Thick & Chewy Breakfast Cookies

Big, thick, and soft, Thick & Chewy Breakfast Cookies are your perfect solution for a quick breakfast or a delicious snack. These cookies are packed with wholesome ingredients that not only satisfy your cravings but also keep you energized throughout the day. Ideal for busy mornings or afternoon pick-me-ups, they combine the goodness of oats, nuts, and chocolate for a delightful treat that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nutritious Ingredients: Made with wholesome oats, nuts, and seeds, these cookies provide essential nutrients to kick-start your day.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you can whip up a batch in no time.
• Versatile Flavor Combinations: Customize your cookies by mixing in your favorite dried fruits or nuts!
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Bake a batch at the start of the week for grab-and-go breakfasts that taste great.
• Kid-Friendly Treat: These cookies are not just nutritious; they’re also fun to eat—perfect for kids!

Tools and Preparation

Before you get started on making these Thick & Chewy Breakfast Cookies, gather the right tools. This will make your baking process smooth and easy.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric hand mixer or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients effectively without spills.
• Electric hand mixer: Saves time and effort when blending butter and sugar.
• Baking sheets: Provides a stable surface for even cookie baking.

Ingredients

Big, thick and soft cookies packed with nutritious ingredients to keep you satisfied! Perfect for breakfast on the go and snacking!

For the Base

• 6 tbsp (84g) unsalted butter, (softened)
• ⅔ cup (145g) packed light brown sugar
• 2 tbsp (30ml) honey
• 1 large egg, (at room temperature)
• 1 tsp (5ml) pure vanilla extract
• ¼ cup (60ml) smooth regular peanut butter

For the Dry Ingredients

• ½ cup (50g) large flake rolled oats
• 1 cup plus 2 tbsp (160g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt

For Mix-Ins

• ⅓ cup (50g) chopped walnuts, (plus extra for topping)
• ¼ cup (35g) pumpkin seeds
• 3 tbsp (25g) sunflower seeds
• ½ cup (60g) dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots
• ⅔ cup (113g) dark chocolate chips

How to Make Thick & Chewy Breakfast Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter with brown sugar and honey using an electric hand mixer on medium-high speed until well blended. The mixture should look slightly fluffy. Beat in the egg until fully combined, then mix in peanut butter and vanilla extract.

Step 2: Add Oats

Add in the large flake rolled oats. Mix them into the wet mixture so they are evenly coated.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture along with chopped walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds. Stir until just combined. Finally, fold in dried cranberries and dark chocolate chips.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap directly on top of the dough. Refrigerate it for about 30 minutes.

Step 5: Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large cookie sheets with parchment paper while waiting.

Step 6: Shape and Bake Cookies

Roll 1.5-ounce portions of dough into balls. Place them on prepared baking sheets spaced about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly to form round disks. Optionally press a few extra walnut pieces on top. Bake for about 11-13 minutes until lightly golden around edges but still slightly gooey in center—they will firm up as they cool.

Let cookies cool on baking sheets for about 1 minute before transferring them individually to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your delicious Thick & Chewy Breakfast Cookies!

How to Serve Thick & Chewy Breakfast Cookies

These Thick & Chewy Breakfast Cookies are not just delicious; they’re also versatile. They can be enjoyed in various ways, making them a perfect addition to your breakfast or snack routine.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination that satisfies cravings and complements the rich flavors.

As a Grab-and-Go Snack

• These cookies are perfect for busy mornings. Just grab one (or two!) as you head out the door for a nutritious boost.

Crumbled Over Yogurt

• For a delightful twist, crumble the cookies over Greek yogurt. This adds texture and sweetness, turning your yogurt into a tasty treat.

Served With Fresh Fruit

• Enjoy these cookies alongside fresh fruit like bananas or berries. The freshness balances out the richness of the cookies.

Warmed Up

• Heat the cookies slightly in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This makes them extra gooey and enhances their flavor.

How to Perfect Thick & Chewy Breakfast Cookies

Perfecting your Thick & Chewy Breakfast Cookies is easy with a few simple tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure your cookies come out perfectly every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t Overmix: After adding the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld and improves the cookie’s structure.
• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. They should be lightly golden but still soft in the center when done.
• Store Properly: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their chewiness.

Best Side Dishes for Thick & Chewy Breakfast Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your Thick & Chewy Breakfast Cookies can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Fruit Smoothie
   A refreshing fruit smoothie complements the cookie’s richness and adds a nutritious punch.

2. Oatmeal Bowl
   A warm bowl of oatmeal topped with fruits or nuts provides additional fiber and nutrition, making it a hearty breakfast option.

3. Nut Butter Toast
   Whole grain toast spread with almond or peanut butter pairs well with these cookies, offering healthy fats and protein.

4. Cottage Cheese
   Creamy cottage cheese served on the side adds protein and creaminess that balances the sweetness of the cookies.

5. Avocado Salad
   A light avocado salad brings freshness and healthy fats, creating an excellent contrast to the dense cookie texture.

6. Herbal Tea
   A soothing cup of herbal tea can enhance your breakfast experience while providing warmth and comfort alongside your cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Thick & Chewy Breakfast Cookies can be delightful, but a few common mistakes might hinder your results. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

• Ignoring ingredient temperature: Using cold butter or eggs can lead to uneven mixing. Always ensure your butter is softened and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother dough.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can make cookies tough. Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are combined for a soft texture.
• Skipping the chilling step: If you skip refrigeration, your cookies may spread too much while baking. Chilling helps maintain their thick shape.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can lead to dry cookies. Use a spoon to fluff up the flour before scooping it into the measuring cup for accuracy.
• Overbaking the cookies: Baking them too long will result in hard cookies. Watch for a light golden color around the edges; they should still be slightly gooey in the center.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Thick & Chewy Breakfast Cookies

• Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Layer with parchment paper to keep them separate.

Reheating Thick & Chewy Breakfast Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for 3-5 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat for about 10-15 seconds for each cookie until warm.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Thick & Chewy Breakfast Cookies:

How do I make Thick & Chewy Breakfast Cookies healthier?

You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and use natural sweeteners like maple syrup instead of honey.

Can I customize my Thick & Chewy Breakfast Cookies?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, seeds, or different dried fruits according to your preferences.

How long do Thick & Chewy Breakfast Cookies last?

When stored properly, these cookies last up to 5 days at room temperature and can be frozen for up to 3 months.

What makes these breakfast cookies chewy?

The combination of butter, brown sugar, and peanut butter contributes to their chewy texture, while the oats add heartiness.

Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Yes! Feel free to use milk chocolate, white chocolate, or even nut-free options according to your taste.

Final Thoughts

Thick & Chewy Breakfast Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile, making them perfect for breakfast or snacks. With endless customization options—like adding nuts or swapping dried fruits—there’s something for everyone. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a cozy start to your day!