Simple Oatmeal Protein Cookies (2024)

If dessert for breakfast sounds like your cup of tea, you need to try this easy, toddler-approved recipe for Oatmeal Protein Cookies. Loaded with whole-grain oats, sweet bananas, salty peanut butter, and two types of heart-healthy seeds, these protein breakfast cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth AND fuel you up for the day ahead.

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Are you on the hunt for a delicious, guilt-free treat that perfectly doubles as a convenient breakfast or snack? Look no further, for these whole-grain peanut butter protein cookies are about to become your new grab-and-go best friend!

Packed with wholesome ingredients and boasting an irresistible sweet and nutty taste, these naturally vegan and gluten-free protein cookies effortlessly blend nutrition and flavor into a delightful package that is sure to start your day on the right foot.

In a world filled with complex recipes and overwhelming ingredients lists, these quick & easy banana oatmeal breakfast cookies take the proverbial cake in terms of simplicity.

With just eight straightforward ingredients, these high-protein cookies demonstrate that sometimes less is truly more. Each ingredient was carefully chosen for its nutritional value, contribution to the cookie’s soft, chewy texture, and likeability by my picky toddler.

What are Oatmeal Protein Cookies?

These homemade protein cookies are little bites of heaven that also happen to be a lifesaver for picky eaters. They’re soft, chewy peanut butter cookies that are secretly packed with all the good stuff, making them a super nutritious treat. They came to the rescue when my little munchkin decided to take a detour into the picky-eating land and wouldn’t touch eggs, meat, or yogurt with a ten-foot spoon.

So, what’s the secret behind these magical cookies? Well, it’s all in the name – oats and protein! Instead of relying on the usual sources of protein that my toddler was determined to avoid, I turned to oats and other wholesome ingredients to create a snack that would make her happy while still giving her a nutritional boost.

These cookies are made with just eight simple ingredients. Chances are, you’ll find everything you need right in your kitchen pantry. We start with the superstar of the show – old-fashioned oats. They’re the heart and soul of these cookies, adding that classic oatmeal goodness we all love.

Now, to boost the protein power and act as a binder, I add some nut or seed butter. It not only adds that deliciously nutty flavor but also brings a fantastic dose of plant-based protein to the party. My toddler loves peanut butter, so she never suspects there’s mashed fruit in there, and that’s the beauty of it!

As if that weren’t enough to love, these protein oat cookies are also customizable! By catering to your little one’s preferences and including them in the baking process, you’re setting them up for delicious dining success.

Feel free to toss in any of your kid’s favorite add-ins, like chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or maybe even some raisins for an extra chewy twist. You can also amp up the protein with a few scoops of your favorite protein powder.

The result is a batch of banana protein cookies that looks, smells, and tastes like dessert, but is secretly loaded with all the good stuff that moms like me dream about. My toddler thinks she’s indulging in a special treat, and I’m secretly doing a happy dance because she’s getting a healthy dose of protein, filling whole grains, and plenty of other essential nutrients. It’s a win-win situation!

So, if you’re dealing with a picky eater like I was, give this oatmeal protein cookies recipe a try. It’ll have your little one grinning from ear to ear while you breathe a sigh of relief, knowing they’re munching on something wholesome and delicious. Oh, and spoiler alert: I love them, too! 😋

What do they taste like?

At first bite, you’ll be enchanted by the rich, nutty essence of peanut butter that gracefully wraps itself around the toothsome morsels of oats. The maple sweetness is all-natural, a gift from nature herself. It’s never overpowering, but just enough to leave a tender caress on your tongue.

Unlike regular cookies, these sweet n’ salty treats are unburdened by the constraints of flour. Their gluten-free nature grants them a unique texture – not fluffy like the rest, but oh-so-charmingly chewy. You’ll find them holding their form like enchanting little magicians, even a week after you bake them!

