cookies makes for a lovely finish too.
Side Dishes
Pair your Banana Breakfast Cookies with a cup of your favorite coffee or tea for a perfect morning treat. Fresh fruit like berries or a dollop of Greek yogurt on the side also complements these cookies wonderfully, balancing sweetness with some tang and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving these cookies for a brunch or gathering, why not create a breakfast cookie platter? Arrange a mix of cookies, small bowls of nut butter, honey, and fresh fruit for a fun DIY cookie-dip experience. You can also sandwich these cookies with a thin layer of cream cheese or nut butter for a little extra indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once baked and cooled, store your Banana Breakfast Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and chewy for 3 to 4 days, making them ideal to prepare ahead for busy mornings.
Freezing
If you want to keep these cookies for longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months and thaw quickly at room temperature whenever you need a quick breakfast or snack.
Reheating
To enjoy these Banana Breakfast Cookies warm again, simply microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or pop them in a low oven (around 300 degrees Fahrenheit) for a few minutes. This helps revive their soft texture and brings out all the lovely flavors.
FAQs
Can I substitute peanut butter with another nut butter?
Absolutely! Almond butter or cashew butter work great too and bring their own unique flavors, just keep the same quantity for best results.
Do I have to use chocolate chips?
Not at all. The chocolate chips are optional, so you can leave them out if you prefer a simpler, less sweet cookie. You could also swap them with raisins or chopped dried fruit.
What if I don’t have overripe bananas?
For best sweetness and moisture, using overripe bananas is ideal. If yours aren’t quite there, you can mash very ripe but firm bananas and add a little honey to compensate.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
They can be gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free oats. Regular oats sometimes contain gluten due to cross-contamination, so check your packaging if that is a concern.
How long does it take to make this Banana Breakfast Cookies Recipe?
The prep is quick—just about 5 minutes—and baking takes 8 to 10 minutes, so in less than 20 minutes you’ll have a batch of delicious, wholesome cookies ready to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
There is something wonderfully comforting about starting your day with these simple yet flavorful Banana Breakfast Cookies Recipe. They strike the perfect balance between healthy and irresistible, offering a quick, fuss-free breakfast or snack that you can feel great about. I can’t wait for you to try them yourself and discover how fast and easy it is to make a nourishing bite that everyone will love.
Print
Banana Breakfast Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 7 cookies
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Banana Breakfast Cookies are a quick, healthy, and delicious snack made with oats, peanut butter, and ripe bananas. Perfect for a nutritious start to your day or a satisfying on-the-go treat, these cookies combine natural sweetness with optional chocolate chips for a delightful flavor.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup oats
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional, plus 2 tablespoons for topping)
Wet Ingredients
- 2 over ripe mashed bananas
- ½ cup peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and set it aside to prepare for baking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the oats, mashed bananas, peanut butter, cinnamon, and salt. Use a rubber spatula to mix thoroughly. Then add ½ cup chocolate chips and stir again until evenly distributed.
- Form Cookies: Divide the dough into seven equal portions and place them on the prepared parchment-lined pan. Press down each portion to form a cookie shape about ½ inch thick. Optionally, sprinkle the tops with the extra 2 tablespoons of chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until set. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on the pan before serving. Enjoy your healthy Banana Breakfast Cookies!
Notes
- You can substitute peanut butter with almond butter or any nut butter of your choice.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure you use certified gluten-free oats.
- The cinnamon and vanilla extract are optional but add extra flavor depth.
- Make sure bananas are very ripe for the best natural sweetness and binding.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
