Cookies for Breakfast

I have been struck with the same yuckies that took the kiddos down last week. I don't think I have it as bad as they did, but I've certainly been having slow mornings due to the restless nights that come from not being able to breathe out of your nose. It makes for quite a lack of creativity in the breakfast-making department.

However, in the afternoon I've usually gathered a little momentum, and yesterday I decided to take advantage of it and bake something. No more toast with peanut butter for us this morning! Today, I'm giving my kiddos cookies for breakfast!

Giant Breakfast Cookies

Makes about 12 huge cookies

1/2 cup raw pepitas (green pumpkin seeds)
1/4 cup raw cashews (wash 'em first)

1/4 cup ground flax meal

6 TBS softened butter*

2 large eggs

1/4 cup real maple syrup
1/4 cup brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup quick-cooking oatmeal

1 cup whole wheat flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional but awesome)

1/4 cup unsweetened coconut (optional, but again awesome)
1/4 cup finely chopped dried fruit (optional)

Preheat oven to 350F. In a food processor or blender, blend pepitas and cashews into a coarse meal. In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream butter with brown sugar and add maple syrup and eggs. Add seed/nut meal to butter mixture along with flax meal, then add salt and vanilla. 

In a separate bowl, mix oatmeal, flour, baking soda and baking powder. Slowly add flour mixture to butter mixture, making sure your stand mixer is on a low speed, if using one (otherwise you'll have flour everywhere, ask me how I know...).

If dough is crumbly and needs a little help coming together, add up to 1/4 cup whole milk until slightly sticky dough forms.

Add chocolate chips, dried fruit, and/or coconut.

Scoop in 1/4 cup mounds (I use a 1/4 cup ice cream scoop) onto greased or parchment paper-covered cookie sheets, and press into a flat-ish disc shape. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until browned around edges and no longer shiny in the middle.

Allow to cool some before removing from cookie sheets.

*Remember, if you're eating good, organic butter from pasture-raised cows, it is basically a health food! Don't be shy... but if you sub, don't sub with margarine or Crisco, use coconut oil instead!