These breakfast cookies offer a delightful balance of chewy oats, crunchy walnuts, and the sweet bursts of dried fruit and chocolate chips. Perfect for a busy morning, they are not only nutritious but also filling, making them the ideal portable breakfast.
Whether you enjoy them with a warm cup of coffee or as a post-workout snack, these cookies are sure to satisfy your cravings while keeping you energized. The combination of whole grains, natural sweeteners, and healthy fats ensures you’re starting your day on a wholesome note, without compromising on flavor.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 1/2 cups rolled oats
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1/2 cup whole wheat flour
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
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1/4 cup honey
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1/4 cup almond butter
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1 egg
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1/2 cup chopped walnuts
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1/4 cup dried cranberries
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1/4 cup raisins
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1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, combine oats, whole wheat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
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In another bowl, whisk together applesauce, honey, almond butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
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Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
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Fold in the walnuts, dried cranberries, raisins, and chocolate chips.
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Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
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Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 22 minutes
Kcal: 180 kcal | Servings: 12 servings
Breakfast Cookies: The Perfect Blend of Nutrition and Convenience
When it comes to starting your day off right, nothing beats a hearty, wholesome breakfast. However, in today’s busy world, finding the time to prepare a nutritious breakfast can be a challenge. That’s where breakfast cookies come in. These delicious, easy-to-make cookies are packed with wholesome ingredients that will fuel your body and provide you with the energy you need to kickstart your day. Whether you’re running late or just want a quick, satisfying snack, breakfast cookies are the ideal solution.
Why Breakfast Cookies?
Breakfast cookies are an innovative twist on traditional breakfast foods like oatmeal or granola bars. They combine the best of both worlds: the convenience of a portable snack and the nutrition of a well-balanced meal. Unlike conventional cookies, which are often laden with refined sugars and unhealthy fats, breakfast cookies are made with wholesome ingredients that nourish your body.
One of the key components of breakfast cookies is oats. Oats are a great source of fiber, which helps to keep you feeling full for longer periods of time. This means that breakfast cookies can serve as a satisfying meal, preventing mid-morning hunger pangs and offering sustained energy. Oats are also rich in vitamins and minerals like manganese, phosphorus, and iron, making them an excellent addition to any diet.
In addition to oats, breakfast cookies typically include other nutrient-dense ingredients like nuts, dried fruits, and seeds. These ingredients provide healthy fats, protein, and additional fiber, all of which contribute to a balanced, energizing breakfast. Whether you choose walnuts, almonds, cranberries, or raisins, you can easily customize the cookie to your personal taste preferences and nutritional needs.
The Health Benefits of Breakfast Cookies
1. High in Fiber
Fiber is essential for digestive health, and breakfast cookies are a great way to ensure you’re getting enough fiber in your diet. Fiber helps regulate bowel movements, supports gut health, and may even aid in weight management by promoting feelings of fullness. The combination of oats, nuts, and dried fruits in these cookies provides an excellent fiber boost.
2. Packed with Protein
Protein is vital for muscle repair and growth, as well as overall bodily functions. Many of the ingredients found in breakfast cookies, such as nuts and seeds, are rich in protein. This protein content can help stabilize blood sugar levels and prevent those dreaded mid-morning crashes. For vegetarians or those seeking plant-based protein sources, breakfast cookies are an excellent option.
3. Rich in Healthy Fats
While many cookies are loaded with unhealthy fats, breakfast cookies offer a healthier alternative. Nuts like walnuts and almonds contain monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy and help support brain function. The healthy fats in breakfast cookies help keep you satisfied throughout the morning and contribute to a balanced, well-rounded diet.
4. Antioxidant-Rich Ingredients
Dried fruits like cranberries and raisins are packed with antioxidants, which help protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation. Antioxidants are important for overall health, supporting the immune system and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. These nutrient-rich additions to breakfast cookies not only add flavor but also provide health benefits.
5. Low in Refined Sugars
Traditional cookies are often loaded with refined sugars, which can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels followed by crashes. Breakfast cookies, on the other hand, are typically sweetened with natural sugars like honey or maple syrup. These natural sweeteners are lower on the glycemic index, meaning they cause slower, more stable increases in blood sugar. This helps to keep your energy levels steady throughout the day.
Customizing Your Breakfast Cookies
One of the best things about breakfast cookies is their versatility. The basic recipe can easily be adapted to suit different dietary preferences, tastes, and nutritional needs. Here are some ways to customize your breakfast cookies:
1. Make Them Vegan
For those following a vegan diet, it’s easy to make breakfast cookies plant-based. Simply substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) and use maple syrup instead of honey for a fully vegan version of these cookies.
2. Gluten-Free Options
If you’re gluten intolerant or following a gluten-free diet, you can easily make breakfast cookies gluten-free by swapping regular whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Ensure that the oats you use are certified gluten-free, as cross-contamination can sometimes occur with regular oats.
3. Add Superfoods
Boost the nutritional value of your breakfast cookies by incorporating superfoods. Chia seeds, flaxseeds, or hemp seeds are all excellent additions. You can also add spirulina or matcha powder for an extra health kick.
4. Sweet and Savory Options
While the recipe for breakfast cookies typically includes dried fruits and a touch of sweetness, you can experiment with savory options as well. Adding ingredients like cheese, herbs, or even a sprinkle of sea salt can create a more savory flavor profile, perfect for those who prefer a less sweet breakfast.
5. Mix Up the Nuts and Fruits
While walnuts, raisins, and cranberries are commonly used, feel free to get creative with your additions. Pecans, almonds, or cashews can replace walnuts, and dried apricots, cherries, or even fresh blueberries can add a unique twist to your cookies.
Ideal for Busy Mornings
Breakfast cookies are perfect for those hectic mornings when time is limited, but you still want to start your day with a nutritious meal. Since they’re portable, you can easily grab one on your way out the door or enjoy it while commuting. Whether you’re headed to work, school, or a workout session, breakfast cookies make for a convenient and healthy option.
In addition, breakfast cookies store well, so you can make a large batch in advance and have them ready for several days. Simply store them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to a week. You can even freeze them for longer storage, so you always have a healthy breakfast option on hand.
The Perfect Combination of Nutrition and Flavor
What makes breakfast cookies so appealing is their ability to deliver both flavor and nutrition in a single package. These cookies are delicious enough to satisfy your sweet tooth, yet they’re full of healthy ingredients that provide lasting energy and keep you full throughout the morning. Whether you’re looking to start your day off on the right foot or need a quick pick-me-up in the middle of the day, breakfast cookies are the ideal snack.
Conclusion:
Breakfast cookies are a game-changer for anyone looking to enjoy a nutritious, filling, and convenient breakfast. With their combination of fiber, protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants, they provide a balanced start to your day. What’s more, they can be easily customized to suit a variety of dietary preferences, making them suitable for almost anyone.
Next time you’re looking for a quick breakfast that doesn’t compromise on taste or nutrition, look no further than these breakfast cookies. They’re the perfect solution for busy mornings, offering a delicious way to fuel your day while still maintaining a healthy lifestyle.