These Lemon Chia Breakfast Cookies are bright and tasty, perfect for starting your day. They are packed with zesty lemon flavor and tiny chia seeds that add a fun crunch!
I love how easy they are to whip up, and they make a great grab-and-go snack. Plus, who doesn’t love a cookie that feels like breakfast? 🍋✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: These are perfect for a chewy texture. If you don’t have rolled oats, you can use quick oats, but they may result in a softer cookie.
Whole Wheat Flour: This adds a nutty flavor and more fiber. If needed, all-purpose flour works just fine, though it may make cookies slightly less chewy.
Chia Seeds: Aside from adding crunch, they are rich in fiber. You can substitute them with flax seeds, but remember to grind them for better absorption.
Coconut Sugar: It provides a mild sweetness. If you run out, brown sugar or even maple syrup can be used. Just adjust the moisture slightly if you use liquid sweeteners.
Unsweetened Applesauce: This keeps the cookies moist. If you’re looking for a substitute, mashed bananas work well too! They’ll add more banana flavor, though.
Coconut Oil: It gives a nice flavor. You can replace it with melted butter or any neutral-flavored oil like canola for a similar effect.
How Do I Get Perfectly Baked Cookies?
Baking cookies can sometimes be tricky, especially for those who want the perfect texture. Here are some tips to achieve great results:
- Preheat the Oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 350°F (175°C) before baking. This helps the cookies rise and bake evenly.
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet prevents sticking and helps the cookies cook uniformly without burning the bottoms.
- Let It Sit: After mixing wet and dry ingredients, letting the mixture sit for 5 minutes allows the chia seeds to thicken the dough, giving better texture.
- Flatten Gently: When dropping the cookies on the sheet, flatten them slightly to help them spread while baking.
- Check for Doneness: Bake until the edges are lightly golden. They will firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake them!
Follow these tips, and you’ll end up with delicious cookies that have the perfect balance of soft and chewy. Enjoy your baking!
How to Make Lemon Chia Breakfast Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1/3 cup coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted (or vegetable oil)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake, making a total of approximately 25-30 minutes. After baking, remember to cool the cookies on a wire rack for a few minutes before enjoying them!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important for getting those cookies perfectly baked. While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, mix together the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, chia seeds, coconut sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the zest of one lemon. Give it a good stir so everything is evenly combined.
3. Whisk the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the applesauce, fresh lemon juice, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Now, pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Let the batter sit for about 5 minutes. This resting time helps the chia seeds soak up some moisture and makes the cookies even better!
5. Shape the Cookies:
Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of the dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie. Gently flatten each cookie with the back of a spoon or your fingers to give them a disc shape.
6. Bake the Cookies:
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for about 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on the cookies, and remove them once the edges are lightly golden and they feel set.
7. Cool and Enjoy:
After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your bright, zesty lemon chia breakfast cookies right away or store them in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
These cookies are a fantastic way to start your day or as a wholesome snack throughout the day. Enjoy the delicious flavors and crunchy texture!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Ingredients?
Absolutely! To make these cookies gluten-free, simply use certified gluten-free rolled oats and a gluten-free flour blend in place of the whole wheat flour. The flavors will remain just as delicious!
What Can I Substitute for Chia Seeds?
If you don’t have chia seeds on hand, you can use flax seeds as an alternative. Just make sure to grind them for better absorption. You can also omit them if needed, but you’ll lose some crunch and nutrition.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them; just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in nuts, seeds, or dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for added texture and flavor. Just keep an eye on the cookie dough consistency, as adding too many extras may affect texture.
