If you’re searching for a delicious and wholesome treat your little one will absolutely love, the Healthy Oatmeal Toddler Breakfast Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies are a perfect blend of natural sweetness from ripe bananas, the hearty texture of gluten-free oats, and a gentle hint of cinnamon, making them not only irresistible but also packed with nutrition. They’re simple to make, packed with ingredients you can trust, and ideal for busy mornings when you want something quick yet nourishing. Trust me, once you try this recipe, these little cookies will become a staple in your toddler’s breakfast rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Healthy Oatmeal Toddler Breakfast Cookies Recipe means gathering just a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a crucial role in making these cookies a crowd-pleaser. From the creamy peanut butter adding richness to the applesauce keeping things moist yet light, all components work together to create the perfect bite-sized breakfast.
- Gluten-free rolled oats (1¼ cup): Provides a chewy texture and excellent source of fiber for healthy digestion.
- Ripe medium banana, mashed (about 3.2 oz): Naturally sweetens the cookies while adding potassium and moisture.
- Unsweetened applesauce (¼ cup): Keeps the cookies soft and tender without any added sugar.
- Peanut butter or any unsweetened nut butter (2 tablespoons): Adds nutty flavor and healthy fats essential for growing toddlers.
- Egg (1) or flax egg substitute: Acts as a binder to hold the ingredients together perfectly.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, comforting note.
- Ground cinnamon (¼ teaspoon): Introduces a subtle hint of spice that’s toddler-approved.
How to Make Healthy Oatmeal Toddler Breakfast Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s nice and hot to bake your cookies evenly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This small prep step saves time later and keeps your kitchen mess-free.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, pour in your gluten-free rolled oats, mashed banana, unsweetened applesauce, peanut butter, egg, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Give everything a good stir until all ingredients are completely blended into a smooth, slightly sticky dough. Mixing by hand or with a spoon works great here; no fancy equipment needed!
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out about 1½ to 2 tablespoons of the mixture per cookie. Place these dough balls onto your lined baking sheet. Gently flatten each ball with your fingers or the back of a spoon to about half an inch thick. This helps them bake evenly and develop that lovely cookie shape.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for approximately 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the cookies turn slightly golden on top and firm up a bit. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack; cooling helps them set up perfectly and enhances their texture.
How to Serve Healthy Oatmeal Toddler Breakfast Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies are delightful on their own, but you can dress them up slightly with toddler-friendly garnishes. A light spread of unsweetened nut butter on top or a small dollop of yogurt can add creaminess that pairs beautifully with the oatmeal’s heartiness.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a fresh fruit smoothie or some sliced banana for a balanced breakfast. The combination of protein, fiber, and natural sugars will keep your toddler energized and happy until lunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Make breakfast fun by arranging the cookies on a plate with colorful fruit faces or shapes made from berries and yogurt. You can also pack them in a little lunch box as a grab-and-go snack, helping you accommodate busy mornings without sacrificing nutrition.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any cookies left over, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the cookies soft and chewy, perfect for quick breakfasts or snacks later in the week.
Freezing
These breakfast cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separated by parchment paper, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you need a quick bite, just thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave.
Reheating
To enjoy the cookies warm, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or heat them briefly in a toaster oven. The warmth brings back a delightful softness and enhances the comforting flavors.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe nut-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or simply omit it and add a little extra applesauce for moisture. The texture will stay delicious and toddler-friendly.
Is this recipe suitable for toddlers with egg allergies?
Yes, you can replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or a chia egg. These work perfectly as binders while keeping the cookies moist.
Can I swap gluten-free oats for regular oats?
Definitely. If there are no gluten sensitivities, use regular rolled oats in equal amounts to achieve the same chewy texture and flavor.
How sweet are these cookies?
The natural sweetness comes solely from the ripe banana and applesauce, making these a mildly sweet option perfect for toddlers without any added sugar.
Can I add mix-ins like raisins or mini chocolate chips?
For toddlers new to baked goods, it’s best to keep the recipe simple. However, a handful of raisins or toddler-safe mini chocolate chips can be mixed in occasionally if your child enjoys those flavors.
Final Thoughts
Making the Healthy Oatmeal Toddler Breakfast Cookies Recipe is such a rewarding way to start the day with your little one. Not only are these cookies packed with wholesome ingredients that fuel growing bodies, but they’re also incredibly easy to whip up and versatile enough to adapt to your toddler’s tastes. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and see your toddler’s face light up with each bite. Here’s to many happy, nutritious mornings ahead!
Print
Healthy Oatmeal Toddler Breakfast Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 cookies
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Healthy Oatmeal Toddler Breakfast Cookies are a nutritious and delicious way to start your little one’s day. Made with gluten-free oats, ripe banana, unsweetened applesauce, and natural nut butter, these cookies are naturally sweetened and packed with wholesome ingredients. Perfectly soft and toddler-friendly, they provide a balanced breakfast option that’s quick to prepare and bake.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1¼ cup gluten free rolled oats
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ripe medium banana, mashed (about 3.2 oz)
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tablespoon peanut butter or any unsweetened nut butter
- 1 egg (or substitute with 1 flax egg)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the 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.
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the gluten-free rolled oats, mashed banana, unsweetened applesauce, peanut butter, egg (or flax egg substitute), vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Stir the mixture until all ingredients are thoroughly blended and form a sticky dough.
- Form Cookies: Using a cookie scoop, portion out 1½ to 2 tablespoon-sized amounts of the dough. Shape each into a ball and then flatten gently to about ½ inch thickness. Place the formed cookies evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for approximately 10 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden. Keep an eye on them as the baking time might vary slightly depending on your oven.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Cooling helps them set properly while maintaining their soft texture, perfect for toddlers.
Notes
- For a vegan alternative, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes).
- Ensure peanut butter or nut butter used is unsweetened and free of added salt for a healthier option.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- If allergy concerns exist, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or omit nut butter entirely.
- Check the cookie size for toddler safety and adjust according to choking hazard guidelines.