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Protein Cookie Recipe

Aside from being the perfect vehicle for nourishing your picky kiddos, these oatmeal peanut butter protein cookies are also:

• Quick & Easy. Made with just 8 ingredients in one bowl, these banana oatmeal protein cookies are a snap to make. Just mix, shape, and bake!
• Budget-Friendly. With just $4.58, you can whip up a whole batch of 12 cookies. That means each cookie costs a mere $.38! For just 76 cents, you get a scrumptious breakfast option that’s packed with nutrition and flavor. That’s less than a dollar for a delicious and satisfying way to kickstart your day. It’s practically a steal, especially when you consider just how healthy and wholesome they are.
• Highly Customizable. Feel free to toss in your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to add a delightful crunch or a burst of sweetness. Whether you prefer the classic combination of walnuts and raisins or want to explore the exotic flavors of coconut and dark chocolate chunks, the possibilities are endless.
• Conveniently Portable. Mornings can be hectic, but that doesn’t mean you should compromise on your nutritional needs. These healthy Protein oatmeal cookies are the ultimate grab-and-go breakfast solution. Simply stash a couple in your bag, and you’re all set for a satisfying breakfast on the run. Oh, and these breakfast oatmeal cookies are not just for mornings – they’re also perfect for curbing those mid-afternoon cravings. Say goodbye to unhealthy vending machine snacks and say hello to a wholesome treat that keeps you energized all day long.
• Allergy-Friendly. These banana oatmeal peanut butter cookies are naturally vegan (so, egg-free and dairy-free) and gluten-free, making them an inclusive treat that everyone can enjoy. They’re also easy to make nut-free by using seed butter instead of peanut butter.

Ingredients Needed

As promised, these simple high-protein oatmeal cookies are made with just 8 natural ingredients:

• Old Fashioned Rolled Oats – The star of the show! These little fellas are high in fiber and complex carbohydrates, making them an all-around healthy grain. Make sure to used certified gluten-free oats if you’re avoiding gluten!
• Cinnamon – For adding a touch of warmth to these healthy oat cookies. As an added bonus, cinnamon somehow makes treats taste even sweeter, without adding any extra sugar!
• Pure Vanilla Extract – This natural ingredient is far tastier than the imitation stuff, and adds another level of depth and warmth to your breakfast cookies.
• Pure Maple Syrup – As far as I’m concerned, maple syrup is the perfect natural sweetener for almost all baked goods. It also happens to be a healthier sweetener than most other sugars.
• Ground Flaxseed – The best plant-based source of omega-3s around! Ground flaxseed adds texture, healthy fats, and tons of fiber to these oatmeal protein cookies.
• Chia Seeds – These little beauties are a great source of healthy fats. They also help to absorb some of the moisture in the cookie batter to keep the oats more crisp while adding structure.
• Mashed Banana – My favorite easy and inexpensive alternative to added oils in baked goods.
• Peanut Butter – The main protein source in these vegan oatmeal cookies, peanut butter helps to keep everything together while adding lots of flavor.

Substitutions

Fresh out of something? Not to worry. Here are some simple swaps you can make:

• Cinnamon – Feel free to omit it, or try other warming spices like ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice.
• Pure Vanilla Extract – Feel free to swap in an equal amount of vanilla paste or vanilla powder, or consider using other flavor extracts like almond or maple.
• Pure Maple Syrup – You’re also welcome to try honey or agave nectar if you prefer!.
• Mashed Banana – Applesauce, canned pumpkin purée, or even baby food can be used here instead.
• Peanut Butter – Feel free to swap in the nut or seed butter of your choice, like almond butter or sunflower seed butter.

How To Make Easy Protein Cookies At Home

These peanut butter oatmeal protein cookies come together in just 3 simple steps:

Prep. Preheat the oven to 325°. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

Step 1: Mix together all 8 ingredients in a medium bowl until well combined.

Step 2: Shape into 12 balls, and mash down with your palm to flatten into a cookie shape, arranging evenly on the lined cookie sheet. Each cookie is roughly a heaping ¼ cup of the cookie mixture.

Step 3: Bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow to cool, and serve!

Optional Variations & Dietary Adjustments

As much as I think these oatmeal protein cookies are the pinnacle of snacktime perfection, I want you and your family to love them just as much. Here are a few variations to consider:

• Nut-Free – Use sunflower seed butter or another nut-free butter in place of peanut butter. Note that depending on what variety you choose, you might not get as much protein, so consider adding some extra protein powder to bulk them up.
• Banana Free – Not a fan of bananas? Swap in applesauce, mashed sweet potatoes, canned pumpkin or butternut squash purée, or the baby food of your choice.

Even though I like to keep things simple, you can always throw in your own favorite ingredients! Maybe try making oatmeal raisin protein cookies or oatmeal cookies with protein powder. Here are some fun add-ins to experiment with:

• Coconut Flakes – You can use either sweetened or unsweetened.
• Chocolate – You can use cocoa nibs, white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or mini chocolate chips
• Dried Fruit – Try raisins, dried blueberries, craisins, banana chips, or chopped dried apricots
• Chopped Nuts – Try almonds, walnuts, pecans, or peanuts
• Protein Powder – I suggest using plain, vanilla, chocolate, or peanut butter flavored.

