Looking for a grab-and-go breakfast that’s actually nourishing and delicious? These Healthy Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Cookies are the answer. They’re chewy, naturally sweet, and packed with wholesome ingredients that will keep you full and energized all morning. With warm cinnamon spice, tender apple bits, and hearty oats, these cookies taste like a cozy bowl of apple cinnamon oatmeal—but in cookie form! They’re incredibly easy to make, perfect for meal prep, and ideal for busy mornings when you need something fast, filling, and fuss-free.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for On-the-Go Mornings: These cookies are portable, mess-free, and make the ultimate breakfast for hectic weekdays.
- Nutritious and Filling: Made with whole grain oats, apples, and nut butter—these are cookies you can actually feel good about eating.
- Naturally Sweetened: No refined sugar here! These are sweetened with applesauce and maple syrup for a warm, naturally sweet flavor.
- Easy to Customize: Whether you’re dairy-free, gluten-free, or vegan, this recipe is flexible enough to suit your needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what makes these breakfast cookies both delicious and wholesome:
- Rolled Oats: The base of the cookie, adding fiber and a hearty texture.
- Almond Flour: Helps bind the cookies and adds a subtle nutty flavor.
- Apples: Use a sweet apple like Fuji or Honeycrisp for little pops of juicy, fruity flavor in every bite.
- Applesauce: Naturally sweetens the cookies and keeps them moist without needing extra fat.
- Nut Butter: Almond or peanut butter works great to add richness and help hold everything together.
- Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that adds depth and that classic breakfast flavor.
- Egg or Flax Egg: Acts as a binder. Use flax egg if making these vegan.
- Cinnamon: Essential for that warm, comforting spice. Don’t be shy!
- Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors and adds a bakery-style aroma.
- Baking Powder: Gives the cookies just a bit of lift.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors—don’t skip it!
Variations
These cookies are super adaptable—here’s how to make them your own:
- Nut-Free: Swap the almond flour for oat flour and use sunflower seed butter.
- Add-Ins: Toss in some raisins, chopped walnuts, or shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor.
- Extra Protein: Stir in a scoop of your favorite protein powder to make them even more filling.
- More Fruit: Add dried cranberries or chopped dates for fruity variety.
How to Make Healthy Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup so much easier.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the applesauce, nut butter, maple syrup, egg (or flax egg), and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Stir in the Dry Ingredients
Add in the rolled oats, almond flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until everything is fully incorporated. Then gently fold in the chopped apples.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Scoop the dough into mounds using a cookie scoop or large spoon. Flatten slightly with your hand or the back of a spoon—they won’t spread much.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set. Let them cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use Finely Chopped Apples: The smaller the pieces, the better they’ll distribute and soften during baking.
- Don’t Overbake: These cookies are meant to stay soft and chewy. Take them out when they’re just set to avoid drying them out.
- Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too sticky, a quick 10-minute chill in the fridge can help with shaping.
- Batch Bake: Double the recipe and freeze extras—you’ll be so glad you did!
How to Serve
These cookies are perfect just as they are, but here are a few ways to enjoy them even more:
On Their Own
Grab one (or two!) as a quick breakfast with your morning coffee or tea.
With Yogurt
Serve alongside a bowl of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey for a protein-packed meal.
As a Snack
Toss one into a lunchbox or keep a few in your bag for an afternoon pick-me-up.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Freezing
Freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temp or microwave for a few seconds before enjoying.
Reheating
Pop a cookie in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked softness and warmth.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Absolutely! Just use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water) in place of the egg, and ensure your nut butter and other ingredients are dairy-free.
Do these cookies need to be refrigerated?
Not necessarily, but if you want them to last longer (more than 3 days), pop them in the fridge to stay fresh.
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
You can, but the texture will be a little softer and less chewy. If you prefer a firmer cookie, stick with rolled oats.
Are these cookies good for kids?
Yes! These are kid-friendly, naturally sweetened, and free of refined sugar. They’re a great snack or breakfast for little ones.
Final Thoughts
These Healthy Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Cookies are everything a breakfast should be—easy, nourishing, and totally satisfying. They come together fast, are packed with wholesome goodness, and taste like a cozy hug in cookie form. Make a batch (or two), and enjoy breakfast you can feel great about every single day!
Healthy Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Healthy Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, apples, and cinnamon—perfect for a nutritious grab-and-go morning snack.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup finely chopped apple (peeled and cored)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, whole wheat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together melted coconut oil, maple syrup or honey, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
- Fold in the chopped apples, and if using, the nuts and dried fruit.
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough and shape into cookies on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the cookies are set and lightly golden.
- Let cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for a week.
- Use sweet or tart apples depending on your flavor preference.
- For a vegan version, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
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