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Since these cookies aren't really "treats" I told my daughters (a.k.a. my taste testers) they could have as many as they wanted. As soon as they heard me say that they seriously went to town. I was thrilled they liked them so much, but I was starting to get worried about tummy aches!
These “breakfast cookies” are perfect for those mornings when you’re racing out the door or for a quick and easy afternoon snack. If you have a nut allergy (or go to a nut-free school like us) you could easily substitute pumpkin seeds for the pecans. You could also add some cinnamon if you want to spice things up. Apparently my family likes them just the way they are though…so enjoy!
Pecan Maple Breakfast Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole-wheat flour
- ¾ cup oats (rolled)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup applesauce
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons butter (softened but not melted)
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup pecans (chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and grease a cookie sheet.
- Whisk together the flour, oats, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl using an electric mixer beat the applesauce, maple syrup, butter, egg, and vanilla.
- While beating the mixture on a low speed add the dry ingredients until well blended.
- Fold in the nuts with a spatula.
- Drop onto prepared cookie sheet with a spoon. Bake for 8 - 9 minutes or until they start to brown.
Maggie says
Made these this afternoon and YUMMY!!! Instead of 3/4 c rolled oats, I did 1/2 c rolled + 1/4 c quick oats. Also used Earth Balance instead of butter and no added salt. Used flax egg instead of real egg. I did throw in a generous handful of chocolate chips :) Just couldnt resist!
Lori L. says
I was determined to make these cookies while my girls were napping today. I realized that I did not have applesauce and pecans. I used 1 whole mashed banana instead of the applesauce and walnuts instead of pecans...they turned out great!
katrina says
Sorry meant to ask this too what applesauce do you use for this recipe? thks!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Katrina. We make our own or use an organic and unsweetened variety. ~Amy
katrina says
Hi!! Enjoying reading your blogs and learning new stuff daily!! Thank You! I was wondering if everything you cook with is organic or just certain items and if so what items do you suggest to always buy organic? (I do have your list on veggies and fruits to buy organic, was wondering about other items you use to prepare your meals) Trying to learn what items to spend more of my money on that I should be buying organic etc. and items I don't need to that can help me save money for the items that cost more!lol.. Do you buy your honey and pure maple syrup organic? What brand do you use for coffee and tea if you buy it? Also, do you use cream cheese if so what do you suggest? Thanks in advance!!
Christine says
My husband has a nut allergy, so I replaced the pecans with pumpkin seeds (and also added raisins)...and they came out great! Just an idea for anyone who doesn't like or can't have the pecans. My husband and son LOVE these (and so do I!).
Gina says
In my sons words..."Breakfast cookies! There cookies and they are for breakfast...WOW!" Yeah, I'm certainly going to be making these!
anna says
Could you maybe use self rising flour... I have been eating these with a friend and love how you can change the recipe and put what ever you want in them
linda says
I didn't have any applesauce so I made them with pumpkin puree from my garden. Still wonderful. Thanks for the great breakfast to go idea
Natalie says
What is the serving size for these? I could see myself over eating them ;).
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Natalie. This made me smile! While we do not provide nutrition/serving size information, I think a good rule of thumb would be 2(ish) cookies but they are healthy enough that a third won't hurt. : ) ~Amy
Molly says
Do you provide nutrition info for any recipes? Thanks!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Molly. No, we do not provide nutrition information for our recipes. This helps explain why: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/04/29/mini-pledge-week-8-stop-eating-when-you-feel-full/ ~Amy
Kristin says
These were super yummy - a big hit with my two kids (4 & 21 months) and I loved them too. To make them school friendly we substituted brown rice cereal for the pecans...but I'll definitely make the pecan version soon! Thanks for sharing! :)
Indu says
Gosh, I wanted to love these, but I just couldn't. I always enjoy finding new "clean" recipes to try, especially baked goods. But, these had no flavor and we're just so blah. I double checked the recipe to make sure I hadn't forgotten something, but turns out I did indeed make them right. Super disappointed.
Denise says
The adults didn't care for these, but my two boys sure loved them! Cookies for breakfast were a big hit. This recipe is being added to my list of transportable, healthy and kid-pleasing snacks!
