Protein-Packed Breakfast Cookies

Here's a simple and nutritious recipe for homemade protein cookies that you can enjoy for breakfast:

Ingredients

- 1 cup rolled oats

- 1/2 cup almond flour

- 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder (whey or plant-based)

- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

- 1/4 cup almond butter (or any nut or seed butter of your choice)

- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (for sweetness)

- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans)

- 1/4 cup dried fruit (such as raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates)

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

- Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, protein powder, chopped nuts, dried fruit, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well to combine.

3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the unsweetened applesauce, almond butter, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.

4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly combined and forms a thick dough. If the dough seems too dry, you can add a splash of almond milk or water to help bind it together.

5. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough and place it onto the prepared baking sheet. Use your hands or the back of a spoon to gently flatten each cookie into your desired shape and thickness.

6. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown around the edges.

7. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. These cookies can be enjoyed as a quick and nutritious breakfast option or as a satisfying snack throughout the day.

Feel free to customize this recipe based on your preferences by swapping out ingredients or adding mix-ins like chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or chia seeds. These protein-packed breakfast cookies are not only delicious but also a convenient way to fuel your morning with wholesome ingredients. Enjoy!