Healthy Oatmeal Toddler Breakfast Cookies

These Healthy Oatmeal Toddler Breakfast Cookies are a fantastic choice for busy mornings or snack time. Packed with wholesome ingredients, these cookies are not only nutritious but also easy to make. They are perfect for little hands and can be customized to suit your family’s taste. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast option or a tasty treat, these cookies will surely delight both kids and parents alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nutritious Ingredients: These cookies use wholesome oats, bananas, and applesauce, making them a healthy choice.
• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, these cookies come together quickly, perfect for busy mornings.
• Customizable: You can easily swap nut butter or add mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruit for variety.
• Gluten-Free & Vegan Options: Suitable for various dietary needs, simply substitute to make these cookies gluten-free and vegan.
• Kid-Friendly: Little ones love the soft texture and sweet flavor, making it easier to introduce healthier snacks.

Tools and Preparation

To make these healthy oatmeal toddler breakfast cookies, you will need some essential tools to streamline the process. Having the right equipment on hand makes cooking enjoyable!

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop or spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl allows you to combine ingredients without spills, making it easier to mix your cookie dough.
• Baking sheet: A good quality baking sheet ensures even cooking and prevents sticking when lined with parchment paper.
• Parchment paper: This tool helps in easy cleanup and prevents your cookies from sticking to the baking sheet.
• Cookie scoop or spoon: Using a cookie scoop ensures 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!

For the Cookies

• 1-1/4 cup gluten free rolled oats
• 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
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

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 to prepare for baking.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients

In a medium bowl, add the oats, mashed banana, applesauce, peanut butter (or any nut butter), egg, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Stir until everything is blended well and combined into a smooth batter.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, form balls that are about 1-½ – 2 tablespoons in size. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each cookie slightly so they are about ½ inch thick.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Bake your cookies for about 10 minutes or until they turn slightly golden around the edges. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet before enjoying!

How to Serve Healthy Oatmeal Toddler Breakfast Cookies

These Healthy Oatmeal Toddler Breakfast Cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed in various delightful ways. Here are some serving suggestions to make them even more appealing for your little ones.

With Fresh Fruit

• Sliced bananas – Add a layer of freshness and extra sweetness.
• Berries – Serve with strawberries or blueberries for a burst of flavor.

With Yogurt

• Plain yogurt – A creamy dip that complements the cookies perfectly.
• Flavored yogurt – Add some excitement with fruity or vanilla-flavored yogurt.

As a Snack

• Mid-morning treat – Perfect for keeping toddlers energized between meals.
• After-school snack – A wholesome option to refuel after playtime.

With Nut Butter

• Spread peanut butter – For an extra protein boost, spread some nut butter on top.
• Almond butter drizzle – A tasty variation to enhance the cookie’s flavor.

In a Lunchbox

• Packed with fruits – Include these cookies in a lunchbox alongside fresh fruit.
• With cheese cubes – Pairing cookies with cheese offers a balanced meal.

SAVE THIS!

How to Perfect Healthy Oatmeal Toddler Breakfast Cookies

To ensure your Healthy Oatmeal Toddler Breakfast Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use ripe bananas – The riper the banana, the sweeter and creamier your cookies will be.
• Mix thoroughly – Make sure all ingredients are well combined for consistent texture.
• Flatten cookies before baking – This helps them bake evenly and achieve the right texture.
• Watch baking time – Keep an eye on them as ovens vary; remove when slightly golden.
• Store properly – Keep cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for longer.

Best Side Dishes for Healthy Oatmeal Toddler Breakfast Cookies

Complementing your Healthy Oatmeal Toddler Breakfast Cookies with nutritious side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some tasty options:

1. Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds color and vitamins.
2. Veggie Sticks – Carrot and cucumber sticks provide crunch and hydration.
3. Cheese Cubes – A source of calcium that pairs nicely with the sweetness of cookies.
4. Hummus Dip – Great for dipping veggie sticks or even cookie pieces!
5. Smoothie – A berry or banana smoothie is refreshing and nutritious.
6. Oatmeal – Serve alongside a small bowl of oatmeal for added fiber.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Healthy Oatmeal Toddler Breakfast Cookies can be simple, but there are common mistakes to watch for. Here are some tips to help you succeed.

• Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can make the cookies tough. Stir until just combined for a soft texture.
• Ignoring Ingredient Temperature: Using cold ingredients can affect the cookie’s rise and texture. Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Properly: Accurate measurements matter for baking. Use measuring cups and spoons specifically designed for dry and wet ingredients.
• Skipping Parchment Paper: Baking directly on a tray can lead to sticking. Always line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Not Preheating the Oven: Baking in a cold oven affects cooking time and results. Always preheat your oven before putting your cookies in.

SAVE THIS!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Healthy Oatmeal Toddler Breakfast Cookies

• Place cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Healthy Oatmeal Toddler Breakfast Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat each cookie for 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat and warm each cookie for about 1 minute per side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Healthy Oatmeal Toddler Breakfast Cookies that might help you.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free rolled oats, as suggested in the recipe, to keep them gluten-free.

How can I make these cookies vegan?

You can substitute the egg with a flax egg by mixing 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water and letting it sit until it thickens.

What other nut butters can I use?

Feel free to replace peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or sun butter based on your preference or dietary needs.

How do I know when my cookies are done?

The edges should be slightly golden, and the center will look set but soft. They will firm up as they cool.

Can I add mix-ins to these cookies?

Absolutely! Consider adding chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts to enhance flavor and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

These Healthy Oatmeal Toddler Breakfast Cookies are nutritious, tasty, and incredibly versatile. You can easily customize them with different mix-ins or nut butters to suit your child’s tastes. Try this recipe today for a delightful breakfast treat!