Emily says
Made these this morning with the kids! Our schedule is such that mornings are the best time to bake, they were so excited when I let them have one before lunch! Tasty too.
Kristi says
These look yummy!! Can they be frozen??
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Yes, Kristi, you can freeze them. Jill
theresa says
do you freeze the "dough" or after you bake them? Going on a trip and would like to take these. thanks
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hello Theresa. Yes, freeze after baking. ~Amy
Stacey says
Made these tonight and they are wonderful!! Husband and 21 month old loved them. Followed the recipe exactly and cooked for 8 minutes. They remind me of a cross between an oatmeal cookie and a drop biscuit. Sounds weird but it totally works. Will definitely be making these again (in a double batch!)
Adam says
These sound great and I can't wait to make them. In fact I'd like to get my family eating healthy. I understand about not giving nutritional information but how come you don't mention serving sizes either? Would be a big help to know how much the recipes will make.
Lisa says
Thanks for the feedback. I am trying to be better about including serving sizes going forward.
jaci says
I want ti make these but used up all of my pecans btwn pies for Christmas and your banana bread:) think I could use sunflower seeds? I have a bunch...or peanuts? Have. Lot of those too.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Jaci. I would probably just substitute another nut of your choice. Jill
Stacy @Stacy Makes Cents says
I made these this morning and we loved them! I loved the slight maple flavor. :-)
I will admit - I was very tempted to add chocolate chips...and I might next time. Ha!
Jessica says
As I am allergic to peanuts (and don't consume other types of nuts since they are usually produced in the same facility)I tried dried cranberries instead of the pecans. Although I realize it adds some natural sugar, my 3 year old (and very picky non-healthy husband) loved them! My son even asked for a "cookie" after he ate his banana this morning. I am new to the site, but loving what I am reading. Thanks so much!
Question- what are other types of foods I could substitute instead of nuts to keep the same consistency? I have seen that so many of these recipes call for nuts.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Jessica. Glad you enjoyed the cookies. I would probably use seeds or just omit them all together. Jill
Beth says
Thanks for this recipe. My incredibly picky son (6) and less picky daughter (2) both liked these. I made a slight modification for the nuts. My son doesn't like anything crunchy or chunky in his food, and I didn't have pecans, so I threw some almonds in the food processor until they were finely ground, added a tad bit more applesauce, and success! Maple-almond "smooth" breakfast cookies :). I also made a "glaze" for a few of them (coconut oil, honey, and vanilla). Yummy, yummy!
I really enjoy your site. Thanks for all the work that goes into what you do.
Jill Colburn says
Hi! We are new to your site and about 2 months into our own "real food" challenge. I have really enjoyed reading up on your recipes, ideas, and suggestions. It's been very helpful in our endeavor to eat real! I made these cookies last night and boy were they a hit! We didn't have any pecans, so just omitted them this time, but have them on the shopping list for next month! I have a mini cupcake pan I used instead of a cookie sheet and the kids were so excited to eat "muffin cookies" for breakfast! Thanks for the great recipes! Can't wait to try more!!
Taryn says
Made these for the first time today. We were out of apple sauce, so substituted half a banana and added just enough water to get the right dough. They turned out great! Second batch in the oven now.
lavender says
Hey
These were great right out of the oven, but I had one later in the day and it was a bit dried out. I could see how that would happen due to the nuts and whole wheat flour. Nonetheless, I did like the cookies and my son seemed to like them but...any suggestions on making them a bit more moist? More applesauce?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
You could possibly try a little more applesauce. Maybe even another egg. I also store mine in an airtight container. Jill
Holly says
Do these freeze well?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Yes, they do. Jill
Diana Harris says
What brand of rolled oats do you use? I've never bought them before.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Diana. I use Country Choice organic rolled oats. I also use the Trader Joe's gluten free rolled oats for my husband who follows a gluten free diet. Jill
Stephanie says
Hi, Jill. Can you tell me what flour would be best to use for a gluten free version of this cookie? Thanks!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Stephanie. I don't know that it's as easy as making a 1:1 swap. I try and use almond flour when possible, but, it's not as easy as swapping it out as the consistency is very different. Sorry I can't be of further help. Jill
Stephanie says
Hi, Jill!
