Healthy 2-Ingredient Breakfast Cookies: Your Ultimate Guide to Low-Fat, Low-Calorie Meal Prep!
Discover the magic of incredibly easy, low-fat, and low-calorie Breakfast Cookies that are perfect for busy mornings and effortless meal prep! These revolutionary cookies require absolutely no flour, oil, dairy, eggs, or refined sugars, making them a powerhouse of healthy indulgence.
A few years ago, the internet went wild for these super quick and easy-to-make, healthy 2-ingredient banana oat cookies – and now they’re making a triumphant return! I first shared these delightful treats on Instagram when I was just starting out, and the response was overwhelming. People everywhere were raving about them, especially because each cookie clocks in at an astonishingly low 48 calories! This isn’t just a snack; it’s a breakfast game-changer that combines simplicity with incredible health benefits.
Why Choose These Incredible Breakfast Cookies?
While our Best Fudgy Brownie Cookies and Chocolate Chip Cookies are undeniably delicious for a treat, they don’t exactly fit the bill for a healthy, well-balanced breakfast. That’s precisely why we’ve developed these amazing breakfast cookies – a guilt-free option you can effortlessly grab on-the-go when your morning schedule leaves no time for a sit-down meal. They redefine what a ‘cookie’ can be, transforming it into a nutritious and convenient start to your day.
These breakfast cookies are more than just a recipe; they’re a lifestyle hack for anyone seeking a healthier, more organized morning routine. They’re incredibly versatile and hit all the right notes for various family members:
- **Kid-Approved:** Children absolutely LOVE them in their school lunch boxes and happily enjoy them as after-school snacks. They’re a covert way to sneak in some healthy goodness! ✔︎
- **Husband’s Favorite:** When the most discerning palate in the house gives its seal of approval, you know you’ve got a winner. My husband genuinely loves them – and that’s the ultimate deal-sealer! ✔︎
- **Moms’ Essential:** For mothers navigating the unpredictable chaos of mornings, these are an absolute necessity. They serve as the perfect emergency breakfast-on-the-go, saving countless hectic moments. ✔︎
The reason I’ve affectionately dubbed them “breakfast cookies” is because that’s precisely what they’ve become in my often-chaotic household. Move over, sugary cereals – there’s a new breakfast champion in town!
These healthy breakfast cookies are the ultimate portable breakfast solution – think of them as your personal, mess-free cereal, porridge, or oatmeal, all without the need for a bowl, spoon, or even a table. I honestly can’t count how many times these humble cookies have rescued us during the typical morning madness. Picture this: running late for school drop-offs, inevitably spilling hot coffee down my pants, engaging in lively (read: sometimes chaotic) discussions with kids while simultaneously unloading and reloading the dishwasher, a last-minute scramble to iron uniforms, followed by an emergency evacuation with kids in tow which almost always culminates in manic driving. All before 8:30 AM, leaving absolutely no time to eat breakfast in between. At such moments, I don’t just need a drink; I need a coffee… and a breakfast cookie!
The struggle is undeniably real for so many of us, and these cookies are here to make those mornings just a little bit smoother and a lot more delicious.
How to Make These Simple 2-Ingredient Breakfast Cookies
The beauty of these breakfast cookies lies in their incredible simplicity. You only need two core ingredients and a few minutes of your time to create a batch of wholesome goodness. Here’s the ridiculously easy process:
- **Mash Bananas:** Start by thoroughly mashing ripe bananas. The riper they are, the sweeter your cookies will be and the easier they are to mash.
- **Combine with Oats:** Mix the mashed bananas with quick oats until well combined. This forms your basic cookie dough.
- **Add Your Favorites:** Stir in any optional additions you love, from chocolate chips to nuts or spices. This is where you personalize your cookies!
- **Bake to Perfection:** Place spoonfuls of the mixture onto a baking sheet, shape them, and bake until lightly golden.
