Banana Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies

If you’re looking for a quick, nutritious breakfast that’s both delicious and easy to make, these Banana Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies are the perfect choice. Packed with ripe bananas, rolled oats, and juicy blueberries, these cookies are a great way to fuel your day. The natural sweetness from the bananas and the honey or maple syrup makes them a treat, while the oats provide a satisfying crunch that will keep you full until your next meal.

Ingredients

To whip up these scrumptious cookies, you’ll need:

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup blueberries
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• A pinch of salt

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
3. Add the rolled oats, blueberries, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to the mashed bananas. Stir until everything is well combined.
4. Drop spoonfuls of the cookie mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Flatten each spoonful slightly to form cookie shapes.
5. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn golden brown.
6. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Tips
These Banana Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for an extra boost. They also pair well with a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of nut butter for added protein. Serve them as part of a balanced breakfast or as a mid-morning snack to keep you energized throughout the day.

Storage Tips
Store your Banana Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freezing until solid. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and store them for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for 15-20 minutes or microwave them for 10-15 seconds.

Variations

1. Add Nuts for Extra Crunch
   Incorporate chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans into the cookie batter to add a delightful crunch and extra nutrients.
2. Swap Blueberries for Other Berries
   If you prefer a different flavor, swap the blueberries for raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries for a fresh twist.
3. Use Almond Butter or Peanut Butter
   For added richness and a different texture, try substituting honey or maple syrup with a tablespoon of almond butter or peanut butter. This will enhance the flavor and add a protein boost.
4. Add Chocolate Chips
   For a sweeter treat, fold in some dark chocolate chips or mini semi-sweet chocolate chips to give the cookies a decadent touch without overwhelming the healthiness of the recipe.
5. Make Them Vegan
   To make these cookies vegan, simply substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar, and make sure to use a flax or chia egg (1 tablespoon of flaxmeal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) in place of the eggs.
6. Add Seeds for Extra Nutrition
   Boost the nutritional profile by adding chia seeds, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds to the cookie batter.
7. Use Ground Flax or Chia Seeds
   Incorporate ground flax or chia seeds into the mixture for a dose of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants.
8. Spice it Up
   For a warm, spiced flavor, try adding 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger or nutmeg in addition to the cinnamon.
9. Make them Gluten-Free
   For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free oats and check that your maple syrup or honey is certified gluten-free.
10. Top with Coconut Flakes
    For a tropical twist, sprinkle shredded coconut flakes on top of the cookies before baking, or stir them into the dough for extra texture and flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
   Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just make sure not to thaw them before adding them to the dough. This helps prevent the color from bleeding into the cookies.
2. Can I substitute the bananas with another fruit?
   You can substitute mashed bananas with applesauce or pumpkin puree for a different flavor, but the texture may vary slightly.
3. Are these cookies gluten-free?
   To make these cookies gluten-free, simply use certified gluten-free oats, and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
4. How can I make these cookies vegan?
   To make these cookies vegan, replace the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar, and use a flax or chia egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) in place of the eggs.
5. How long do these cookies last?
   These cookies will last up to 4-5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
6. Can I freeze these cookies?
   Yes, you can freeze the cookies. Once they’re baked and cooled, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
7. Can I use other sweeteners instead of honey or maple syrup?
   Yes, you can substitute honey or maple syrup with agave nectar, coconut sugar, or a stevia-based sweetener. Just adjust the quantity to your desired sweetness.
8. Can I add protein powder to these cookies?
   Yes, you can add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the dough for an extra protein boost. Just be sure to adjust the amount of oats to maintain the correct dough consistency.
9. Do I need to refrigerate the dough before baking?
   No, refrigerating the dough is not necessary. You can bake the cookies immediately after mixing the ingredients.
10. Can I add chocolate chips to these cookies?
    Yes, adding chocolate chips is a great idea! You can add dark chocolate chips or mini semi-sweet chips for a sweeter treat while keeping the health benefits intact.

These Banana Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies are a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy a healthy, quick breakfast. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, you can have these cookies ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re rushing out the door in the morning or just looking for a healthy snack, these cookies will satisfy your cravings and provide you with the energy you need to start your day right.

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