If you ever wish your banana bread could come in cookie form for a quick, portable breakfast or snack, these Banana Bread Breakfast Cookies are exactly what you’re looking for. They bring together the familiar, comforting flavor of banana bread with the convenience of a cookie you can grab on the go. Moist ripe bananas, hearty oats, warm spices, and sweet raisins make these cookies taste like a tiny slice of banana bread you can enjoy anytime — not just for dessert.
These cookies are perfect for busy mornings, lunch boxes, brunch spreads, or even as an afternoon pick-me-up. They balance sweetness and texture so you get soft, chewy insides with a lightly golden exterior. The recipe also includes ingredients chosen to make them more wholesome than classic sugary cookies, making them a satisfying and filling choice to start the day.
Ingredients You’ll Need :
Dry Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients & Mix-Ins
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1¾ cups quick-cooking oats (uncooked)
- 2 medium ripe bananas, mashed
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 cup raisins
These ingredients come together in a dough that’s hearty, slightly sweet, and full of banana flavor, with the oats providing texture and the raisins adding bursts of sweetness.
How to Make Banana Bread Breakfast Cookies
1. Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly coat it with non-stick spray. Having the oven ready first helps ensure even baking once your dough is mixed.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg. These dry ingredients form the foundation of your cookie dough and ensure the spices and leavening agent are evenly distributed throughout.
3. Add the Oil
Pour in the olive oil and stir it into the dry mix until the texture resembles a coarse meal. The oil coats the flour and sugar, helping the moisture from the bananas and applesauce get distributed evenly.
4. Mix in Oats, Bananas, Applesauce, and Raisins
Add the quick oats, mashed bananas, applesauce, and raisins to your mixture. Stir until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and you have a sticky cookie dough. The bananas and applesauce provide natural sweetness and help bind the dough without needing eggs.
5. Shape the Cookies
Use a teaspoon or small cookie scoop to drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Space them about 1 to 2 inches apart — these cookies won’t spread much, but giving them room ensures even baking.
6. Bake
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for about 14 minutes, or until the cookies are set and lightly golden on the edges. The centers should still be soft but fully cooked.
7. Cool and Enjoy
Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. These cookies are delicious warm, but they also hold up well at room temperature.
Tips for Success
1. Use Ripe Bananas
For the best flavor and natural sweetness, use bananas that are very ripe, spotted, or turning brown. The softer they are, the more banana flavor and moisture they’ll add to your cookies.
2. Quick-Cooking Oats vs. Rolled Oats
Quick oats create a softer texture that’s close to banana bread in cookie form. If you only have rolled oats, you can pulse them briefly in a food processor to break them down a bit before adding.
3. Applesauce Keeps Them Moist
Unsweetened applesauce helps make these cookies soft and moist. If you prefer a touch more sweetness, you could swap a bit of applesauce for a little additional mashed banana.
4. Raisins or Swap-Ins
While raisins add classic pops of sweetness, you can also use chopped dates, dried cranberries, or even chocolate chips for a sweeter treat.
Variations to Try
These cookies are very adaptable! Here are a few ideas:
- Nutty Breakfast Cookies: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and healthy fats.
- Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies: Add a handful of dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough.
- Spiced Banana Cookies: Increase the cinnamon and add a pinch of ginger or cloves for a deeper spice profile.
- Oatmeal Swap: Use old-fashioned oats for a chewier texture if you prefer a heartier cookie.
Nutrition & Serving Ideas
These banana bread breakfast cookies are wholesome and filling, making them excellent with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee or tea, or a bowl of yogurt on the side. They also make a great snack for school lunches or a quick bite after a workout.
Because they contain oats, bananas, and raisins, you’re getting a mix of carbohydrates, fiber, and natural sugars that help keep you energized through your morning.
Storage and Shelf Life
These cookies store well:
- At room temperature: Keep them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- In the refrigerator: They’ll last about 5–7 days when covered.
- Freezing: You can freeze these cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature or warm them briefly before serving.
Storing them properly keeps them soft and flavorful days after baking.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Too Dry: If your bananas aren’t ripe enough or your dough feels crumbly, adding a tablespoon or two more applesauce can help.
- Too Wet: If the dough spreads out too much or is too sticky to shape, add a tablespoon of flour or extra oats to balance moisture.
- Uneven Baking: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking and space cookies evenly on the sheet.
Why These Cookies Are Great
These breakfast cookies combine the best parts of banana bread — sweet banana flavor, warm spice, and soft texture — in a portable cookie. They use pantry staples and simple steps, yet the result feels comforting and satisfying. They are also easily adjustable to be healthier, sweeter, or more indulgent depending on what you prefer.
Whether you bake a batch for a lazy weekend breakfast or make them ahead for weekday mornings, these Banana Bread Breakfast Cookies are a versatile and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of banana bread in a fun, handheld form.
Conclusion :
Banana Bread Breakfast Cookies are a delightful twist on classic banana bread, creating a softer, more portable treat that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or lunch boxes. Made with simple, hearty ingredients like ripe bananas, oats, and warm spices, these cookies deliver comforting flavor and satisfying texture with minimal fuss.
They’re easy to customize with your favorite add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips, and they store well for grab-and-go mornings throughout the week. With their balanced sweetness and wholesome feel, these cookies make starting your day a little brighter and a lot tastier — whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or reheated with your morning coffee.
Time to grab your ripe bananas and get baking!
