Are you tired of the same old breakfast routine? Craving something delicious, wholesome, and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This breakfast oatmeal cookie recipe is your answer. These aren't your average cookies; they're packed with nutritious oats, bursting with flavor, and surprisingly satisfying, making them the perfect healthy start to your day or a delightful afternoon snack. Get ready to elevate your breakfast game (or your snack game!) with this simple, yet incredibly rewarding recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick-cooking)
- ½ cup whole wheat flour
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- Optional add-ins: ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds), ½ cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots), ½ cup chocolate chips
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients first ensures even distribution of flavor and leavening agents.
Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract. This creates a smooth and consistent wet ingredient base.
Step 4: Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Step 5: Add Mix-ins (Optional): If using, gently fold in your choice of nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips.
Step 6: Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Step 7: Cool & Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to set properly and prevents breakage.
Tips for the Best Breakfast Oatmeal Cookies:
- Oat Type: Old-fashioned rolled oats provide the best texture, but quick-cooking oats work too.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of brown sugar and maple syrup to your preference.
- Baking Time: Oven temperatures vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust baking time as needed.
- Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Variations:
- Spiced Oatmeal Cookies: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom for a warm, comforting flavor.
- Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies: Stir in ½ cup of creamy peanut butter with the wet ingredients.
- Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies: Add ½ cup of chopped apples along with the cinnamon.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on add-ins)
These breakfast oatmeal cookies are a perfect example of delicious and healthy homemade cooking. They're quick dinner ideas for a simple breakfast, and they're a great way to sneak in some extra fiber and nutrients. Enjoy!