Healthy Gingerbread Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies are the perfect seasonal treat for cozy mornings. Made with warming spices, hearty oats, and naturally sweetened with molasses and maple syrup, these cookies bring the festive flavor of gingerbread into a nutritious, on-the-go breakfast. They’re soft, chewy, and ideal for busy mornings or a wholesome snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies taste like holiday cheer in every bite. They’re easy to make, packed with fiber, and sweetened naturally—making them a feel-good option for breakfast or midday snacking. With the comforting aroma of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, they’re a festive and nourishing choice that everyone can enjoy, even on the busiest mornings.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 3/4 cup whole wheat flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
directions
- Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the oats, whole wheat flour, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, baking soda, and salt. - Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the applesauce, melted coconut oil, molasses, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract until smooth. - Combine and Form Cookies:
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until a thick dough forms. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie and place on the prepared baking sheet, flattening each slightly with your fingers or the back of a spoon. - Bake:
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are firm and set. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and timing
Servings: Makes 12 cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Calories: Approximately 90 kcal per cookie
Variations
- Add-Ins: Mix in chopped nuts, raisins, or dried cranberries for added texture and flavor.
- Chocolate Twist: Add dark chocolate chips for a dessert-inspired version.
- Extra Protein: Stir in a tablespoon of chia seeds or ground flaxseed for a boost of protein and fiber.
- Nut Butter Boost: Add a spoonful of almond or peanut butter for extra richness.
- Coconut Flavor: Mix in shredded unsweetened coconut for a tropical twist.
storage/reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
FAQs
Are these cookies suitable for kids?
Yes, they are naturally sweetened and free from refined sugar, making them a great option for children.
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Old-fashioned oats provide better texture, but quick oats can be used if that’s what you have on hand.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes, use maple syrup instead of honey and confirm your molasses is vegan-friendly.
What can I use instead of molasses?
Maple syrup or date syrup can be substituted, but the cookies will lose the deep, traditional gingerbread flavor.
Can I add protein powder to the dough?
Yes, add 1–2 tablespoons of your favorite plant-based or whey protein powder, and adjust the moisture if needed.
How do I keep the cookies soft?
Store them in an airtight container and do not overbake. You can also place a slice of bread in the container to retain moisture.
Are these gluten-free?
They can be made gluten-free by using a certified gluten-free flour blend and oats.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
Do these cookies spread much while baking?
Not significantly—make sure to flatten them slightly before baking for the desired shape.
What’s the best way to enjoy these cookies?
They’re great with a cup of tea or coffee, or as a grab-and-go breakfast with some fruit or yogurt.
Conclusion
Healthy Gingerbread Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies are a delicious way to enjoy festive flavors while nourishing your body. Soft, spiced, and satisfying, they’re perfect for holiday mornings, healthy snacking, or whenever you want a cookie that’s as wholesome as it is tasty. Keep a batch on hand for easy, feel-good fuel throughout the week.
Print
Healthy Gingerbread Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These healthy gingerbread oatmeal breakfast cookies are soft, spiced, and naturally sweetened with maple syrup and molasses. A wholesome, festive grab-and-go breakfast for the holidays or chilly winter mornings!
Ingredients
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1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
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3/4 cup whole wheat flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
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1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
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1 teaspoon ground ginger
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1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
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1/4 teaspoon baking soda
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
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2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
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1/4 cup molasses
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1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
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Preheat Oven: Preheat to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together oats, flour, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
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Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk applesauce, coconut oil, molasses, maple syrup or honey, and vanilla until smooth.
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Combine: Pour wet mixture into dry and stir until evenly mixed.
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Form Cookies: Scoop about 2 tablespoons per cookie onto the baking sheet, flatten slightly.
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Bake: Bake 10–12 minutes or until edges are set. Cool 5 minutes on sheet, then transfer to a rack.
Notes
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For added texture, mix in chopped nuts or raisins.
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Make them gluten-free with certified oats and a gluten-free flour blend.
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Great for holiday prep—freeze and thaw as needed!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
