When it comes to feeding toddlers, finding something that’s both nutritious and toddler-approved can feel like a never-ending battle. These Toddler Breakfast Oatmeal Cookies solve that problem deliciously. Made with wholesome ingredients and naturally sweetened, these soft, chewy cookies make a fantastic low sugar kids breakfast, snack, or even a grab-and-go bite for busy mornings.
Whether you’re practicing BLW (baby-led weaning), hunting for on-the-go baby snacks, or simply trying to sneak in extra nutrients, this recipe is a game changer. These cookies are gluten-free, dairy-free, and easy to customize for your child’s taste or dietary needs.
Table of Contents
Why These BLW Cookies Are Perfect for Breakfast or Snacks
These oatmeal cookies check all the boxes for modern toddler nutrition:
- No refined sugar
- No dairy
- Naturally gluten-free
- Full of fiber and slow-digesting carbs
- Soft texture for easy chewing
They’re also easy for little hands to hold, making them ideal for toddlers developing motor skills and independence. Plus, they travel well in lunchboxes, snack bags, or even tucked into your diaper bag alongside these Coconut Cream Pie Overnight Oats for mom.
Ingredients for Healthy Oatmeal Snacks for Toddlers
Here’s everything you need for these healthy cookies:
- 2 medium ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (or nut/seed butter of choice)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
- 1 cup quick oats
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional)
- 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips or raisins (optional for older toddlers)
These ingredients are nutrient-packed, naturally sweet, and perfect for kids. Want to keep it extra simple? Just banana, oats, and peanut butter will still work great.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Toddler Breakfast Oatmeal Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
- Stir in the peanut butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and flaxseed until well combined.
- Add in the quick oats and mix thoroughly.
- Gently fold in shredded coconut and chocolate chips or raisins if using.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts onto the baking sheet. Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon or fingers.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are golden and centers are set.
- Cool completely before serving to toddlers.
These cookies come together in under 20 minutes, perfect for quick cooking recipes and busy caregivers alike.
Best Tips for Healthy Treats for Toddlers That Actually Get Eaten
- Use very ripe bananas for natural sweetness and soft texture.
- If your child has allergies, sub with sunflower seed butter or coconut butter.
- Skip chocolate chips for younger toddlers and try raisins or mashed blueberries.
- Add a pinch of chia seeds for extra omega-3s and texture.
If your toddler loves finger foods like Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies, this will be another easy favorite.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need for This Recipe
You only need a few basics:
- Mixing bowl
- Fork or potato masher
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
These simple tools make clean-up fast—because who has time for a pile of dishes when you’re parenting?
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezer Tips
These cookies are ideal for meal prep:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- Freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp or microwave for 10–15 seconds.
Perfect for making in batches and pulling out when hunger strikes!
Gluten-Free Breakfast for Kids: Substitutions and Variations
To keep this recipe gluten-free, ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. Other variations include:
- Swap flaxseed for chia seed if preferred.
- Use dairy-free chocolate chips to keep it completely dairy-free.
- Try almond or cashew butter for a slightly different flavor.
Explore more gluten-free kid favorites like Pumpkin Pancakes or Banana Zucchini Muffins.
Low Sugar Kids Breakfast Ideas to Pair with These Cookies
Serve these cookies with:
- A side of fresh fruit
- A small cup of Delicious Breakfast Punch
- A hard-boiled egg or slice of cheese (if not dairy-free)
They also pair beautifully with Pumpkin French Toast Roll-Ups for a more filling morning.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Baking Cookies for Toddlers
- Using under-ripe bananas – They won’t mash well or provide enough sweetness.
- Over-baking – These cookies should stay soft and chewy, not crispy.
- Too many add-ins – Keep mix-ins minimal for small children to avoid choking hazards.
Always cool cookies completely before offering them to toddlers.
How These Cookies Fit into Dairy-Free Toddler Recipes
This recipe is naturally dairy-free, making it perfect for:
- Lactose-intolerant toddlers
- Dairy-free households
- Allergy-aware meal prep
You can also explore other dairy-free toddler recipes like Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Pancakes and Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bread.
Ideas for Using These as On-the-Go Baby Snacks
Need snacks for park days or car rides?
- Pack two cookies in a small snack container.
- Pair with soft fruit like banana slices.
- Toss in a travel cup with a soft spout of water or toddler-friendly smoothie.
Just like High Protein Overnight Oats, these cookies travel incredibly well.
More Bread for Toddlers and Healthy Junk Food Dinner Swaps
Want more ideas for satisfying but healthy toddler eats?
- Try Snickerdoodle Bread for a soft and sweet breakfast.
- Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are a great occasional treat.
- Swap fast food nuggets for Crispy Vegan Chicken Nuggets.
Creating healthy junk food dinner options starts with recipes like this that mimic the taste and feel of snacks kids love—without all the sugar and salt.
Toddler Oatmeal Cookie FAQs
Are these cookies safe for babies under 1 year old?
Yes—just ensure you skip sweeteners like honey and chop mix-ins finely or omit entirely.
Can I use rolled oats instead of quick oats?
You can, but they’ll be chewier. For very young toddlers, stick with quick oats.
Are these good for lunchboxes?
Absolutely. They’re nut-free if made with sunflower butter, and they hold up well without refrigeration.
Conclusion: Make Toddler Breakfast Oatmeal Cookies a Weekly Staple
These Toddler Breakfast Oatmeal Cookies are everything parents want—healthy, portable, easy, and most importantly, toddler-approved. With just a few pantry staples, you’ll have a snack or breakfast that satisfies both your nutritional standards and your little one’s taste buds.
If you’re looking for more healthy homemade recipes for kids, check out our Low Sugar Kids Breakfasts and Gluten-Free Toddler-Friendly Ideas.
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PrintToddler Breakfast Oatmeal Cookies : A Healthy Snack Kids Actually Love
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
Description
These Toddler Breakfast Oatmeal Cookies are soft, naturally sweetened, and packed with wholesome ingredients. Perfect for baby-led weaning, school snacks, or healthy toddler breakfasts, they’re dairy-free, gluten-free, and freezer-friendly.
Ingredients
- 2 medium ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup rolled oats (certified gluten-free if needed)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed (optional)
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil or olive oil
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: ¼ cup finely chopped apples, shredded carrot, or zucchini
- Optional: 2 tablespoons raisins, chopped dates, or mini dairy-free chocolate chips
- Optional: 1 tablespoon nut butter or seed butter
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat.
- Mash and Mix: In a large bowl, mash bananas until smooth. Stir in coconut oil and vanilla extract.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add oats, cinnamon, flaxseed (if using), and any optional add-ins. Stir well to combine.
- Scoop and Shape: Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to drop dough onto the baking sheet. Flatten slightly.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes or until lightly golden and set. Let cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas for natural sweetness and best texture.
- Let cookies cool completely before serving to toddlers.
- Skip chocolate chips and sweeteners for babies under one year.
- Store in an airtight container for 2–3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 75
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 3.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1.2g
- Protein: 1.2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Toddler Oatmeal Cookies, Dairy-Free Toddler Recipes, Low Sugar Kids Breakfast, BLW Cookies, Gluten-Free Breakfast for Kids