Banana Almond Breakfast Cookies

Name: Banana Almond Breakfast Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 cookies
Ingredients: 2 ripe bananas, mashed; 1 cup almond butter; 1/2 cup rolled oats; 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup chopped almonds; Optional: 1/4 cup chocolate chips or dried fruits

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

I recently experimented with a new breakfast cookie recipe and was thrilled with the results! These Banana Almond Breakfast Cookies are not only delicious but also packed with wholesome ingredients. They’re perfect for a quick breakfast on busy mornings or a satisfying snack throughout the day. I love how they bring together the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and the nutty flavor of almonds. They are so easy to make, and I can customize them with add-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruit, making them a fun and versatile treat.

Created by

Riley Dawson

Last updated on 2026-01-15T14:01:13.985Z

When I first baked these cookies, I was pleasantly surprised by how well the flavors melded together. The subtle sweetness of the banana combined with the crunchiness of the almonds creates a delightful texture. I recommend using ripe bananas because their natural sugars enhance the cookie's flavor. It's a great way to use leftovers!

One tip I found useful is to leave the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them. This helps them set and remain chewy on the inside while achieving a slight crispness on the edges. Trust me, it makes a world of difference!

        Why You Will Love These Cookies
        Naturally sweetened with ripe bananas for a healthier treat
Packed with protein and healthy fats from almonds
Quick to prepare and perfect for meal prepping
Customizable with your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips

      

Mastering the Cookie Texture

Achieving the perfect texture in your Banana Almond Breakfast Cookies is key. When combining the ingredients, ensure that the bananas are thoroughly mashed to avoid any lumps. This will contribute to a chewier texture. The almond butter not only adds flavor but also acts as the binding agent, helping the cookies hold together without the addition of flour. If you find the mixture too runny, a sprinkle of oats can help absorb excess moisture.

While baking, aim for a golden brown edge, which typically takes about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on the cookies during the last few minutes, as they can quickly shift from golden to overbaked. If you want them a bit softer, you can remove them from the oven when they are lightly golden, knowing they will continue to cook slightly as they cool.

Add-Ins and Variations

The beauty of these cookies lies in their versatility. You can customize the base recipe by folding in dark chocolate chips, which melt beautifully and contrast with the nutty almond flavor. Alternatively, dried cranberries or apricots add a fruity burst to every bite. If you enjoy a bit of spice, consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the mix for warmth and complexity. Each variation can change the cookie's profile, making them suitable for different tastes or dietary preferences.

For nut allergies, you can easily swap almond butter with sunflower seed butter, yielding similar moisture and texture while being nut-free. If you're looking to reduce sweetness, cut the honey or maple syrup down to 2 tablespoons. The bananas already provide plenty of natural sweetness, so trust your taste while incorporating these adjustments.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

These cookies are not just a grab-and-go treat; they also excel in meal prep. Once baked and cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer preservation, they freeze well. Just layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container, and they can last for up to three months. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to restore their softness, or enjoy them straight from the freezer for a chewy snack.

When meal prepping, consider doubling the batch and shaping the dough into balls before freezing. This way, you can bake fresh cookies on demand by simply pulling out the desired number of cookie dough balls and baking them straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or so to the baking time. This method guarantees that you always have a fresh, homemade treat at hand, perfect for busy mornings.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your cookies:

Ingredients

2 ripe bananas, mashed
1 cup almond butter
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped almonds
Optional: 1/4 cup chocolate chips or dried fruits

With these ingredients on hand, you're ready to bake!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to bake your cookies:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mix the Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas and almond butter until smooth. Stir in the rolled oats, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Fold in the chopped almonds and any optional mix-ins you desire.

Shape the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the edges are golden brown. The cookies will firm up as they cool.

Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your delicious Banana Almond Breakfast Cookies!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, you can sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg into the cookie mixture. Be sure not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.

Ingredient Benefits

The use of ripe bananas in this recipe not only sweetens the cookies naturally but also adds moisture and contributes a subtle flavor profile. Bananas are full of potassium and vitamin B6, enhancing the nutritional value of these cookies while providing the natural sugars needed for an energy boost to kickstart your day.

Almond butter is rich in protein, healthy fats, and vitamin E, which makes these breakfast cookies a wholesome choice. By opting for unsweetened almond butter, you can control the sweetness even further while ensuring that the nutty flavor shines through without overpowering the banana.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your cookies come out too dry, it’s likely that the banana was not sufficiently ripe or mashed, affecting the moisture content. Always aim for bananas that are heavily speckled or virtually black, as these will yield the best flavor and moisture balance. Adjust the honey or maple syrup quantity based on your banana's ripeness, using more for drier fruit.

On the other hand, if your cookies are too sticky to handle after mixing, consider adding a tablespoon or two of rolled oats or almond meal to help absorb the excess moisture without changing the cookie's texture. This adjustment is especially useful if you're adding extra mix-ins that might introduce more liquid.

Serving Suggestions

These Banana Almond Breakfast Cookies can be enjoyed on their own or served with a side of yogurt or a scoop of nut butter for a more satisfying meal. Pair them with fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples for a complete breakfast that packs a nutrient punch.

For a delightful midday snack, try crumbling a cookie over a bowl of oatmeal or yogurt. This adds an enjoyable crunch and complements the soft textures, making for a more dynamic eating experience that revives your afternoon energy.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute almond butter?

Yes, you can use peanut butter or any nut butter of your choice.

→ How should I store the cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.

→ Can I freeze these cookies?

Absolutely! You can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Just make sure they are completely cooled before storing them in a freezer-safe container.

→ What can I add to enhance the flavor?

Consider adding chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for a flavor boost.