Introduction
In the rush of modern life, the first meal of the day often gets sacrificed or replaced by something processed and sugary. Enter the Superfood Breakfast Cookie: a revolutionary grab-and-go solution that delivers sustained energy without the sugar crash. Unlike traditional cookies, these are packed with fiber, healthy fats, and omega-3s, using natural sweeteners like ripe banana and maple syrup. Originating from the desire to make nutritious eating convenient, these cookies are soft, chewy, and perfectly portioned—making them the ideal accompaniment to your morning coffee or a healthy mid-morning snack.
Ingredients
- Old-fashioned Rolled Oats: 175g (1 ¾ cups)
- Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Flour: 60g (½ cup)
- Ripe Banana, mashed: 1 large (about 150g)
- Natural Nut Butter (Almond or Peanut): 120g (½ cup)
- Maple Syrup or Honey: 60ml (¼ cup)
- Chia Seeds or Ground Flaxseed: 15g (1 tablespoon)
- Baking Powder: 5g (1 teaspoon)
- Cinnamon: 2.5g (½ teaspoon)
- Vanilla Extract: 5ml (1 teaspoon)
- Optional additions (e.g., raisins, chopped walnuts, cacao nibs): 60g (½ cup)
- Pinch of Salt
Step-by-step Preparation
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly mash the ripe banana until smooth. Add the nut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Whisk or stir vigorously until the mixture is creamy and well-combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, chia seeds (or flaxseed), and salt. Stir well to ensure the baking powder is evenly distributed. *Tip: If you prefer a finer texture, pulse the oats briefly in a food processor before measuring.*
- Fold and Integrate: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Fold gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. If using optional add-ins (nuts, dried fruit), fold them in now. The dough will be thick and sticky.
- Scoop and Shape: Using a standard cookie scoop (about 3 tablespoons) or a spoon, drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. These cookies do not spread much, so gently flatten the tops with the back of a spoon or your fingers to achieve the desired cookie shape.
- Bake: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are set. The cookies should still feel soft when gently pressed.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up and prevents breakage.
Nutritional Information
Based on 12 servings, each Superfood Breakfast Cookie contains approximately 180-200 calories, depending on the nut butter and optional additions used. They are an excellent source of dietary fiber (beneficial for digestion) and healthy monounsaturated fats from the nut butter. The addition of chia or flaxseeds provides a powerful boost of Omega-3 fatty acids, supporting brain and heart health, while the complex carbohydrates from the oats offer sustained energy throughout the morning.
Storage
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container. They will keep well at room temperature for up to 3 days. For extended freshness, store them in the refrigerator for up to one week. These cookies freeze beautifully; wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight or microwave for 10-15 seconds until warmed through.
Conclusion
These Superfood Breakfast Cookies are more than just a convenient breakfast; they are a nourishing start to your day, proving that healthy eating doesn’t require compromise on flavor or satisfaction. Try serving them alongside a protein-rich Greek yogurt and a handful of fresh berries for a truly balanced meal. For variations, swap out the cinnamon for pumpkin spice blend in the fall, or incorporate a scoop of vanilla protein powder into the dry ingredients for an extra muscle-building boost. Enjoy the ease and energy these delicious cookies bring to your busy mornings!