Banana Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies

Imagine waking up to the aroma of freshly baked Banana Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies wafting through your kitchen—a delightful blend of ripe bananas, juicy blueberries, hearty oats, and a touch of sweetness from honey or maple syrup. These cookies aren’t just a treat for your taste buds; they’re a wholesome way to start your day, packed with fiber, antioxidants, and natural sweetness. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee, as a quick snack, or even on the go, these cookies are sure to satisfy your morning cravings while keeping you fueled and ready for the day ahead.

There’s something incredibly nostalgic about the smell of baked goods in the morning. It takes me back to childhood, waking up to the sounds of the kitchen bustling with activity and the comforting scent of homemade treats. These Banana Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies bring back those warm memories. They remind me of lazy Sunday mornings spent in the kitchen, learning to bake with my grandmother. She always believed in the power of a nutritious breakfast, and these cookies encapsulate her philosophy of health and love.

INGREDIENTS:

Understanding the ingredients and their roles can deepen your appreciation for the recipe and perhaps inspire you to experiment with variations.

2 ripe bananas, mashed: Bananas are the star of this recipe. Their natural sweetness reduces the need for added sugars, and they provide moisture and binding properties to the cookies, ensuring they are soft and chewy.

1 cup rolled oats: Oats are the backbone of these cookies. They add a hearty texture and are a great source of fiber, which helps keep you full longer. Oats also contribute to the cookie’s structure, giving them a satisfying bite.

1/2 cup blueberries: Blueberries add bursts of fruity flavor and color. They are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, making these cookies not just delicious but also nutritious.

1/4 cup honey or maple syrup: This natural sweetener binds the ingredients together and adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the other flavors.

1 tsp vanilla extract: Vanilla enhances all the other flavors in the cookies and adds a wonderful aroma that complements the bananas and blueberries.

1/2 tsp cinnamon: Cinnamon adds warmth and a hint of spice, which pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the bananas and honey/maple syrup.

A pinch of salt: Salt might seem minor, but it’s crucial in balancing the sweetness and enhancing the overall flavor profile of the cookies.

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to make cleanup easier.

Prepare Wet Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas using a fork until they are smooth and free of lumps. The bananas should be overripe with brown spots for maximum sweetness and moisture.

Combine Dry Ingredients:

To the mashed bananas, add the rolled oats, blueberries, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Each ingredient should be measured accurately to ensure the best texture and flavor.

Mix Thoroughly:

Stir all the ingredients together until well combined. Make sure the oats and blueberries are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This step is crucial for ensuring that each cookie has a balanced amount of ingredients.

Shape and Bake Cookies:

Drop spoonfuls of the cookie mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart. Use the back of the spoon to flatten each spoonful slightly into a cookie shape. These cookies won’t spread much, so shaping them beforehand will give you the desired form.

Bake Until Golden Brown:

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown and the tops are set. Baking times can vary, so keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking …