Quinoa Breakfast Cookies with Seeds Recipe
If you’re on the lookout for a breakfast treat that’s not just tasty but also packed with nutrition, you’re going to love this Quinoa Breakfast Cookies with Seeds Recipe. These cookies are my go-to when I need something wholesome that’s easy to grab and truly satisfying. Trust me, they’re fan-freaking-tastic – chewy, seedy, a little nutty, and with just the right touch of sweetness. Stick around and I’ll share everything you need to nail this recipe every single time!
Why This Recipe Works
- Nutrient-Dense Ingredients: Using cooked quinoa and a variety of seeds adds protein, fiber, and healthy fats to keep you energized throughout the morning.
- Simple, Minimal Sweetness: The maple syrup offers just enough sweetness, making these cookies a wholesome breakfast rather than a sugary snack.
- No Flour Needed: This grain-free option is perfect if you want something gluten-free or just want to skip traditional flours for a change.
- Quick and Easy: You don’t need fancy tools or ingredients – just a bowl, spoon, and oven, which makes morning prep a breeze.
Ingredients & Why They Work
These ingredients come together in the best way to create a cookie that’s chewy, seedy, lightly sweet, and completely addictive. Each component plays an important role, both in flavor and texture, so let me walk you through why I love each one and what to look for when you shop.
- Cooked Quinoa: This is your base, offering a soft chewy texture and plenty of plant-based protein to keep things balanced and filling.
- Rolled Oats: They bind the mixture nicely and add a subtle nuttiness along with fiber – make sure to use gluten-free oats if you’re sensitive.
- Raw Pumpkin Seeds: These give a lovely crunch plus healthy fats and zinc – I prefer raw and unsalted to keep control over the saltiness.
- Hemp Seeds: Tiny but mighty, they boost protein content and add a mild, nutty flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Chia Seeds: These help hold everything together with their natural gel-forming ability when wet, plus they’re great for omega-3s.
- Tahini: Creamy and slightly earthy, tahini acts like a binder and fat source – I recommend the creamy, drippy kind for best results.
- Maple Syrup: Provides natural sweetness and moisture; if you’re not vegan, you can swap it for honey.
- Baking Soda: Just a pinch helps give a bit of lift and airiness without making the cookies cakey.
- Sea Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the nutty flavors.
- Semisweet Chocolate Chips (Optional): Because who can resist chocolate? Choose dairy-free if needed for a vegan version.
Make It Your Way
One of my favorite things about this Quinoa Breakfast Cookies with Seeds Recipe is how adaptable it is. Whether you want to swap out seeds, add your favorite mix-ins, or change up the sweetness level, these cookies are a forgiving base that welcomes experimentation.
- Variation: I love adding dried cranberries or chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor – just toss them in with the seeds before mixing.
- Dietary Modifications: For a nut-free version, make sure your tahini is pure sesame and skip any nut-based add-ins; the oats and seeds keep it hearty.
- Seasonal Twists: In colder months, a sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice feels cozy and festive.
- Difficulty Levels: If you’re new to baking gluten-free or grain-free treats, this is a great starter recipe because it’s simple and hard to mess up.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Quinoa Breakfast Cookies with Seeds Recipe
Step 1: Cook Your Quinoa Perfectly
Start by cooking your quinoa – I usually make a batch ahead on the stovetop or in my Instant Pot to save time. The key is to rinse the quinoa first to remove any bitterness. Once cooked, fluff it with a fork and let it cool before adding to your batter. Properly cooked quinoa makes the biggest difference in texture here!
Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, rolled oats, raw pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, and chia seeds. Stir them well so they’re evenly distributed, which makes for consistent bites throughout the cookies. I like to use a big spoon or spatula here to give everything a good mix without mashing the quinoa.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients & Mix
Next, add the tahini, maple syrup, baking soda, sea salt, and if you’re feeling indulgent, the chocolate chips. Stir until everything is fully incorporated – the batter will be sticky and hold together nicely when pressed. If it feels too dry, a splash more tahini or syrup can help.
Step 4: Scoop and Bake Your Cookies
Scoop 1 ½ tablespoon-sized mounds of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. These cookies don’t really spread much, so feel free to place them close together but give them a small gap. I gently press the tops flat with my palm to encourage even baking. Bake at 350 °F (176 °C) for 14-18 minutes, watching for golden edges – that’s your cue they’re done!
Step 5: Cool & Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They’re soft fresh out of the oven but firm up as they cool, giving you that perfect chewy texture. Honestly, sometimes I sneak one while they’re still a bit warm – who can resist?