- **Enjoy!** Let them cool slightly, and then indulge in your homemade, healthy breakfast.
It almost feels unnecessary to write an entire post for these breakfast cookies because they are so astonishingly simple and yet so incredibly good. However, many followers have specifically requested printable versions of the recipe, complete with step-by-step instructions. So, I’ve taken the time to illustrate just how effortless these are to prepare, ensuring everyone can master this easy recipe and bring more joy to their mornings.
Customizing Your Breakfast Cookies with Delicious Add-ins
The true fun begins once you’ve mastered the base recipe, which consists of just two large bananas and 1 3/4 cups of quick oats. This simple foundation is a blank canvas, inviting you to unleash your creativity with an array of optional additions. The possibilities are truly endless, allowing you to tailor each batch to your mood or dietary preferences.
Personally, I adore adding chocolate chips (no surprises there, right?). I also love incorporating peanut flour – or any nut butter you happen to have on hand – for an extra boost of protein and rich flavor. A dash of ground cinnamon adds a warm, inviting spice, and I absolutely LOVE adding a touch of honey. Honey not only provides a natural sweetness but also makes the cookies incredibly moist in the middle, contributing to an epic soft-chewiness that’s simply irresistible. BUT! You don’t have to add it if you prefer to keep them entirely free of added sugars. After all, who am I to tell you what to do? Exactly. Feel free to experiment with any of these delightful additions, or invent your own unique combinations!
Consider these popular add-in categories to inspire your next batch:
- **Nutty Enhancements:** Besides peanut flour or nut butter, try chopped walnuts, pecans, almonds, or even sunflower seeds for added crunch and healthy fats.
- **Fruity Boosts:** Dried cranberries, raisins, sultanas, or finely chopped dates add bursts of natural sweetness and texture. Fresh berries can also be gently folded in.
- **Chocolate Lovers’ Dream:** Beyond chocolate chips (dark, semi-sweet, or miniature), cacao nibs offer a deeper, less sweet chocolate flavor and extra antioxidants.
- **Warm Spices:** Ground cinnamon is a classic, but don’t hesitate to try a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or even a touch of ginger for a different profile.
- **Sweeteners (Optional):** If your bananas aren’t super ripe or you simply prefer a sweeter cookie, honey, maple syrup, or a touch of stevia can be added to taste.
- **Other Fun Additions:** Shredded coconut, a splash of pure vanilla extract, or even a swirl of Nutella (if you’re feeling indulgent!) can transform these simple cookies into gourmet delights.
Remember, the key is to not overload the dough with too many additions, as this can affect the cookie’s structure. A good rule of thumb is to start with 1/4 to 1/3 cup of total add-ins for the base recipe, adjusting to your preference.
Essential Tips for Perfect Breakfast Cookies Every Time
Making these breakfast cookies is straightforward, but there are a couple of key tips that will ensure your success and yield perfectly shaped, delicious results, especially if you haven’t made them before. Unlike traditional cookies that tend to spread significantly during baking, these banana oat cookies hold their shape much more firmly.
- **Shaping is Key:** It’s important to note that these cookies don’t spread much at all. The shape you create on the cookie sheet is essentially how they will come out of the oven. Therefore, take a moment to carefully shape each dollop of dough into your desired cookie form.
- **Flattening for Even Baking:** To ensure even baking and a pleasant cookie texture, flatten them down with the back of a metal spoon. You can also use your fingertips, lightly dipped in a bit of water, as the dough can be a little sticky. This prevents them from being too thick in the center and helps them cook through uniformly. Aim for a consistent thickness across all cookies.
- **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** While they don’t spread much, leaving a little space between each cookie is still a good practice to allow for air circulation and even browning.
- **Golden Brown Perfection:** Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking. You’re looking for a lightly golden hue on the edges and a firm-to-the-touch center.
