Seedy Quinoa Breakfast Cookies Recipe
If you’re looking for a breakfast that feels like a treat but is actually packed with wholesome ingredients, you’re going to love this Seedy Quinoa Breakfast Cookies Recipe. These cookies combine crunchy seeds, nutty tahini, and tender quinoa for a breakfast that’s not only delicious but seriously satisfying. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be reaching for them on busy mornings or even as a hearty snack throughout your day.
Why This Recipe Works
- Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: Combining quinoa and seeds gives you a boost of protein, fiber, and healthy fats to power your morning.
- Simple, Minimal Prep: No fancy equipment or complicated steps — just mix, scoop, and bake.
- Naturally Sweetened: Maple syrup adds just enough sweetness without overwhelming the natural flavors.
- Flexible & Customizable: You can tweak the seeds, add chocolate, or swap sweeteners to fit your taste and dietary needs.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient in this Seedy Quinoa Breakfast Cookies Recipe plays a role in creating the perfect balance of texture and nutrition. I love how the combination not only tastes great but also fuels your body well. Here are some handy tips for shopping and prepping these essentials.
- Cooked Quinoa: This adds a soft, chewy texture and complete plant protein. Make sure it’s well cooked but not mushy for the best results.
- Rolled Oats: Using gluten-free oats ensures it’s friendly for sensitive stomachs and adds bulk for structure.
- Raw Pumpkin Seeds: These provide a nice crunch and earthy flavor; I pick unsalted to keep control of the saltiness.
- Hemp Seeds: Small but mighty, they pack in omega-3s and add a subtle nutty quality.
- Chia Seeds: They help bind the cookies and add extra fiber, plus they give a pleasant little pop when you bite into them.
- Tahini: Creamy and slightly savory, tahini brings moisture and richness — go for a drippy, smooth consistency.
- Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that blends perfectly without overpowering the other ingredients. If you’re not vegan, honey works well too.
- Baking Soda & Sea Salt: Essential for balance and a touch of lift, just don’t skip or overdo these.
- Semisweet Chocolate Chips (Optional): For those like me who love a little indulgence, these add a hint of melty sweetness and contrast the nutty flavors beautifully.
Tweak to Your Taste
I always encourage making this Seedy Quinoa Breakfast Cookies Recipe truly your own. I’ve found swapping seeds and sweeteners slightly can make a fresh experience every time — plus, it’s fun to discover what combo you like best.
- Seed Swap: Sometimes I use sunflower seeds or flaxseeds if that’s what I have on hand; they bring a different but equally lovely crunch.
- Sweetener Change: I’ve tried a splash of brown rice syrup or even softened dates blended in place of maple syrup — both add a milder sweetness.
- Adding Spice: Cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg really enhances the warmth of these cookies; give it a shot if you love cozy breakfast flavors.
- Chocolate-Free: For a pure seed-and-quinoa flavor profile, omit the chips — these cookies are still just as delightful.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Seedy Quinoa Breakfast Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Quinoa
If you don’t have cooked quinoa ready, cook it first — it’s super straightforward. I like using the stovetop method because it lets me control firmness: rinse a scant 1/4 cup of dry quinoa, then simmer in double the amount of water until just tender, about 15 minutes. Fluff and cool it so it’s not too hot when you mix the dough. Having quinoa at the right texture is key — too mushy, and the cookies get soggy; slightly firm works best.
Step 2: Mix the Seeds, Oats, and Quinoa
In a medium bowl, add your cooked quinoa, then toss in the oats, pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, and chia seeds. I love using a big wooden spoon here. Stir these dry elements well to get an even distribution — this way every cookie has a little crunch and chew in every bite!
Step 3: Add Tahini, Sweetener, and Leavening
Next, add the tahini and maple syrup to the bowl along with baking soda and sea salt. I always make sure to measure carefully here; too much baking soda can give a soapy taste, so just a pinch is perfect. Stir everything until the mixture comes together; it should be sticky but easy to scoop. If using chocolate chips, sprinkle those in last and fold them gently so they don’t melt yet.
Step 4: Scoop and Shape Your Cookies
I like using a 1 ½ tablespoon cookie scoop to get uniform sizes — it helps the cookies bake evenly. Drop scoops onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, then gently press each cookie down with the palm of your hand. They won’t spread much in the oven, so you can place them a little closer than usual without worrying about crowding.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Bake at 350°F (176°C) for 14 to 18 minutes, watching for golden edges. This is when your kitchen will start smelling amazing — almost like a cozy morning hug. Once done, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes so they firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you try to move them too soon, they might crumble.
Pro Tips for Making Seedy Quinoa Breakfast Cookies Recipe
- Use Well-Drained Quinoa: Excess moisture in your cooked quinoa can make the dough too wet — drain any leftover water well before mixing.
- Check Your Oven Early: Ovens vary, so start checking your cookies at 14 minutes to avoid overbaking and drying them out.
