Banana Cranberry Breakfast Cookies

liliya-we-are-recipes
By Liliya

Published:

Updated:

This website may include affiliate links and advertisements, which help us bring you delicious recipes at no extra cost to you. Read our disclosure policy.

This Banana Cranberry Breakfast Cookies recipe is a sweet, wholesome way to start your morning off right. Made with just a handful of nourishing ingredients like ripe banana, oats, peanut butter, and dried cranberries, these cookies are naturally sweet, soft, and so satisfying. They’re perfect when you want something quick, comforting, and just healthy enough to feel good about.

banana-cranberry-breakfast-cookies-1

Banana cranberry breakfast cookies are my go-to when I need a make-ahead breakfast or a cozy little snack to pair with coffee. They’re chewy, full of flavor, and keep me full for hours thanks to the oats and peanut butter. Plus, you can whip them up in one bowl with zero fuss. If you’re a fan of banana-oat anything, this one’s a must-try.

If you’re into healthy, naturally sweet banana cookie recipes as i do, don’t miss my Cranberry Walnut Banana Oat Cookies or these fruity Strawberry Banana Breakfast Cookies , both are just as easy and full of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Banana Cranberry Breakfast Cookies Recipe

  • They’re naturally sweetened. These cookies are sweetened with ripe banana and dried cranberries, so you can skip the refined sugar but still satisfy your sweet tooth.
  • Made with wholesome ingredients. With just oats, banana, peanut butter, and cranberries, you know exactly what’s going into your breakfast.
  • One-bowl, no-fuss recipe. Everything comes together in one bowl, which means less mess and less time in the kitchen.
  • Perfect for meal prep. Make a batch on Sunday and enjoy them all week long for quick breakfasts or easy snacks.
  • Kid-friendly and adult-approved. Soft, chewy, and just sweet enough, these are perfect for lunchboxes and coffee breaks alike.
  • Freezer-friendly. Stash extras in the freezer for busy mornings when you need something nourishing on the go.
liliya-picture-in-the-kitchen

table talk

With Liliya!


These came about when I had just one banana left on the counter and a half-empty jar of peanut butter staring back at me. I wasn’t in the mood for a smoothie or oatmeal again, so I mashed it all together with some oats and tossed in cranberries for a little tangy sweetness. The result? A cookie that’s cozy, chewy, and keeps you going. Now I make a batch almost every Sunday for the week ahead.

Liliya

Ingredients Needed For Banana Cranberry Breakfast Cookies

  • Ripe banana. The riper, the better. A spotted banana gives the cookies natural sweetness and moisture.
  • Old-fashioned oats. These are the base of the cookie and give that hearty texture. Quick oats work too, but the cookies will be softer.
  • Peanut butter. Adds healthy fat, richness, and a little protein. Go for natural, creamy peanut butter without added sugar or oil.
  • Dried cranberries. These add tangy bites of sweetness that pair perfectly with banana. You can also try raisins or chopped dried cherries.
  • Cinnamon or vanilla (optional). Just a pinch for extra flavor if you want to warm things up.
banana-cranberry-breakfast-cookies-ingredients

How I Make Banana Cranberry Breakfast Cookies

(This is a quick overview of how I make Banana Cranberry Breakfast Cookies, with tips along the way. You’ll find the full ingredients & instructions in the recipe card below.)

banana-cranberry-breakfast-cookies-steps

  1. Mash the banana. Use a fork to mash the banana in a medium bowl until mostly smooth.
  2. Stir in the rest. Add oats, peanut butter, cranberries, and cinnamon or vanilla if using. Stir everything together until combined.
  3. Scoop onto a baking sheet. Use a spoon or cookie scoop to portion out the dough. Flatten slightly with the back of the spoon.
  4. Bake. Bake at 350°F for 12 to 14 minutes, until lightly golden and set.
  5. Cool. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring to a container.
banana-cranberry-breakfast-cookies-4

Tips For The Best Banana Cranberry Breakfast Cookies


Use a super ripe banana. The riper the banana, the sweeter your cookies will be. Look for lots of brown spots on the peel.


Choose natural peanut butter. Go for a creamy peanut butter that doesn’t have added sugar or hydrogenated oils. It mixes more easily and keeps the flavor pure.


Don’t overmix the dough. Just stir until everything is combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough.


Scoop evenly for uniform baking. Use a cookie scoop or spoon to make sure each cookie is the same size, which helps them bake evenly.


Flatten before baking. These cookies don’t spread much, so press them down lightly before putting them in the oven.

Banana Cranberry Breakfast Cookies Recipe Variations and Substitutions

Nut-Free Option. If you’re baking for someone with a nut allergy, simply swap the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or tahini. Both provide creaminess and help bind the cookies without using nuts. Always double-check your oats and dried cranberries to make sure they’re processed in a nut-free facility if allergies are a concern.

