Banana Almond Breakfast Cookies

Name: Banana Almond Breakfast Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 12 cookies
Ingredients: 2 ripe bananas, mashed; 1 cup almond butter; 1 cup rolled oats; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup); 1/2 cup slivered almonds; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

I love starting my day with something nutritious yet satisfying, and these Banana Almond Breakfast Cookies have become my go-to. Packed with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and the rich flavor of almonds, they’re perfect for breakfast on the go or a quick snack. The best part is that they come together effortlessly with minimal ingredients, making them a great choice for busy mornings. I’ve also found that they stay fresh for days, so I can prep a batch and enjoy them throughout the week!

Created by

Katherine Blake

Last updated on 2026-01-18T03:55:11.845Z

Making these Banana Almond Breakfast Cookies is always a delightful experience for me. I remember the first time I made them—I had some overripe bananas and a bag of slivered almonds just waiting to be used. The combination turned out to be a match made in heaven! I love how the bananas act as a natural sweetener and binding agent, ensuring the cookies are both chewy and flavorful.

One tip I’ve learned is to let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. This step helps them firm up nicely, enhancing their texture. It’s those little details that make all the difference, and I always feel a satisfaction when I bite into one of these cookies!

        Why You Will Love These Cookies
        Nutritious ingredients that keep you energized
Easy to make and perfect for meal prep
Deliciously chewy with the right amount of almond crunch

      

Perfectly Ripe Bananas Are Key

When making Banana Almond Breakfast Cookies, the quality of the bananas plays a pivotal role in the overall flavor. Opt for bananas that are fully ripe, with a deep yellow color and even some brown spots. This means they are bursting with natural sugars, resulting in sweeter and more flavorful cookies. Avoid using overly green bananas, as they won’t provide the same depth of sweetness and could lead to a less enjoyable texture.

To speed up the ripening process, place your bananas in a paper bag at room temperature. This traps ethylene gas, which encourages ripening. However, make sure not to leave them too long, or you might end up with banana mush! If you find yourself short on time, you can also microwave the bananas for about 30 seconds to soften them, though this may not impart the same flavor as naturally ripe ones.

The Role of Almond Butter

Almond butter is the star ingredient in these cookies, providing not only its signature nutty flavor but also healthy fats and protein. When choosing almond butter, look for a smooth variety without added sugars or hydrogenated oils for the best texture and health benefits. If you prefer a crunchier texture, try a chunky almond butter—it will add delightful bits of almond in every bite and could enhance the overall mouthfeel of the cookies.

For those with nut allergies, sunflower seed butter makes an excellent substitute and adds its own unique flavor profile. Just ensure to check that your baking environment is nut-free, as cross-contamination is a concern. It’s fun to experiment, so don’t hesitate to switch up the nut butters depending on your dietary needs or preferences!

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

One of the best features of these cookies is their excellent storage capability. Once cool, you can keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To maintain their chewy texture, layers of parchment paper between the cookies can help prevent them from sticking together. If you prefer them even chewier, consider refrigerating them for a slightly firmer bite.

If you're looking to prepare these cookies in advance, feel free to freeze them for up to three months. To do this, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you're ready for a treat, simply thaw them at room temperature or pop them in a preheated oven for a few minutes to warm them up. It's a great way to always have a nutritious snack handy!

Ingredients

Gather these simple items to make your breakfast cookies.

Ingredients for Banana Almond Breakfast Cookies

2 ripe bananas, mashed
1 cup almond butter
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup)
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

These ingredients make a delicious and wholesome treat!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Banana Almond Breakfast Cookies.

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.

Add Dry Ingredients

Stir in the rolled oats, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Finally, fold in the slivered almonds.

Form the Cookies

Drop heaping tablespoons of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

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 and wholesome cookies!

Pro Tips

These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week. You can also add chocolate chips or dried fruit for extra flavor!

Cookie Formation Techniques

When dropping the cookie mixture onto the baking sheet, use a medium-sized cookie scoop for uniformity. This ensures that all the cookies bake evenly, reducing the chances of some being overcooked while others remain undercooked. Spacing the cookies at least two inches apart is also crucial as they will spread slightly during baking, allowing for the ideal chewy texture without merging into one another.

If you're struggling to form the cookies, consider chilling the dough in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before scooping. This added chill time can help firm up the batter, preventing excessive spreading in the oven. Just remember that the mixture will still be a bit softer than traditional cookie dough due to the almond butter.

Customization Ideas

Feel free to get creative with add-ins to personalize your Banana Almond Breakfast Cookies. For a tropical twist, consider adding shredded coconut or even chopped dried pineapple. If you want a bit of chocolate indulgence, dark chocolate chips can be mixed in for a delightful contrast against the almond butter, providing an extra layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with the bananas.

You can also switch up the spices: try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a warming touch or adjusting the cinnamon to your taste. Each variation can bring a new experience to your breakfast, making these cookies versatile enough to keep you looking forward to your morning treat.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your cookies turn out too dry, double-check the banana measurement, as too little banana can lead to crumbly cookies. Adding a splash of milk or a small additional scoop of almond butter can restore moisture when you realize this at the mixing stage. Be attentive to baking times as well; over-baking even by a couple of minutes can result in a dry outcome.

For cookies that don’t hold their shape, ensure that the baking sheet is properly lined with parchment paper. If the cookies spread too much, chilling the dough before baking is an effective fix. Keep an eye on the edges of the cookies—when they become lightly golden, it's typically a sign that they are ready to be removed from the oven for that perfect chewy texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use peanut butter instead of almond butter?

Yes, peanut butter works just as well and adds a different flavor.

→ How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Use certified gluten-free rolled oats for a gluten-free version.

→ Can I freeze these cookies?

Absolutely! They freeze well. Just place them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.

→ How do I ripen bananas quickly?

Place them in a paper bag at room temperature to speed up the ripening process.