AIP Banana Breakfast Cookies: Easy, Nutritious, and Delicious!
If you're following the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet, you know how challenging it can be to find easy and delicious breakfast options. Mornings are often busy, and having a nutritious, grab-and-go meal can make all the difference. That’s where AIP Banana Breakfast Cookies come in! These soft, naturally sweet cookies are packed with wholesome ingredients, making them the perfect morning treat or snack.
In this article, we’ll walk you through an easy AIP-friendly banana breakfast cookie recipe, provide useful tips for substitutions, and answer common FAQs to ensure you get the best results every time.
Why You’ll Love These AIP Banana Breakfast Cookies
AIP and Paleo-Friendly: Free from dairy, gluten, grains, refined sugar, and nuts.
Easy to Make: Requires just a handful of simple ingredients.
Naturally Sweetened: No refined sugar—just the natural sweetness of bananas and optional dried fruits.
Great for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time and enjoy throughout the week.
Soft and Chewy Texture: A comforting treat that feels indulgent but is totally guilt-free.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these easy and delicious AIP banana breakfast cookies, you’ll need:
2 ripe bananas (mashed)
1 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened)
½ cup coconut flour
2 tbsp coconut oil (melted)
1 tbsp gelatin powder (for binding)
¼ tsp cinnamon (optional, but adds great flavor)
¼ tsp salt
½ tsp vanilla extract (AIP-compliant, optional)
⅓ cup dried fruit (raisins, chopped dates, or unsweetened dried cranberries)
⅓ cup tigernut flakes (optional for added crunch)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. A few small lumps are fine, but aim for a mostly smooth consistency.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
To the mashed bananas, add shredded coconut, coconut flour, cinnamon, and salt. Stir to combine.
Step 4: Activate the Gelatin
In a small bowl, add 1 tbsp of gelatin powder to 2 tbsp of warm water, stirring quickly to dissolve. Add this mixture to the bowl with the other ingredients. This will help bind the cookies.
Step 5: Add the Remaining Ingredients
Stir in melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, dried fruit, and tigernut flakes (if using). Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Flatten them slightly with your hands or a spoon and place them on the lined baking sheet.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden on the edges and firm to the touch.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or store for later!
Storage Tips
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to a week.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw for a few minutes before enjoying.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Replace the Coconut Flour?
Yes! If you don’t have coconut flour, you can use cassava flour instead. Keep in mind that coconut flour is very absorbent, so if you swap it out, you may need to adjust the liquid content slightly.
2. What Can I Use Instead of Gelatin?
Gelatin is used as a binder in this recipe, but if you need a substitute, you can use an extra tablespoon of coconut flour or ¼ cup of mashed sweet potato.
3. Can I Add More Sweetness?
These cookies are naturally sweet from the bananas and dried fruit. However, if you prefer them a bit sweeter, you can add a small amount of honey or maple syrup (AIP-compliant) to taste.
4. Are These Cookies Crunchy or Soft?
These cookies are soft and chewy rather than crispy. If you prefer a crunchier texture, try flattening them more before baking or baking for a few extra minutes.
5. Can I Add Protein to These Cookies?
Absolutely! You can add collagen peptides (AIP-friendly) or tiger nut flour for an extra protein boost.
Final Thoughts
These AIP Banana Breakfast Cookies are the perfect solution for a quick and healthy breakfast or snack. With simple ingredients and easy prep, they make sticking to the AIP diet delicious and effortless. Whether you're meal-prepping for the week or just craving a naturally sweet treat, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!
Try making a batch today, and let us know how you enjoy them!