Banana Hazelnut Breakfast Cookies
Highlighted under: Quick & Easy
Start your day with a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with the nutty crunch of hazelnuts. These Banana Hazelnut Breakfast Cookies are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients to fuel your morning.
These Banana Hazelnut Breakfast Cookies are a perfect blend of healthy ingredients and delightful flavors. The bananas provide natural sweetness, while hazelnuts add a satisfying crunch. Great for breakfast on-the-go or a midday snack!
Why You'll Love These Cookies
- Natural sweetness from ripe bananas
- Nutty hazelnut crunch in every bite
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy mornings
The Perfect Start to Your Day
Breakfast is often hailed as the most important meal of the day, and for good reason. It sets the tone for your morning, fueling your body and mind for the tasks ahead. These Banana Hazelnut Breakfast Cookies offer a delicious way to enjoy a nutritious breakfast without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. With their delightful blend of ripe bananas and crunchy hazelnuts, they are sure to become a morning staple in your household.
One of the best aspects of these cookies is their versatility. They can be enjoyed on their own, paired with a cup of coffee, or even crumbled over yogurt for a wholesome breakfast parfait. You can also customize them by adding in your favorite ingredients, such as chocolate chips, dried fruits, or seeds, making them a truly unique breakfast option.
Nutritional Benefits of Key Ingredients
Ripe bananas are not only naturally sweet but also packed with essential nutrients. They are a great source of potassium, which helps maintain healthy blood pressure and proper muscle function. Bananas also provide dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and keeps you feeling full longer, making them an excellent choice for a breakfast cookie.
Hazelnuts, on the other hand, bring a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the cookies. They are rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, particularly vitamin E, which is known for its antioxidant properties. Including hazelnuts in your diet can also support heart health and may help reduce inflammation.
A Cookie for Every Occasion
These Banana Hazelnut Breakfast Cookies are not just limited to breakfast; they make for a fantastic snack at any time of the day. Whether you're heading out the door, need a quick pick-me-up during work, or looking for a healthy treat for your kids after school, these cookies fit the bill perfectly. They are easy to grab and enjoy on the go, making them a convenient choice for busy lifestyles.
Additionally, these cookies can be stored in an airtight container for several days, retaining their freshness and flavor. This makes them an excellent option for meal prep. Bake a batch over the weekend, and you’ll have a nutritious grab-and-go snack ready for the week ahead.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup hazelnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, rolled oats, chopped hazelnuts, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Mix until well combined.
Shape Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet, flattening them slightly.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Cool and Serve
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy these cookies warm or store them in an airtight container for later!
Pro Tips
- For added flavor, consider adding chocolate chips or dried fruits to the cookie dough.
Tips for Perfect Cookies
To achieve the best texture for your Banana Hazelnut Breakfast Cookies, ensure that your bananas are fully ripe. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots for optimal sweetness.
Another tip is to avoid overmixing the dough. Gently folding the ingredients together will help maintain a light and chewy texture. If you prefer a crunchier cookie, consider baking them a few extra minutes until they reach your desired level of crispness.
Add Your Personal Touch
Feel free to experiment with the recipe by adding your favorite mix-ins. Chopped dark chocolate, dried cranberries, or even a sprinkle of chia seeds can elevate your breakfast cookies to the next level. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility; you can make it your own while keeping the health benefits intact.
If you're looking for a vegan option, simply substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. This way, you can enjoy the same delicious cookies while adhering to your dietary preferences.
Storing and Freezing
To store your Banana Hazelnut Breakfast Cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them. Simply layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to three months.
When you're ready to enjoy a frozen cookie, just take it out and let it thaw at room temperature for a few minutes, or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds. This allows you to enjoy a warm, soft cookie anytime you crave a healthy treat.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other nuts instead of hazelnuts?
Yes, you can substitute hazelnuts with walnuts or almonds based on your preference.
→ How should I store the cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
→ Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Just make sure to place them in a freezer-safe container.
→ What can I use instead of honey?
You can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or any other sweetener of your choice.
Banana Hazelnut Breakfast Cookies
Start your day with a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with the nutty crunch of hazelnuts. These Banana Hazelnut Breakfast Cookies are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients to fuel your morning.
What You'll Need
For the Cookies
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup hazelnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, rolled oats, chopped hazelnuts, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Mix until well combined.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet, flattening them slightly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Extra Tips
- For added flavor, consider adding chocolate chips or dried fruits to the cookie dough.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 75mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 3g