I used Teff flour and it worked great!!! My son is very picky and on a restricted diet and he likes them!
Thanks,
Stephanie
Brandy says
I made these Saturday Morning. Hubs said they were just "ok". I liked them hot...not so fond of them cool...so I put them in the microwave this morning. DD 8 she ate one as a snack and said it was good...she's a sugary breaikfast foods eater...And i gave her 2 of these for breakfast on the way to church and she ate them all and left no crumbs. YAH! Think I'll try them next time with White wheat flour and I like the idea of some dried fruit.
Kate says
Delish! In efforts to make these even healthier, I swapped out the two Tbs of butter for 6 Tbs of organic flax and 1Tbs of water. Awesome. Love them with cinnamon. Thanks!
jmagee says
YEAH!! Thank you thank you! We try not to make much with butter so I thought I'd take a shot and look through the comments to see if anyone substituted for it. Wasn't sure what would work. So, THANK YOU for you post! I'm excited that getting a substitute for just that one ingredient placed this recipe into our arsenal of foods that we can eat :)
Amy says
Fantastic! My kids LOVED them and so did I! I will be making these often! Please share any other non-traditional breakfast recipes you have or ways to pack even more nutrition into these. Thanks!
Jen says
These were really tasty! I didn't have maple syrup this morning so I had to use honey. I think they need the maple flavor to make them a little more interesting. The honey didn't add much flavor. I used walnuts and would probably add dried fruit next time.
I was wondering what brand of maple syrup you like to buy?
Thanks! Love your blog!
100 Days of Real Food says
I just by the Earth Fare store brand grade B syrup.
anna says
I made these for my family today (as written, maybe less salt as i rarely measure salt and end up going on the light side) and they are such a hit, I may not have any leftovers for my husband to try. I love that the recipe is great as is, but is also basic enough that it gives me a lot of room to be creative! I can see myself making these on a regular basis. thanks!
Amy says
Just made these for after school treats. I was sure to not call them cookies, as we are used to more sugary treats. I called them bread bites and the kids loved them. I am so excited to have been told about this website and I am trying to incorporate better eating in our family's life. Thanks so much!
Maggie says
I substituted the maple syrup with agave nectar and added raisins to the recipe. They were awesome! Can't stop eating them!
Stefanie says
We're on our third week of 'real food.' I made these last week and my 3 year old, who was addicted to Nutragrain breakfast bars *hangs head in shame*, loves them and gladly accepts them as a replacement. Making another batch right now.
My daughter is highly allergic to eggs and all nuts, so we use EnerG egg replacer and pumpkin seeds and they still come out wonderfully! Thanks so much!
HJK says
Would it be a 1:1 subsitution of pumpkin purée instead of apple sauce?
Thank you!
Leah says
Have you tried adding organic peanut butter to the recipe? I imagine that would be very yummy but am wondering how the rest of the recipe would change? Would you need to increase the flour or omit the applesauce or vanilla? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
100 Days of Real Food says
I have not tried that, but it's a great idea...let me know how it turns out!
Christine says
I just took these out of the oven. They're nice, although I'm surprised to not be able to taste the maple at all! I'm going to try again because I think our family will love them, with just a bit more maple for flavor. Thanks for a yummy and healthy recipe!
Jenny says
When your recipes list butter as an ingredient, is that real butter, or margarine? I've just found your site, but I'm learning so much already!
100 Days of Real Food says
Definitely butter (the "real" thing)...margarine is an imitation so I do not recommend it at all!!
Liz says
I added a few more pecans to boost the flavor -- my college daughters love these for a quick breakfast -- and I love them when I crave cookies! I've added chocolate chips (to try to appeal to my husband, no luck yet), raisins, and dried cranberries -- all good.
Ashley says
I just started trying to make these changes in my diet this week, so my taste buds aren't totally convinced of the change. These were sort of bland to me, but they satisfy me for breakfast with a banana and cup of apple juice. I think they'd be better with some more honey or maple syrup and some cinnamon.