These Healthy Oatmeal Toddler Breakfast Cookies are the ultimate busy-morning secret weapon—soft, sweet, and completely guilt-free, packed with wholesome oats, nut butter, and just a touch of natural fruit sweetness. They’re the perfect grab-and-go option for tiny hands, picky eaters, and anyone who needs a filling breakfast treat that’s both nutritious and delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nourishing Ingredients: Packed with whole grain oats, fruit, and protein, these cookies offer sustained energy for little ones and adults alike.
- Quick & Easy: The entire recipe comes together in about 20 minutes—no fancy equipment, no complicated steps!
- Naturally Sweetened: Bananas and applesauce provide plenty of natural sweetness, so there’s no need for added sugar.
- Perfect for Tiny Hands: These Healthy Oatmeal Toddler Breakfast Cookies are soft, chewy, and perfectly portioned for toddlers to hold and enjoy independently.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll love how simple these pantry staples come together to create cookies that are naturally flavorful and perfectly textured. Each ingredient is chosen for both nutrition and taste, making these Healthy Oatmeal Toddler Breakfast Cookies a breakfast you can truly feel good about.
- Gluten free rolled oats: The hearty base that gives structure, fiber, and a subtle, wholesome chew. Make sure they’re certified gluten free, if that’s important for your family.
- Ripe medium banana, mashed: Adds natural sweetness and ensures every bite is tender and moist—no need for extra sugar or fat!
- Unsweetened applesauce: Works like magic to bind the cookies, add moisture, and enhance the natural fruit flavor.
- Peanut butter or any nut butter: Gives a creamy richness, a gentle nutty taste, and extra protein. Use sunflower seed butter for nut-free options!
- Egg (or flax egg): Helps hold everything together. A flax egg keeps the Healthy Oatmeal Toddler Breakfast Cookies dairy- and egg-free for sensitive tummies.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and a classic bakery aroma that makes these cookies smell irresistible while baking.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds a gentle spice that pairs perfectly with oats and banana for a cozy breakfast treat.
Variations
One of the best things about Healthy Oatmeal Toddler Breakfast Cookies is how easy they are to tweak. Whether you want to accommodate allergies, use up what’s in your pantry, or add a new twist, these cookies are endlessly customizable!
- Nut-Free Version: Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter for a classroom-safe, allergy-friendly treat.
- Egg-Free (Vegan) Option: Mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons water to make a flax egg that works beautifully here!
- Add-In Boost: Stir in raisins, mini chocolate chips, or chopped dried fruit for extra excitement—just keep portion sizes toddler-friendly.
- Extra Spice: Try a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal flavor change your whole family will love.
How to Make Healthy Oatmeal Toddler Breakfast Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven & Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures the Healthy Oatmeal Toddler Breakfast Cookies will lift right off the pan—no crumbling or sticking, just perfect cookies every time.
Step 2: Mix Up the Cookie Dough
In a medium bowl, mash the banana until almost smooth, then add in the oats, applesauce, nut butter, egg (or flax egg), vanilla, and cinnamon. Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined and you no longer see pockets of dry oats or clumps of nut butter.
Step 3: Scoop and Shape
Using a small cookie scoop or a spoon, drop rounded 1-½ to 2 tablespoon portions onto your prepared baking sheet. Flatten each one gently with your fingers or the back of the scoop to about ½ inch thick, so they bake evenly and have that classic cookie look.
Step 4: Bake and Cool
Bake your Healthy Oatmeal Toddler Breakfast Cookies for around 10 minutes, or until they’re barely golden at the edges but still soft in the centers. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a minute or two before transferring to a rack—this helps them firm up just enough for little hands.
Pro Tips for Making Healthy Oatmeal Toddler Breakfast Cookies
- Go for Extra-Ripe Banana: The riper the banana, the sweeter your cookies—plus it mashes super smoothly and helps bind everything together naturally.
- Uniform Cookie Size: Use a cookie scoop to keep all the cookies the same size, which means even baking and perfect portioning for little ones.
- Don’t Overbake: These cookies are at their best when still soft in the center, so pull them from the oven as soon as the edges just start to turn golden.
- Customize Texture: Prefer a finer cookie for younger toddlers? Give the oats a quick pulse in a food processor before mixing to create a softer, smoother bite.
How to Serve Healthy Oatmeal Toddler Breakfast Cookies
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a tiny dusting of finely shredded coconut just before serving makes these cookies feel extra special—almost like a bakery treat, but still wholesome enough for breakfast. If your little one loves a bit of sparkle, a pinch of chia seeds on top offers both crunch and nutrition.
Side Dishes
Pair Healthy Oatmeal Toddler Breakfast Cookies with a side of Greek yogurt, fresh fruit, or even a sippy cup of warm milk for a complete, satisfying meal. They also make a delightful addition to a breakfast platter with berries and cheese cubes for a family-style spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Let kids pick their own “cookie toppers” for a fun breakfast bar setup! Try offering a small selection of toppings—think diced dried fruit, sprinkles, or a thin smear of nut butter—so everyone can decorate their own. Stack the cookies in a cute jar for easy on-the-go mornings, or pack a couple into lunchboxes for a sweet midday surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Healthy Oatmeal Toddler Breakfast Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They stay soft and chewy, making them just as irresistible on day three as they are fresh from the oven!
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Pop out as many as you need for quick breakfast wins—just thaw overnight or in the microwave.
Reheating
For that fresh-baked warmth, microwave a cookie for about 10 seconds, or pop them in a low oven for a couple of minutes. This brings back their just-out-of-the-oven coziness (and that amazing bakery smell will have everyone running to the kitchen!).
FAQs
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Can I make Healthy Oatmeal Toddler Breakfast Cookies nut-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or a similar allergy-friendly spread, and you’ll have a nut-free version that’s still full of flavor and healthy fats, perfect for daycare or allergy-sensitive environments.
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What can I use instead of banana for this recipe?
If your little one doesn’t love banana, try using extra applesauce (about ⅓ cup total) or even mashed cooked pear. The cookies may be slightly less sweet, but still soft and satisfying!
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Are these Healthy Oatmeal Toddler Breakfast Cookies freezer-friendly?
Yes, these cookies freeze wonderfully! Cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Defrost individual cookies as needed for a speedy breakfast or snack.
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How can I make the cookies softer for younger toddlers?
Give the oats a quick pulse in the food processor before mixing into the dough. This creates a finer texture, making the cookies especially gentle for little gums or beginners with finger foods.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for an easy, nourishing breakfast your little ones will actually look forward to, give these Healthy Oatmeal Toddler Breakfast Cookies a try. They’re soft, naturally sweet, and oh-so-satisfying—the kind of homemade treat that brings smiles all around the kitchen table. Happy baking!
Print
Healthy Oatmeal Toddler Breakfast Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 cookies 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Healthy Oatmeal Toddler Breakfast Cookies are a nutritious and delicious option for little ones. Made with wholesome ingredients, these cookies are perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1–1/4 cup gluten free rolled oats
- 1 ripe medium banana, mashed (about 3.2 oz)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tablespoon peanut butter or any nut butter (unsweetened)
- 1 egg (or substitute with 1 flax egg)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, set aside.
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine oats, mashed banana, applesauce, peanut butter, egg, vanilla, and cinnamon. Stir until well blended.
- Form Cookies: Use a cookie scoop to form 1-½ – 2 tablespoon size cookie balls and flatten them to about ½ inch thick on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for around 10 minutes until slightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool.
Notes
- You can add raisins or nuts for extra texture and flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: Approximately 90
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 3.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 16mg
