Breakfast Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These breakfast cookies are the perfect balance of nutrition and flavor. Made with peanut butter, oats, and chia seeds, they are naturally sweetened with honey, offering a healthier alternative to store-bought snacks. They are also gluten-free and can be easily customized with your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, raisins, or even protein powder for an extra nutritional boost. Plus, with no baking involved, this recipe is incredibly quick and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• ¾ cup creamy peanut butter

• 2 to 4 tablespoons honey, more to taste

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 to 3 tablespoons chia seeds

• ¾ cup old-fashioned oats, more if needed

• Optional Mix-ins: ¼ cup mini chocolate chips, chopped almonds, raisins, pumpkin seeds, protein powder, flaxseeds

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Microwave the liquids: Place ¾ cup of peanut butter, 2-4 tablespoons of honey, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract in a microwavable bowl. Microwave the ingredients for 20 seconds. Stir, then taste. If needed, add more honey or vanilla to adjust the flavor to your preference.

2. Add oats and chia seeds: Stir the mixture until fully combined. Then, add ¾ cup of oats and 1-3 tablespoons of chia seeds (and any optional mix-ins you’d like to include). Mix everything thoroughly, making sure everything is well incorporated. Taste the mixture and adjust by adding more oats if it’s too runny or more honey and peanut butter if it’s too dry.

3. Form the cookies: Roll the mixture into 8 balls and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Press each ball flat slightly. Add any extra toppings if desired.

4. Chill: Place the cookies in the fridge or freezer until they have set, around 1 hour.

5. Serve: Take the cookies out of the fridge a few minutes before serving to allow them to soften slightly. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Refrigerate Time: 1 hour

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

• Servings: 8

Variations

• Nut Butter: Feel free to use almond butter, sunflower butter, or any nut butter of your choice. If using all-natural peanut butter, you may need to adjust the amount of oats to achieve the right consistency.

• Mix-ins: Add your favorite mix-ins like mini chocolate chips, raisins, chopped almonds, or flaxseeds. For a protein boost, consider adding a scoop of protein powder or chia seeds.

• Sweetener: Adjust the sweetness with more or less honey, or use maple syrup as a substitute for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, place them in the fridge where they’ll last up to a week.

• Freezing: You can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. For freezer storage, place the cookies on a baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes to 1 hour before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different nut butter?

Yes, you can use almond butter, sunflower butter, or any other nut butter you prefer. Just keep in mind that if you use a more runny nut butter, you may need to add more oats to achieve the right consistency.

2. Can I make these cookies without oats?

Oats are a key ingredient in these breakfast cookies, so I wouldn’t recommend skipping them. They provide texture and structure. However, if you want a lower-carb version, you can experiment with oat alternatives like coconut flakes or ground almonds.

3. Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?

Yes, you can substitute maple syrup for honey if you prefer a different flavor or need a vegan option.

4. How do I adjust the sweetness of the cookies?

You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey to taste. Start with 2 tablespoons and gradually increase it to your liking.

5. Can I add protein powder to these cookies?

Absolutely! You can add a scoop of protein powder to make these cookies more filling and protein-packed. Just make sure to adjust the consistency with more oats if needed.

6. Are these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, these breakfast cookies are gluten-free, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats.

7. Can I add chocolate chips to the cookies?

Yes, mini chocolate chips are a great addition if you’d like a touch of sweetness and chocolate flavor in your cookies. Feel free to mix them in with the oats.

8. How do I make the cookies firmer?

If the dough is too soft, add more oats to thicken it up. If the cookies are too runny after being mixed, adding extra oats will help them firm up.

9. Can I make a larger batch of these cookies?

Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to make more cookies. Just be sure to adjust the quantities of each ingredient proportionally.

10. How long do these cookies last?

These cookies will last for up to 3 days at room temperature, or up to 1 week if refrigerated. If frozen, they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

These breakfast cookies are a simple, healthy, and delicious way to start your day or satisfy a midday hunger craving. Packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, peanut butter, and chia seeds, they offer a nutritious boost in each bite. Plus, with no baking required, you can prepare them in just minutes! Make these breakfast cookies ahead of time, and enjoy a convenient, grab-and-go breakfast or snack all week long.