Cookies for Breakfast

Yeah, the title of this post makes them seem way more exciting than it should.  

So, as a result of my pending nuptials, I've been trying to eat really healthy. Unsurprisingly, this has proven difficult given my line of work. Working in a restaurant, you need to taste pretty much anything that you make.  When you make is ice cream, cakes, and cookies all day, these little tastes can add up to a gigantic rump.  Lately, I've been tasting bites of food and then spitting them in the trash can.  I realize that this is incredibly gross. Well, actually, I didn't realize how gross it was until someone at work caught me in the act. There was really no explaining that one -- I felt like some sort of ABC Family after school special, secretly bingeing on cookies and then hurling them into the trash can.

Anyway, I thought to myself - "Self -- there has to be a better way! Can't I have my cookies and actually eat them too!?"  This is my first attempt at successfully answering that question. These breakfast cookies are vegan, low fat, and between 100-130 calories each depending on your mix-ins. They would be a pretty good grab and go breakfast.  That being said, you are not going to fool ANYONE into thinking this is a traditional cookie. Nothing can replace butter and sugar. Good luck serving it for dessert. 

 

The inspiration for this cookies began as so many of my kitchen creations do -- with black bananas. Unfortunatley, I only had one… but I think these would be even better with two smooched up bananas. 

• 1-2 smashed up bananas
• 1 Tablespoon honey (you could also use maple syrup, agave, or regular sugar)
• 1/2 cup quick cooking oatmeal
• 1 egg white or 1/4 cup water (for a vegan option)
• 1/4 cup flour (I used whole wheat, but you could also use plain)
• Pinch of salt

Start by smooching the banana(s) in a bowl and then add the other ingredients until you get a cookie-like texture. If it's too dry, add more water or egg white. If it's too wet, sprinkle some more flour in there. Then add your mix ins.

Here's what I used. Please excuse my hella dirty mason jars. Look at all those fingerprints - clearly I'm grabbing for the chocolate chips a little too often!

• 1/4 cup walnuts
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup raisins
• Pinch of cinnamon
• Vanilla extract 

Some other tasty suggestions: coconut, a glob of peanut butter, cranberries, pecans, etc.  

 

Scoop the dough into 8 piles on a lined cookie sheet. Bake at 325* for about 15 minutes.  

I have to say that these are a pretty great snack before working out. (I put a little smear of peanut butter on top for extra staying power).  And the bonus is you won't feel the need to spit it in the trashcan half way through!