Breakfast Cookies for Effortless Meal Prep & Storage
Once your irresistible breakfast cookies are baked to perfection, allow them to cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before diving in. They are incredibly hard to resist straight from the oven, but a little patience is better than an 80-degree burn! These cookies are designed to be served just as you would any other breakfast item, but with the added convenience of being perfectly portable.
Imagine dunking them into a tall glass of cold milk, your morning coffee, a comforting cup of milky tea, or even a decadent hot chocolate. The world truly is your breakfast cookie! Their robust structure makes them ideal for on-the-go consumption, whether you’re heading to work, school, or simply need a quick pick-me-up during a busy day. This versatility is what makes them a staple in so many homes.
You’ll quickly find yourself making these weekly, monthly, and quite possibly even daily! They are the quintessential on-the-go meal prep cookie, simplifying your mornings and ensuring you always have a healthy, satisfying option at hand. Prepare a large batch on Sunday, and you’ll have wholesome breakfasts and snacks ready for the entire week. No more skipping breakfast or resorting to unhealthy processed options when time is short.
Storage and Shelf Life:
- **Room Temperature:** Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. They’ll remain soft and delicious.
- **Refrigeration:** For extended freshness, especially if your kitchen is warm or if you’ve added ingredients like fresh fruit, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- **Freezing for Longer:** These cookies freeze beautifully! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze for about an hour, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- **Reheating:** To enjoy from frozen, simply pop them in the microwave for 15-30 seconds or in a toaster oven for a few minutes until warmed through. They’ll taste as good as freshly baked!
With these easy storage solutions, you can always be prepared, ensuring a healthy and delicious option is never more than a grab away. Embrace the simplicity and incredible utility of these healthy 2-ingredient breakfast cookies!
More Healthy Breakfast Recipes to Start Your Day Right
If you’re loving the ease and health benefits of these breakfast cookies, you’ll definitely want to explore more of our quick and nutritious breakfast options designed for busy lifestyles:
- Breakfast Egg Muffins 3 Ways (Meal Prep): Perfect savory bites you can customize and make ahead.
- Cauliflower Hash Brown Egg Cups (Low Carb + Gluten Free): A fantastic low-carb alternative that’s equally delicious and convenient.
*ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED FEB 17, 2016*
Pin
Breakfast Cookies
Ingredients
BREAKFAST COOKIES:
- 2 large bananas
- 1 3/4 cups quick oats
OPTIONAL ADD-INS:
- 4 tablespoons peanut flour or any nut butter
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips I use semi-sweet, dark or miniature
- 1-2 teaspoons honey adjust to your taste preference
- 1/4 cup cacao nibs
- 1/4 cup Nutella or any hazelnut spread
- 1/4 cup peanut butter chips
- 1/3 cup crushed peanuts pecans, peanuts, almonds, walnuts, etc
- 1/3 cup dried fruit think cranberries, raisins, sultanas, chopped dates
- 1-2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract adjust to your taste preferences
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 175°C | 350°F.
-
Mash bananas in a shallow bowl. Add in the oats and mix well to combine. Fold in any optional add-ins you like (I added 4 level tablespoons of peanut flour, 1/4 cup chocolate chips and 2 teaspoons of honey into these).
-
Line baking tray/sheet with baking/parchment paper and drop one tablespoon of cookie dough per cookie onto tray. Press down with the back of a metal spoon and shape into cookies (these will not spread into shape like normal cookies).
-
Bake for 15-20 minutes depending on your oven, or until cookies are lightly golden on top and just set to the touch. (Keep an eye on them after 10 minutes, as they can bake faster depending on how hot your oven is before baking.)
-
Remove and allow to cool on a wire rack.
Notes
*Quick oats give the best results, however you CAN use rolled oats. Use Gluten Free Oats for gluten free cookies.
**Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container for two-three days, or freeze the batch and reheat when needed.
OPTIONAL ADD INS measurements are based on what I have tried with these cookies in the past. Feel free to add more/less to your preference
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
