These Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Breakfast Cookies are tasty and healthy! Made with creamy cottage cheese and sweet apples, they’re perfect for a morning snack or breakfast on the go.
Who knew a cookie could be good for breakfast? I love grabbing one with my coffee, and they keep me full too. You can even mix in some nuts for a little extra crunch! 🍏🍪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Old-fashioned rolled oats: The base of this recipe! They give the cookies a nice chewiness. If you don’t have this type, you can use quick oats, but the texture will be less hearty.
Cottage cheese: I love using low-fat cottage cheese for a protein boost. If dairy is an issue, try using a plant-based alternative like almond or soy yogurt to maintain a similar texture.
Apple: Any type of apple works, but I recommend Granny Smith for their tartness that balances sweetness. If you want, you can use applesauce instead; just reduce the amount of liquid slightly in the recipe.
Honey or maple syrup: Both sweeteners work well! If you’re avoiding sugar, a low-calorie sweetener like stevia can also be used. Just adjust to taste, as some are sweeter than others.
Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add nice crunch. For nut-free cookies, feel free to skip them or substitute with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
How Do I Ensure My Cookies Are Perfectly Baked?
Baking cookies to the right texture can be tricky! Here are simple steps to get them just right:
- Preheat the oven: This ensures your cookies start baking at the correct temperature for an even texture.
- Use a non-stick surface: Lining your baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat helps prevent sticking and promotes even baking.
- Watch the time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Start checking around the 18-minute mark. They should be golden around the edges but a little soft in the center.
- Cool properly: Let them sit for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring. This helps them firm up as they cool.
With these tips, you’ll have delicious cookies every time!
Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Breakfast Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1 medium apple, finely diced (about 1 cup)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or pecans)
- Optional glaze: 1 tablespoon powdered sugar mixed with a little milk or apple juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and another 18-22 minutes for baking. So, in about 35-40 minutes, you can have delicious breakfast cookies ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important to make sure your cookies bake evenly.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir them together gently to make sure everything is mixed well.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese, egg, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Keep mixing until it becomes a smooth mixture; it’s okay if there are small lumps from the cottage cheese.
4. Combine the Mixtures:
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir them together until they’re just combined. Don’t overmix!
5. Add the Apples and Nuts:
Fold in the finely diced apple. If you’re using nuts, toss them in as well. This adds extra flavor and crunch to your cookies!
6. Scoop the Cookie Mixture:
Using a spoon, scoop heaping tablespoons of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each heap slightly with the back of the spoon to shape them into cookie rounds.
7. Bake the Cookies:
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. Keep an eye on them! They’re ready when they turn golden at the edges and look set in the middle.
8. Cool the Cookies:
Once done, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Optional Glaze:
If you want, mix together powdered sugar and a little milk or apple juice to make a quick glaze. Drizzle it over the cooled cookies for added sweetness!
10. Enjoy!
Serve your cookies warm or at room temperature. They keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, perfect for a tasty snack or breakfast!
These cookies are moist, hearty, and delicious with the apple-cinnamon flavor. Plus, the cottage cheese provides a great boost of protein while keeping your cookies tender. Enjoy your healthy treat!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Yes! If you prefer, you can use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese. It will still give the cookies a moist texture while adding protein, but keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different.
What If I Don’t Have Rolled Oats?
If you don’t have rolled oats on hand, quick oats can be used as a substitute. However, the texture might be a bit less chewy. Be careful not to overmix when combining the ingredients, as quick oats can become mushy.
Can I Freeze These Cookies?
Absolutely! After baking, let the cookies cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To enjoy, just thaw overnight in the fridge or warm them in the microwave.
How Do I Know When the Cookies Are Done Baking?
The cookies are done when they are golden on the edges and set in the center. You can also lightly press one with your finger; it should spring back and not leave an indentation!