These Healthy Oatmeal Toddler Breakfast Cookies are a delightful way to start your child’s day. Packed with nutrients and made from simple, wholesome ingredients, these cookies are perfect for breakfast on the go or a quick snack. They are also versatile enough to be gluten-free and vegan, making them suitable for various dietary needs. These cookies not only satisfy little tummies but also make parents happy with their health-conscious appeal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nutrient-Rich: These cookies are loaded with wholesome ingredients that provide essential vitamins and minerals.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a batch of delicious cookies ready in no time.
- Kid-Friendly Flavor: The natural sweetness from banana and applesauce makes them a hit with toddlers.
- Versatile Options: You can easily customize these cookies by adding fruits, nuts, or seeds according to your child’s preferences.
- Healthy Snack Alternative: These cookies are a great way to offer a healthier alternative to traditional sugary snacks.
Tools and Preparation
To create these delightful cookies, you will need some basic kitchen tools. Having the right tools can make the process smoother and more efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop or spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A good-sized bowl helps you effectively combine all ingredients without spilling.
- Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet ensures even baking, giving you perfectly textured cookies.
- Parchment paper: Using parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Cookie scoop or spoon: This tool helps form uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
Ingredients
These kid-friendly breakfast cookies are packed with nutrients and made with only a few simple ingredients. You can also make them gluten-free and vegan!
Dry Ingredients
- 1-1/4 cup gluten free rolled oats
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ripe medium banana, mashed (about 3.2 oz)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tbsp peanut butter or any nut butter (I use unsweetened nut butter)
- 1 egg (or substitute with 1 flax egg)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How to Make Healthy Oatmeal Toddler Breakfast Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a medium bowl, add the following ingredients:
1. 1-1/4 cup gluten free rolled oats
2. 1 ripe medium banana, mashed
3. 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
4. 2 tbsp peanut butter or any nut butter
5. 1 egg (or substitute with 1 flax egg)
6. 1 tsp vanilla extract
7. 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
Stir until the batter is well blended and combined.
Step 3: Form the Cookies
Use a cookie scoop or spoon to form 1-½ – 2 tablespoon size cookie balls. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet, flattening each cookie so they are about ½ inch thick.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Bake for about 10 minutes or until they are slightly golden around the edges. Remove from the cookie sheet and let cool before serving.
Enjoy your homemade Healthy Oatmeal Toddler Breakfast Cookies!
How to Serve Healthy Oatmeal Toddler Breakfast Cookies
These Healthy Oatmeal Toddler Breakfast Cookies are not only nutritious but also versatile. You can serve them in various ways to make breakfast exciting for your little ones.
Cookie with Fruit
- Pair the cookies with sliced bananas or berries for a fresh touch.
Dipped in Yogurt
- Serve the cookies alongside a small bowl of yogurt for dipping. This adds creaminess and extra protein.
Snack Time Treat
- Offer these cookies as a healthy snack option during the day. Perfect for a quick energy boost!
Topped with Nut Butter
- Spread almond or peanut butter on top of the cookies for added flavor and nutrition.
Crumbled over Smoothies
- Crush the cookies and sprinkle them over smoothies. This adds a nice crunch and enhances texture.
How to Perfect Healthy Oatmeal Toddler Breakfast Cookies
Creating the perfect Healthy Oatmeal Toddler Breakfast Cookies is easy with a few helpful tips.
Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be.
Adjust Sweetness: If your toddler prefers sweeter treats, consider adding a drizzle of honey or maple syrup (if appropriate).
Experiment with Mix-ins: Add mini chocolate chips, dried fruit, or chopped nuts to customize flavors and enhance nutrition.
Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or freeze for longer storage.
Best Side Dishes for Healthy Oatmeal Toddler Breakfast Cookies
These breakfast cookies can be paired with many delightful side dishes that kids love. Here are some great options to consider:
Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and vitamins. Easy to prepare by chopping fruits like apples, oranges, and grapes.
Smoothie Bowl: Blend yogurt, spinach, and banana into a smoothie bowl topped with granola. It’s fun and nutritious!
Cheese Cubes: Pairing these cookies with cheese cubes can provide extra protein and calcium, making it a balanced meal.
Oatmeal: Serving oatmeal on the side can offer additional fiber and heartiness. Great when flavored with cinnamon or fruit!
Veggie Sticks: Carrot or cucumber sticks add crunch and nutrients. Serve with hummus for added flavor!
Nut Butter Dip: Mixing nut butter with yogurt creates a tasty dip that complements the sweetness of the cookies beautifully!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Healthy Oatmeal Toddler Breakfast Cookies, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly.
- Using unripe bananas: Choose a ripe banana for natural sweetness and better texture. Unripe bananas won’t blend well and may affect the taste.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Accurate measurements are crucial for the right cookie consistency. Use measuring cups and spoons for precise results.
- Overbaking the cookies: Keep an eye on baking time. Overbaked cookies can become dry. Aim for a slight golden edge and remove them promptly.
- Skipping the cooling step: Let your cookies cool before storing them. This helps maintain their texture and prevents them from becoming soggy.
- Forgetting about allergies: Be mindful of nut allergies if using nut butter. Consider alternatives like sunflower seed butter for a safe option.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Duration: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Temperature: Keep your refrigerator at or below 40°F (4°C) to maintain freshness.
Freezing Healthy Oatmeal Toddler Breakfast Cookies
- Duration: Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
- Containers: Use a freezer-safe bag or airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating Healthy Oatmeal Toddler Breakfast Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
- Stovetop: Place on low heat in a pan covered with a lid, warming gently for a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Healthy Oatmeal Toddler Breakfast Cookies that you might find helpful.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free rolled oats and nut butter to ensure these cookies are gluten-free.
How can I make Healthy Oatmeal Toddler Breakfast Cookies vegan?
Simply substitute the egg with a flax egg. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens.
What can I add to these toddler breakfast cookies?
You can customize your cookies by adding ingredients like chocolate chips, raisins, or chopped nuts based on your toddler’s preferences.
How do I store leftover cookies?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freeze them for later enjoyment.
Final Thoughts
These Healthy Oatmeal Toddler Breakfast Cookies are not only nutritious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your child’s tastes, making them perfect for breakfast or snack time. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the delightful flavors while knowing you’re providing something wholesome!
Healthy Oatmeal Toddler Breakfast Cookies
Start your child’s day right with these Healthy Oatmeal Toddler Breakfast Cookies. Bursting with wholesome ingredients like ripe bananas and applesauce, these cookies offer a deliciously nutritious breakfast or snack option for busy little ones. Perfectly soft and naturally sweet, they’re gluten-free and vegan-friendly, making them suitable for various dietary needs. With minimal prep time and the flexibility to customize with your toddler’s favorite mix-ins, these cookies are not just healthy but also incredibly satisfying. Enjoy peace of mind knowing that your kids are indulging in a treat that’s as delightful for parents as it is for toddlers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 cookies
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1-1/4 cup gluten-free rolled oats
- 1 ripe medium banana, mashed
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tbsp peanut butter (or any nut butter)
- 1 egg (or flax egg)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, mashed banana, applesauce, nut butter, egg or flax egg, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Stir until well blended.
- Use a cookie scoop or spoon to form cookie balls (about 1-½ to 2 tablespoons each) and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each cookie to about ½ inch thick.
- Bake for approximately 10 minutes or until slightly golden around the edges. Allow cooling before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
