Chocolate Breakfast Cookies Recipe
These chocolate breakfast cookies strike the perfect balance between indulgent and nutritious. Made with wholesome ingredients like oats, cocoa powder, and natural sweeteners, they'll satisfy your chocolate cravings while providing sustained energy for your busy day.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups quick oats (certified gluten-free if needed)
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 3 tablespoons mini chocolate chips (dairy-free if needed)
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds (optional)
- 1 tablespoon flaxseed (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the oats, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, combine the mashed banana, maple syrup, applesauce, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until well mixed.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Stir in the almond milk until the mixture is moistened throughout. The dough will be quite thick.
- Fold in 2½ tablespoons of chocolate chips, reserving the remaining for topping.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each cookie slightly with a spatula to about ½ inch thickness.
- Press the remaining chocolate chips onto the tops of the cookies.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes. The cookies should be set but still soft in the center.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Nutritional Highlights
These chocolate breakfast cookies are: Gluten-free (with certified GF oats), vegan-friendly, refined sugar-free, dairy-free, and packed with fiber and plant-based protein!
| Nutrition Facts (per cookie) | Amount |
| Calories | 157 |
| Total Fat | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 26g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 8g |
| Protein | 4g |
Customization Tips for Your Chocolate Breakfast Cookies
One of the best things about these chocolate breakfast cookies is how versatile they are. You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your dietary needs, taste preferences, or what you happen to have in your pantry. Here are some delicious variations to try:
Protein-Packed Version
For an extra protein boost that will keep you fuller longer:
- Add 2 tablespoons of almond butter or peanut butter to the wet ingredients
- Replace 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder with chocolate protein powder
- Mix in 2 tablespoons of hemp seeds for plant-based protein
- Add chopped almonds or walnuts for healthy fats and protein
Kid-Friendly Version
Make these breakfast cookies irresistible for little ones:
- Use a mix of mini chocolate chips and colorful sprinkles
- Shape the cookies into fun shapes using cookie cutters
- Add a small drizzle of melted chocolate on top
- Mix in some natural food coloring for vibrant cookies
Superfood Version
Boost the nutritional profile even further:
- Add 1 tablespoon of chia seeds for omega-3 fatty acids
- Mix in 2 tablespoons of goji berries for antioxidants
- Include 1 teaspoon of maca powder for energy
- Sprinkle in some cacao nibs for a chocolate boost without added sugar
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
These chocolate breakfast cookies are perfect for meal prep and can be stored in several ways:
- Counter Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week for maximum freshness.
- Freezer: Place cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They'll keep for up to 3 months.
- Individual Wrapping: Wrap each cookie individually in parchment paper or plastic wrap before freezing for grab-and-go convenience.
“I make a double batch of these chocolate breakfast cookies every Sunday and freeze them. They thaw quickly in my lunch bag while I commute, giving me a perfect mid-morning energy boost!”
Why These Chocolate Breakfast Cookies Work
You might be wondering what makes these chocolate breakfast cookies a better choice than store-bought alternatives or traditional breakfast options. Here's why this recipe stands out:
Homemade Chocolate Breakfast Cookies
- Complete ingredient transparency
- No artificial preservatives or additives
- Customizable to dietary needs
- Significantly less sugar
- Higher in fiber and protein
- More cost-effective per serving
- Fresher taste
Store-Bought Breakfast Cookies
- Often contain hidden sugars
- May include artificial ingredients
- Limited customization options
- Usually higher in calories
- Often lower in fiber
- More expensive per serving
- May contain allergens
Beyond the nutritional benefits, these chocolate breakfast cookies provide perfect portion control. Each cookie contains a balanced mix of complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and protein to keep you satisfied until lunch. The oats provide slow-releasing energy, while the small amount of natural sweetener prevents the blood sugar spikes and crashes associated with traditional cookies.
Many commercial breakfast options market themselves as healthy but contain as much sugar as desserts. By making these chocolate breakfast cookies at home, you control exactly what goes into them, ensuring they truly support your health and energy goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular flour instead of oats?
While the recipe is designed to be gluten-free with oats as the base, you can substitute up to half of the oats with whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour if you don't need a gluten-free option. This will change the texture slightly, making the cookies less chewy and more cake-like.
How long do these chocolate breakfast cookies stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container, these cookies will stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature, 1 week in the refrigerator, or 3 months in the freezer. For best results, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Can I make these without banana?
Yes! If you don't like banana or don't have any on hand, you can substitute with an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce or pumpkin puree. The flavor will be slightly different, but the texture will remain similar.
Are these chocolate breakfast cookies actually healthy?
Yes, these cookies are made with wholesome ingredients like oats, cocoa powder, and natural sweeteners. They're lower in sugar than traditional cookies and contain fiber, protein, and healthy fats. They make a balanced breakfast option when paired with a source of protein like Greek yogurt or a glass of milk.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and keep it refrigerated. You may need to let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before scooping if it becomes too firm in the refrigerator.
Start Your Day Right with Chocolate Breakfast Cookies
These chocolate breakfast cookies are more than just a delicious treat—they're a practical solution for busy mornings when you need nutrition on the go. Packed with wholesome ingredients and customizable to suit your preferences, they're the perfect way to start your day with a smile.
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Whip up a batch tonight and conquer tomorrow! Your future self will thank you when you're enjoying a delicious, nutritious chocolate breakfast cookie instead of skipping the most important meal of the day.