- Press Cookies Gently: Don’t smash them too hard — just enough to shape and flatten slightly as they won’t spread much when baking.
- Store Properly for Freshness: Let cookies cool fully before storing to avoid sogginess inside your container.
How to Serve Seedy Quinoa Breakfast Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I often sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking to amplify the nutty flavors — it’s my little secret that makes these cookies pop. When serving, a smear of almond butter or a dab of Greek yogurt on the side adds some creaminess that contrasts nicely with the crunchy seeds.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with fresh fruit — think sliced apples or berries, which add brightness and juiciness. A warm mug of herbal tea or your favorite coffee rounds out the meal perfectly without overloading your breakfast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch gathering, I like arranging these cookies on a wooden board with small bowls of nut butters, honey, and fresh sliced bananas so everyone can customize their bites. They also stack beautifully wrapped in parchment and tied with twine as a thoughtful edible gift!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Seedy Quinoa Breakfast Cookies are completely cooled, store them in an airtight container. I usually keep mine at room temperature if I plan to eat them within 2-3 days. For anything longer, I like to pop them in the fridge to keep them fresh up to about 4-5 days — just be sure the container is sealed tight to avoid moisture.
Freezing
I’ve had great luck freezing these cookies in batches. I separate them with parchment so they don’t stick, then seal in a freezer bag or container. They keep well for at least a month, which means you can prep ahead and have breakfast ready whenever you want.
Reheating
To reheat, I either let them come to room temperature or heat briefly (10-15 seconds) in the microwave to soften that tahini-rich texture. If you prefer a little crispness, popping them in a toaster oven for a few minutes works like a charm. Just keep an eye so they don’t burn!
FAQs
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Can I use dry quinoa directly in this Seedy Quinoa Breakfast Cookies Recipe?
No, the recipe requires cooked quinoa for the right texture and binding. Make sure to cook the quinoa ahead of time and let it cool before mixing into your cookie dough.
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Are these Seedy Quinoa Breakfast Cookies gluten-free?
They can be, as long as you use certified gluten-free rolled oats. Quinoa and seeds are naturally gluten-free, so just double-check your oat package to be safe.
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Can I substitute tahini with another ingredient?
Tahini adds a unique creaminess and flavor, but you can swap it with smooth almond butter or sunflower seed butter if that’s what you prefer or have on hand.
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How sweet are these cookies? Can I adjust the sweetness?
The maple syrup gives a subtle, natural sweetness — not too sugary. You can adjust by adding a little more or less sweetener depending on your taste.
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Can I add other mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts or dried cranberries make excellent additions; just keep the total dry ingredients balanced to maintain good dough consistency.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely adore this Seedy Quinoa Breakfast Cookies Recipe because it feels like a little kitchen magic — a wholesome, portable breakfast that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture. Whether you’re rushing out the door or sharing a slow weekend brunch, these cookies hit the spot every time. Give them a try, tweak them to your liking, and soon enough, they’ll be a staple in your morning routine just like they are in mine.
Print
Seedy Quinoa Breakfast Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Deliciously nutritious Seedy Quinoa Breakfast Cookies packed with wholesome seeds, oats, and cooked quinoa, sweetened naturally with maple syrup and perfectly baked for a crispy, golden edge. Ideal for a healthy breakfast or snack, these cookies are gluten-free and easily adapted for vegan diets.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (ensure gluten-free as needed)
- 1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds (unsalted)
- 2 Tbsp hemp seeds (hulled)
- 2 Tbsp chia seeds
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips (optional, ensure dairy-free as needed)
Wet Ingredients
- 2/3 cup cooked quinoa (measured after cooking)
- 1/2 cup tahini (creamy, drippy)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup*
Instructions
- Prepare quinoa: If you do not already have cooked quinoa, prepare 1/4 cup uncooked quinoa using the Instant Pot or stovetop method until cooked, yielding approximately 2/3 cup cooked quinoa.
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (176 C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, raw pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, chia seeds, baking soda, sea salt, and optional chocolate chips. Stir well to combine.
- Add wet ingredients: Add the cooked quinoa, tahini, and maple syrup to the dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated into a dough.
- Scoop and shape cookies: Using a 1 ½ Tbsp scoop, portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Place the cookies close together as they do not expand during baking. Gently press each cookie with the palm of your hand to flatten slightly.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 18 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which will help them firm up.
- Store: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days, in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days, or freeze for up to 1 month or longer.
Notes
- If not vegan, honey can be used in place of maple syrup.
- Prep and cook times assume that cooked quinoa is already prepared; quinoa cooking time is additional if starting from raw.
- Recipe is inspired by Love and Lemons’ Quinoa Breakfast Cookies and adapted from Easy Flourless Granola Cookies.
- Nutrition information excludes optional chocolate chips for accuracy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
