These Banana Chocolate Chip Breakfast Cookies are a fantastic way to satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping it nutritious. The natural sweetness of ripe bananas paired with mini chocolate chips creates the perfect balance of flavors. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or a post-workout treat, they’re sure to become a go-to in your recipe repertoire.
These cookies are also highly customizable. Feel free to swap in different nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, or even experiment with adding dried fruits for a more flavorful twist. Plus, with their minimal ingredients and easy preparation, they’re perfect for meal prep, helping you stay on track with your healthy eating goals throughout the week.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 ripe bananas, mashed
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1 1/2 cups rolled oats
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1/2 cup whole wheat flour
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1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
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1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
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1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
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1/4 cup chopped walnuts or almonds (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until smooth.
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Add the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, chocolate chips, melted coconut oil, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon to the mashed bananas. Stir well until fully combined.
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If desired, fold in the chopped walnuts or almonds for added crunch.
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Using a spoon, scoop the dough and drop it onto the prepared baking sheet, pressing each scoop gently to flatten it.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown on the edges.
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Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 22 minutes Kcal: 120 kcal | Servings: 12 cookies
Why Banana Chocolate Chip Breakfast Cookies Are a Great Choice
Many breakfast options are either overly sugary or lack the energy-boosting qualities needed to power through a busy day. Banana Chocolate Chip Breakfast Cookies, however, strike the perfect balance between taste and nutrition. Bananas provide a natural source of energy through their carbohydrates and potassium content, which is crucial for maintaining energy levels. Meanwhile, oats offer a healthy dose of fiber, which can keep you feeling full longer and regulate blood sugar levels. The addition of dark chocolate chips adds an indulgent touch while still being a source of antioxidants.
Moreover, these cookies are versatile and easy to make. You can adjust the sweetness level to suit your preferences, and they can be baked in advance for a convenient grab-and-go option during hectic mornings. Not only are they nutritious, but they also contain ingredients that promote digestion, heart health, and overall well-being. They are the perfect example of how you can enjoy a delicious treat without feeling guilty.
Nutritional Benefits of the Key Ingredients
The main ingredients in Banana Chocolate Chip Breakfast Cookies contribute significantly to their nutritional profile. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the ingredients that make these cookies a wholesome choice.
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Bananas: Bananas are not only a great source of natural sweetness, but they also provide essential vitamins and minerals. Packed with potassium, they help maintain proper muscle function and heart health. Bananas are also high in fiber, which aids digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels, making them an excellent choice for breakfast.
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Oats: Oats are rich in soluble fiber, which helps lower cholesterol and improve heart health. They also provide a steady release of energy, which can keep you feeling satisfied throughout the morning. Oats are also known for their ability to stabilize blood sugar levels, making them an ideal option for people with diabetes or those looking to avoid energy crashes.
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Coconut Oil: Coconut oil has gained popularity for its potential health benefits, including its ability to improve heart health and support weight loss. It contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are easily absorbed by the body and used for energy. Additionally, coconut oil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to boost brain function.
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Chocolate Chips: While chocolate chips are often considered an indulgent ingredient, they also offer health benefits, especially when you choose dark chocolate chips. Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body from oxidative stress. It also contains flavonoids that support heart health by improving blood flow and reducing inflammation.
How to Customize Your Banana Chocolate Chip Breakfast Cookies
One of the great things about Banana Chocolate Chip Breakfast Cookies is how easily they can be customized to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Here are a few ways you can modify the recipe to make it your own:
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Nutty Additions: You can enhance the texture and flavor by adding chopped nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans. Not only do they add crunch, but they also provide healthy fats and protein to make the cookies more filling.
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Dried Fruits: If you enjoy fruity flavors, consider adding dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or apricots. These fruits pair beautifully with the bananas and chocolate chips and bring additional nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
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Sweeteners: While the bananas add natural sweetness, you can adjust the level of sweetness by adding honey, maple syrup, or even a sprinkle of stevia. This allows you to control the sugar content of the cookies based on your personal preferences.
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Vegan Version: To make these cookies vegan-friendly, simply swap the honey for maple syrup and use a plant-based chocolate chip variety. You can also substitute the coconut oil with a plant-based oil, such as avocado or olive oil.
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Gluten-Free Options: If you’re following a gluten-free diet, you can easily make these cookies gluten-free by using certified gluten-free oats. This small adjustment ensures that you can enjoy the cookies without compromising your dietary restrictions.
Storing and Freezing Your Cookies
Banana Chocolate Chip Breakfast Cookies are not only easy to make but also simple to store for later use. If you plan on eating them within a few days, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for about 3-4 days, making them a convenient option for a few days of breakfast or snacks.
For longer storage, these cookies can be frozen. Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months, and you can easily grab one (or a few) when you’re in need of a quick breakfast or snack.
To thaw frozen cookies, simply leave them out at room temperature for about 30 minutes or warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds. This ensures that you always have a healthy treat on hand, even on the busiest of days.
Versatility of Banana Chocolate Chip Breakfast Cookies
While Banana Chocolate Chip Breakfast Cookies are perfect for breakfast, they are also highly versatile. They make a great snack before or after a workout, thanks to the combination of fiber, natural sugars, and protein-rich oats. If you have children, these cookies can also serve as a healthy alternative to sugary store-bought snacks.
Additionally, they can be packed into lunchboxes, taken on road trips, or enjoyed during outdoor activities like hiking or picnics. Their portability and ability to satisfy both hunger and cravings make them a go-to snack for busy individuals who want to make healthier choices without sacrificing flavor.
Conclusion
Banana Chocolate Chip Breakfast Cookies are a nutritious and delicious alternative to traditional breakfast foods and snacks. They offer a wonderful balance of sweetness, fiber, healthy fats, and protein, making them an excellent choice for anyone looking to start their day on a healthy note or enjoy a satisfying snack. With the ability to customize the recipe to suit your tastes and dietary preferences, these cookies are as versatile as they are tasty.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, making these cookies is simple and quick. Plus, they can be stored or frozen for future use, ensuring you always have a healthy option available. So next time you’re in need of a breakfast on-the-go or a treat that won’t derail your healthy eating goals, turn to these Banana Chocolate Chip Breakfast Cookies – they’re sure to become a staple in your kitchen.