Serving Suggestions

Serving up these Oatmeal Protein Cookies is not just about munching on them solo; it’s a chance to get creative and have some fun! Here are some delightful serving suggestions to make your cookie experience even more enjoyable:

• Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich: Grab your favorite ice cream flavor, sandwich it between two Oatmeal Protein Cookies, and voila – you have a wholesome and indulgent ice cream sandwich that’ll satisfy your sweet tooth.
• PB&J Cookie Sandwich – My toddler loves slathering these protein-packed peanut butter cookies with chia jam. Add a dollop between two cookies and smoosh them together!
• Yogurt Parfait: Crumble the cookies and layer them with Greek yogurt and fresh fruits in a tall glass. Repeat the layers and top it off with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for a scrumptious parfait.
• Cookie Crumbles Topping: Crush the cookies and sprinkle them on top of your morning oatmeal or smoothie bowl for a crunchy, chewy protein boost.
• Dunk in Milk: The classic way to enjoy cookies! Dip your protein cookies into a glass of milk, whether it’s regular milk, almond milk, or any milk alternative you prefer. Milk not your jam? These cookies also pair beautifully with your morning coffee or afternoon tea.
• Picnic Snack Pack: Pack a bunch of cookies in a cute little container and take them on your next picnic or outdoor adventure. They make for the perfect on-the-go treat!
• Breakfast on the Run: Grab a few cookies when you’re running late for work or school. They are the ideal breakfast on the go – quick, nutritious, and oh-so-tasty!

Recipe Success Tips

• Store cookies in a clean, airtight container at room temp for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months!
• If you have leftover baby food (or if your toddler suddenly started hating it like mine did), you can use 8 oz of that instead of the banana or apple sauce. Bonus if it’s got veggies; the peanut butter covers up the taste of the puree anyway, they won’t even notice!
• Go easy with your chunky mix-ins. Add no more than ½ cup to the batch, or you’ll risk the cookies falling apart.

FAQs

Oatmeal Protein Cookies Nutrition

These Oatmeal Protein Cookies are a nutritional powerhouse that are packed with all the right stuff and none of the unwanted extras. You won’t find any flour, oil, or butter lurking in these treats, and they’re as sweet as can be without a pinch of refined sugar. We’re talking about pure, whole, natural foods that make every bite feel like a delightful dessert!

Now, let’s take a closer look at the nutritional merits of these heavenly cookies. When you savor a serving of two cookies, here’s what you’re treating yourself to:

• A satisfying 468 calories that’ll keep you fueled and ready to take on the day. Say hello to a delicious and energy-packed treat!
• With a solid 18 grams of protein per serving, these cookies are a delightful source of this essential nutrient. They’re perfect for helping you feel full and satisfied.
• At just 114 mg of sodium, these cookies strike a perfect salty-sweet balance, giving you that delicious flavor without going overboard on the salt.
• And here’s the secret kicker – a fantastic 10 grams of fiber per serving! Fiber is your best friend when it comes to promoting a healthy digestive system and keeping you feeling full for longer.

So, my friend, you can enjoy these protein and fiber-packed cookies guilt-free, knowing that they’re more than just a tasty treat. They’re also a smart choice for your well-being. So go ahead, indulge in these wholesome goodies and savor every chewy, nutty, and delightful bite!

Total nutritional content per cookie is:

• Calories: 262 calories
• Total Fat: 14 grams
• Protein: 9 grams
• Sodium: 56 mg
• Carbohydrates: 28 grams
• Fiber: 6 grams

*This nutritional information is an estimateand calculated based on the ingredients used to create the recipe. The nutritional value of your ingredients may differ slightly. Furthermore, this food is not intended to prevent, diagnose, cure, or treat any disease.

Pricing Info

This is what I personally paid for these cookies:

• 3cupsold rolled oats: $0.86
• 1cupapple sauce: $0.60
• 1cuppeanut butter: $1.69
• ¼cupground flaxseed: $0.26
• ¼cupchia seeds: $1.24
• ¼cuppure maple syrup: $0.81
• 1tspcinnamon: $0.06
• 1tspvanilla extract: $0.04

The total for this recipe comes out to be around $5.56 or roughly $0.46 per cookie!

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Oatmeal protein cookies are the perfect grab and go breakfast, and are incredibly easy and simple to make! They’re perfect for the whole family!

xoxo Megan