{small batch} oatmeal breakfast cookies.

Cookies for breakfast? Don’t mind if I do.

I’m one of those people who loves sweets, but I refuse to try to “quit sugar.” That’s just not for me. Instead, I like to enjoy sweets in moderation, and also find healthy alternatives when I can. So the other week I came up with this simple recipe for Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies.

ingredients:

• 1.5 cups quick cooking oats
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 3 tbsp ground flax + 4 tbsp warm water (flax “egg”)
• 2.5 tbsp nut butter, melted
• optional: add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruit, etc.

directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a small bowl, combine the flax and water and let sit for 5 minutes.
In a large bowl combine oats, cinnamon, and baking powder. Then mix in the flax “egg” mixture, maple syrup, and nut butter until well combined.
Form 5 large cookies (or 7-8 smaller ones) and place on a greased baking pan.
Bake for 10 minutes.
Transfer to cooling rack and let cool for at least 5 minutes (make sure to let them cool – than can be sort of crumbly!).

This recipe can easily be doubled. I personally like that it makes 5 larger cookies (one for each weekday), which is great paired with a smoothie for a complete breakfast.

These turned out just as a “breakfast cookie” should be – hearty, chewy, and not too sweet. I love adding an additional smear of peanut butter on top!

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What are your thoughts on healthy treats? Do you prefer just going for the real thing?