14 Breakfast Cookies That Prove Treats Aren’t Just for Dessert

For those of us with a sweet tooth, waking up to a savory breakfast just isn’t going to cut it. If you prefer a sweeter breakfast, healthy cookies are a fantastic option that can be prepared in advance and taken on-the-go. Sure, cookies naturally bring to mind thoughts of dessert, but why stop there? When the right ingredients (like oatmeal, dried fruit or even applesauce) are used, cookies can certainly be enjoyed for breakfast too.

Better yet, breakfast cookies can be made in advance and enjoyed throughout the week. They’re easy to pack in a lunchbox, and are perfect for traveling or taking on your morning commute. Since most of these recipes make large batches, breakfast cookies are a great option to bring to a holiday breakfast or brunch potluck.

We love that these breakfast cookies are made with warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, which makes them taste delicious and totally comforting. But they’re not your typical breakfast cookie; we’ve added a secret ingredient that helps boost nutrition: a can of carrot baby food! Combined with bran flakes, oats and whole wheat flour, they’re a healthy and balanced way to start your day.

A great way to set breakfast cookies apart from dessert cookies is to use less sugar. In this recipe, we’re using natural sweetness from bananas and honey rather than refined white sugar. When combined with the nutty peanut butter it makes for the perfect balance of sweet and savory, and one that’s totally wholesome too.

Ready in just 35 minutes, these better-for-you cookies are packed with seeds and dried fruit. The chopped pecans add a bit of crunch, while oatmeal makes them extra chewy. They’re filled with fiber so you know you’re starting your day off on the right foot.

Fluffy, cakey and totally tender, you’d be surprised to know that these cookies are packed with 14 grams of protein. We used creamy peanut butter and peanut butter powder to create the flavorful base, then added a bit of whey protein powder. Enjoy these alongside a cup of coffee to start your day, or snack on one after a workout for a midday pick-me-up.

We love that these cookies are like a combination of granola bars and peanut butter cookies. They’re perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth who still wants to enjoy a nutritious breakfast. Oats, peanuts, pepitas and dried strawberries mean they’re packed with fiber and other nutrients while staying sweet, tender and perfectly chewy.

Chewy and tender, these breakfast cookies are notably less decadent than a dessert cookie, but still just as delicious. Grated apple, oats and applesauce combine for just the right amount of sweetness, while cinnamon and nutmeg add a warming flavor that’s particularly cozy in the morning.

These applesauce oatmeal cookies are a fun mashup of cookie and muffin. They’re tender, cakey and not too sweet, thanks to the natural sweetness from the applesauce. Oats add chewy texture and necessary fiber.

Made with ground oats and a bit of honey, these breakfast cookies are sweet and tender. While they may feel indulgent, they’re made with whole wheat flour, apple sauce and dried fruit, so they’re healthy and packed with necessary fiber. A bit of dark chocolate means they’ll pair perfectly with your morning cup of coffee.

These breakfast cookies are the perfect thing to make when you have guests staying the night. The recipe yields two dozen cookies — and they can all be prepped the day before. That way guests can wake up, make their way to the kitchen and enjoy hearty, nourishing cookies whenever they rise.

These delightful little bites are like a granola bar in muffin form. A bit of maple syrup helps hold together the nuts, oats, seeds and dried fruit, so they’re sweet enough without being sticky on your fingers. Be sure to bake them low and slow so the edges get golden brown without burning.

If you’re someone who skips breakfast because you’re too busy in the mornings to make one, you’ll want to try these cookies. The recipe is designed to be made in advance, so you can prepare them at the beginning of the week and enjoy them throughout. Oats, pepitas and dried cranberries make them chewy and nutritious, too.

Packed with maple syrup, these breakfast cookies will make you think of warm, tender pancakes. They’re a bit healthier though, thanks to the addition of whole wheat flour, oats and chopped nuts. Raisins add a bit of chewy texture, while a bit of bittersweet chocolate makes them just decadent enough.

They may not be sweet, but these little 'cookies' are too tasty to pass up. They're perfectly savory— like a breakfast sandwich all rolled into one little biscuit. Packed with bits of cooked bacon, cheddar cheese, chives and cream cheese, they’re delicate and hearty all at once. Serve warm with a slather of butter —or raspberry jam for a bit of sweetness.