Tips from My Kitchen
- Quinoa Rinsing: Always rinse quinoa thoroughly before cooking – it removes bitterness that can sneak into your cookies.
- Even Mixing: Use a sturdy spatula to mix so you distribute seeds and chocolate chips evenly without crushing the quinoa.
- Watch the Bake Time: Baking a minute or two too long makes the cookies dry – keep an eye on the golden edges as your best sign.
- Cooling Matters: Don’t skip the cooling step; the cookies firm up nicely and taste better once fully cooled.
How to Serve Quinoa Breakfast Cookies with Seeds Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle a pinch of extra chia or hemp seeds on top of my cookies before serving if I’m feeling fancy – it adds a little visual pop and a bonus crunch. Sometimes a light dusting of cinnamon complements the nutty tahini flavor beautifully, too!
Side Dishes
Pairing these cookies with a dollop of Greek yogurt or your favorite plant-based yogurt makes for a complete breakfast. Fresh fruit – like sliced bananas or berries – and a hot cup of coffee or tea round out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch spread, I sometimes serve these cookies stacked on a pretty plate with small bowls of nut butter, fresh fruit, and seeds for sprinkling. They also make adorable little gifts when wrapped in parchment and tied with twine — friends always love them!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store my leftover Quinoa Breakfast Cookies with Seeds in an airtight container at room temperature if I plan to eat them within a few days. They stay soft and fresh for 2-3 days this way, though I usually stash them in the fridge to stretch that to almost a week.
Freezing
Freezing works wonderfully! I lay the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They keep for up to a month and thaw quickly at room temp or heated gently in the oven.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop a cookie or two in a toaster oven or regular oven at 325 °F for 5 minutes – this revives their texture wonderfully, giving back that slight crisp on the edges while keeping the center chewy.
FAQs
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Can I make these Quinoa Breakfast Cookies with Seeds Recipe vegan?
Yes! The recipe already uses maple syrup and tahini, both vegan-friendly. Just be sure any optional chocolate chips are dairy-free if you’re avoiding animal products.
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Do I have to use all the seeds listed in the recipe?
Not at all. One of the beauties of this recipe is flexibility. You can use any combination of seeds you like or have on hand, such as sunflower, flax, or sesame seeds, and still end up with delicious cookies.
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Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. This is perfect if you want to prep the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
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What if I don’t have tahini? What can I use instead?
Peanut butter or almond butter can be swapped in if you’re out of tahini, but note the flavor will be richer and more distinct. I recommend creamy nut butters for similar texture and moisture.
Final Thoughts
This Quinoa Breakfast Cookies with Seeds Recipe holds a special place in my morning routine because it balances health and indulgence perfectly. I love how they’re portable, super nutritious, and satisfy my cookie cravings without guilt. If you try them once, I bet you’ll feel the same – they’re just the kind of recipe worth keeping in your back pocket. Happy baking, friend!
Print
Quinoa Breakfast Cookies with Seeds 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
Delicious and nutritious Seedy Quinoa Breakfast Cookies packed with wholesome ingredients like quinoa, oats, pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, chia seeds, and a touch of sweetness from maple syrup. Perfect for a gluten-free, vegan breakfast or snack, these cookies are easy to prepare and bake to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2/3 cup cooked quinoa (measured after cooking)
- 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
- 1/2 cup tahini (creamy, drippy)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips (optional, ensure dairy-free as needed)
Instructions
- Prepare Quinoa: If you do not have cooked quinoa, prepare it using the Instant Pot or stovetop. Use about 1/4 cup uncooked quinoa to yield approximately 2/3 cup cooked quinoa (124 g).
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (176 degrees Celsius) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa, rolled oats, raw pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, and chia seeds. Stir to blend the ingredients evenly.
- Add Wet Ingredients and Spices: Add tahini, maple syrup, baking soda, sea salt, and if using, the semisweet chocolate chips to the bowl. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is fully incorporated.
- Form Cookies: Scoop dough in 1 ½ tablespoon portions onto the prepared baking sheet. Press them gently with your palm as they do not expand during baking. This recipe should make 12 cookies.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 18 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown. Remove from oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Cool Completely: Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely; they will firm up as they cool.
- Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the refrigerator up to 5 days, or frozen for 1 month or longer.
Notes
- If not vegan, honey can substitute for maple syrup.
- Prep and cook times assume using pre-cooked quinoa, which can be prepared ahead.
- This recipe is inspired by Love and Lemons’ Quinoa Breakfast Cookies and adapted from Easy Flourless Granola Cookies.
- Nutrition estimates do not include optional chocolate chips.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