Chocolate Chip Delight. Want a more dessert-like twist? Add a tablespoon or two of mini chocolate chips to the mix. It’s a small addition that makes a big impact, pairing beautifully with the banana and cranberry flavors.

Superfood Boost. For extra nutrition, stir in a teaspoon of chia seeds, hemp hearts, or flaxseed meal. These nutrient-dense ingredients blend right in and give a subtle crunch without changing the flavor.

Coconut Cranberry Cookie. Mix shredded unsweetened coconut into the batter along with your oats and cranberries. It adds richness, a chewy texture, and a slightly tropical flair that’s still cozy enough for winter mornings.

Recipe Substitutions

  • Banana: No ripe banana? You can use unsweetened applesauce instead, but you may need to add a bit more oats to balance the moisture.
  • Oats: Both old-fashioned and quick oats work here. Quick oats make for a softer cookie, while old-fashioned oats give more chew.
  • Cranberries: Any dried fruit can be used in place of cranberries—try raisins, chopped dates, or even diced dried apricots for a fun flavor twist.

How to Pack Banana Cranberry Breakfast Cookies for Work or School

These cookies are made for real life grab-and-go mornings, lunch breaks, or long commutes. Once fully cooled, wrap each cookie in parchment paper or pop them into a reusable snack container. They hold their shape and don’t crumble easily, so they travel well in backpacks, lunchboxes, and totes. If you like a little indulgence, tuck in a mini packet of nut butter or even a square of dark chocolate for a treat. You can also freeze a few individually wrapped cookies so you can just grab one in the morning and it’ll be thawed by the time you’re ready to eat.

banana-cranberry-breakfast-cookies-pin

What Makes These Cookies So Filling?

These cookies may look like a treat, but they’re seriously satisfying thanks to a smart mix of ingredients. The oats are full of complex carbs and fiber, which digest slowly and help you feel full longer. The banana brings natural sweetness and extra fiber, while the peanut butter adds a dose of healthy fats and protein. Together, these three powerhouses make each cookie feel like more than just a snack—they’re functional fuel that keeps your energy up between meals.

Storing / Freezing Banana Cranberry Breakfast Cookies

These cookies store beautifully, which makes them a fantastic option for meal prep or grab-and-go mornings.

Room Temperature: Once completely cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Line the container with parchment paper or separate layers with wax paper to prevent sticking.

Refrigerator: If you want to extend their freshness a bit longer, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to a week. They hold their texture well and stay nice and chewy.

Freezer: To freeze, place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1 hour). Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. For best results, label your container with the date.

To Reheat or Thaw: Let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature or pop one in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. You can also warm them in a toaster oven for a few minutes to bring back that freshly baked taste.

FAQs About Banana Cranberry Breakfast Cookies

Can I make these without peanut butter?

Yes! You can use any nut or seed butter you like, such as almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or tahini. If you skip it entirely, the cookies will be a little drier and less rich, but still hold together thanks to the banana and oats.

Are these gluten-free?

They can be! Just make sure you’re using certified gluten-free oats. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so this swap is easy.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. This recipe scales beautifully. Just use a larger mixing bowl and bake in batches or on two sheets at once. They freeze well too, so doubling is always a smart move.

Can toddlers eat these?

Yes, they’re toddler-friendly, especially since they contain no refined sugar and are soft and chewy. Just be sure to chop the cranberries smaller for younger eaters and ensure they don’t have allergies to any ingredients.

More Breakfast Cookies You’ll Love

Before you get started! If you try this recipe, I’d love for you to leave a rating and review. It helps us keep sharing free recipes you can count on.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
banana-cranberry-breakfast-cookies-recipe

Banana Cranberry Breakfast Cookies

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Liliya
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 17 minutes
  • Yield: 8 cookies 1x
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Banana Cranberry Breakfast Cookies are naturally sweet, soft, and made with just five wholesome ingredients. Perfect for meal prep, school lunches, or cozy mornings with coffee.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 ripe banana
  • 1 cup old-fashioned oats
  • 1/4 cup natural creamy peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • Pinch of cinnamon or splash of vanilla (optional)


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Mash the banana in a medium bowl until mostly smooth.
  3. Stir in oats, peanut butter, cranberries, and cinnamon or vanilla if using.
  4. Scoop dough onto the baking sheet and flatten each cookie slightly.
  5. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, until lightly golden and set.
  6. Cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring to a container.

Notes

  • For nut-free: Use sunflower seed butter or tahini.
  • For added protein: Mix in 1 scoop of protein powder and a splash of milk if needed.
  • To make bars: Press dough into an 8×8-inch pan and bake for 18–20 minutes.
  • Freezer-friendly: Store cooled cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
  • Add-ins: Chocolate chips, chia seeds, coconut, or raisins all work beautifully!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 115 kcal
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 40mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

As Seen On