The Ultimate Healthy Breakfast Cookie

When I wake up at 7 AM in the mornings to go to work, my routine goes a little something like this:

• hit snooze 3-5 times, 
• then finally get up and realize I am late
• fumble around in the dark looking for the right color of scrubs to wear that day (I can't turn on the light because Mr JP is snoozing)
• brush my teeth and hair simultaneously because, if you remember, I am running late
• grab my shoes and socks to put on in the car at one of the red lights I am sure to be stopped at (because doesn't it seem like the world is against you when you're running late??)
• and then I grab something, anything I can eat for breakfast in the car as I run out the door

And that brings me to the reason for this post. 

Usually I grab a yogurt for my breakfast because it's healthy and fairly easy to eat on the go, but I get really sick of eating yogurt everyday. (unless it's frozen yogurt, but that's a different category entirely)

So when I saw a recipe for healthy breakfast cookies on pinterest I was super thrilled (breakfast cookies?! What a novel idea!) and gave it a try. 

And I love the results! They're high in protein, low in fat, have no eggs or flour in them, are naturally sweetened and taste delicious! So now I am sharing the recipe with you, enjoy! :)

2 ripe bananas, mashed until smooth & creamy

1/3 cup peanut butter ~ creamy or chunky 
2/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 scoop vanilla protein powder 
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp butter flavor extract (optional)
1 1/2 cups uncooked oatmeal  (I grinded mine in a blender!)
1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or your favorite)
a few chocolate chips!

In a large bowl, mix mashed banana & peanut butter until completely combined then add in the applesauce, vanilla protein powder & the extract(s) & mix again until all are completely combined. 

Add in the oatmeal & nuts to the banana mixture & combine.  

Let dough rest for 10 minutes.

Drop cookie dough, by spoonfuls, onto a greased cookie sheet & add chocolate chips on top if you want them.

Bake cookies approx. 20-30 minutes, or until golden brown & done.  

Remove from oven & let rest on cookie sheet for 5 minutes, then move to cooling rack.

And voila! You have delicious, healthy breakfast cookies. 

Makes 16-24 cookies depending on the size you want them to be!

Confession: I definitely eat them all throughout the day, not just for breakfast. 

Original Recipe found here