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Cookies for breakfast anyone?  When they’re loaded with wholesome ingredients, cookies for breakfast are a treat we can actually feel good about.  Perfect to grab-and-go when time is running short, too!  

I’ve been making these cookies for my family for several years and was inspired to finally share the recipe after another positive comment on a muffin recipe that incorporates quinoa flakes.  Though the ingredient may be new to many–think of it as quinoa version of cream of wheat–it works surprisingly well as a wholesome flour in baked goods.  Besides being a high-protein, nutrient-rich seed, quinoa in this convenient flake form creates a light and tender quality to baked goods.  It’s taste is mildly nutty.

When I first started experimenting with quinoa flakes many years ago (thanks to my sister who first introduced me–look for them in the natural foods or organic aisle of the grocery store), I tried them in place of quick oats in a variety of recipes.  More times than not, the substitution worked perfectly.  It’s a helpful tip if you’re looking for other ways to use the flakes after making these cookies…and maybe even these muffins.

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Coconut Quinoa Breakfast Cookies

The added sweetener--honey--in this lightly sweet cookie amounts to less than 6 grams per cookie. For a little extra sweetness, dotting a few chocolate chips on top prior to baking will offer an extra hint of decadence in each bite with minimal added sugar.

Yield: 18 large cookies.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (255 grams) creamy almond butter (or nut butter of choice; a combination works well, too*)
  • 1/3 cup (105 grams) honey (use 1/2 cup if you prefer a sweeter cookie)
  • 1 cup (240 grams) mashed overripe banana (about 2 medium)
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 1 cup (95 grams) old fashioned (rolled) oats (certified gluten-free if necessary)
  • 1 cup (100 grams) quinoa flakes
  • 1/2 cup (40 grams) shredded coconut (I use unsweetened but sweetened may be used)
  • 1/4 cup (40 grams) chia seeds
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Optional add-ins and toppings: 1/2 cups white chocolate chips (plus more for dotting on top, if desired); 1/2 cup dried cranberries, diced dried apricots, raisins, etc. or a mix of your favorites); additional shredded coconut for sprinkling on top

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, mix the almond butter, honey, banana, eggs and vanilla. Stir until thoroughly combined.
  3. In a small bowl mix the oats, quinoa flakes, coconut, chia seeds, baking powder and salt. Stir to incorporate. Mix in the chips and/or dried fruit. (Note: if you want fewer chips to go a longer way, add them directly on top of the cookie before baking instead of stirring into the batter.) Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and mix completely.
  4. For each cookie, scoop 2 rounded tablespoons of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. I like to use a large ice cream scoop for evenly shaped rounds. Flatten slightly as the cookies will not spread much while baking. Sprinkle with a few chips and/or shredded coconut, if desired.
  5. Bake the cookies on the center rack for 13-15 minutes or until just cooked through the center. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  6. Enjoy warm or at room temperature. The cookies may be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for several days or refrigerated for up to a week. The cookies freeze well, too.

Notes

  • *Allowing the nut butter to come to room temperature will make it easier to incorporate the other ingredients without having to heat it.  If it is cold and very firm and you prefer not to wait, warm it for 15-20 seconds in the microwave or until easy to stir.
Coconut Quinoa Breakfast CookiesSave

One batch makes 18 large cookies–plenty to feed a family for several days or to stock the freezer.  In this batch I mixed in some white chocolate chips, although I often simply dot a few chips on top for even distribution.  That way, you get more perceived sweetness out of fewer chips.

 

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18 responses to “Coconut Quinoa Breakfast Cookies”

  1. AH-MAZING! I had some quinoa flakes I didn’t know what to do with and I stumbled upon your recipe. For the additions, I used chocolate chips, dried cranberries, and pumpkin seeds. So delicious healthy! Thanks for sharing!!

    1. Such great news, Eve! I’m glad you found this recipe and that it was a hit. Your additions sound delicious!

  2. Mary Lou Keller Avatar
    Mary Lou Keller

    Those look so yummy Ann! I will try these in my silicone bar pan and let you know how they turn out. I think I still have quinoa flakes from another recipe you had a few years ago!

    1. Wonderful, Mary Lou! I am anxious to hear how they work in your new pan. And in case you missed this newer recipe, the quinoa flakes can also be used in this low-sugar granola: https://fountainavenuekitchen.com/lolitas-low-sugar-granola/

  3. Would it be possible to make these without the 1 cup oats (certified gluten-free if necessary). I am looking for a recipe for my daughter who is celiac, but can not have oats, even certified gluten-free. I was wondering if I could just use quinoa flakes and no oats at all? I am by no means a baker, just a dad trying to get some power of quinoa into my lovely daughter.

    1. Hi Jake, You could try, but I’m worried the cookies wouldn’t have enough density without the oats…and the oats do balance the flavor. Coincidently, I am planning to post a breakfast quinoa recipe next week that I have been really enjoying lately and that could be a great way to get that power of quinoa in your daughter. Perhaps you can stay tuned until next Wednesday? (If you’re really eager, email me through the contact page and I’ll send it to you sooner.)

  4. Maggie Spilner-Brotzman Avatar
    Maggie Spilner-Brotzman

    Anybody tried natural chunky peanut butter? That’s what I have on hand

    Maggie

    1. The flavor and texture would be different, but I love chunky peanut butter so this could be a good thing! If you try, feel free to report back!

  5. What can an substitute for the chia seeds?

    1. Hi Susan, If I were to swap out the chia seeds, I think I’d try an equal amount of flax meal instead.

  6. This looks soooo delishiius!! We can’t have oats, unfortunately. Can we substitute with more quinoa flakes? Or something else? Thanks!

    1. Oats are a little heartier than quinoa flakes and their flavor is a bit more neutral, so there would likely be a difference in texture and flavor. That said, I think it would be worth a try. If you do try, I’d love to know how you make out!

  7. Donna Bloch Avatar
    Donna Bloch

    Hi, I can’t help wondering about the banana measurement in this recipe. It calls for a cup of mashed banana but then says “about 1 medium” I used three good size bananas to get a full cup. And it seems like I have never gotten enough for a recipe without at least a few bananas.

    TIA for feedback

    1. Thanks so much for your comment, Donna, and for reporting my error. The cup measurement and the weight are listed correctly, and I just corrected the added mention in the parenthesis. That would be a VERY big banana!

  8. Emily Avatar
    Emily

    These are awesome. For me, I like how they’re not too sweet. I took your suggestion and put a few chocolate chips on the top and my kids gobble them up without knowing how healthy they are. Five chips per cookie does the trick!

    1. My kids are the same way. Chips on top are a kid-friendly visual, and when spread out, there’s just enough in each bite and a few go a long way!

  9. Alice Avatar
    Alice

    Looks delish and healthy! Can I use one cup of cooked quinoa instead of the flakes? Or is there another subsitution if quinoa flakes are not available?

    1. Thank you, Alice. If you can’t find quinoa flakes, I would substitute instant oats. They have a similar texture and should work well. You could try the cooked quinoa…I just haven’t tried it myself to say for sure. If you do test it out, I’d love to know how you make out!