Morning Glory Breakfast Cookies — Grain-Free Recipe

Morning Glory Breakfast Cookies are wholesome, grain-free breakfast cookies made with avocado, buckwheat flakes, almond flour and no refined sugar.

It’s hard to believe April is already halfway over. With Easter just around the corner, I’m looking forward to warmer days and more time outside. Here in Newfoundland, spring often arrives later than elsewhere — we still get cold, windy days and even snow in April — but the longer days make early mornings feel a bit easier.

One thing that helps busy mornings is a stash of these Morning Glory Breakfast Cookies. They’re ideal for meal prep, packed with healthy fats and fiber, and convenient for eating on the go.

What are morning glory breakfast cookies?

Morning glory breakfast cookies are a portable take on morning glory muffins. Traditional morning glory muffins usually include carrots, raisins, nuts, apples and coconut. These cookies mirror that flavor profile but are shaped into firmer patties, perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast. This version is oil-free, refined sugar-free and grain-free, making it a nutritious option for many diets.

How do you make these cookies?

Although the ingredient list may look long, the method is straightforward.

Begin by creaming the avocado with the coconut sugar until smooth. A handheld or stand mixer works well, and a blender can also do the job. Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla and applesauce until the mixture is creamy. At this stage the batter may look slightly green, but it will darken once the dry ingredients are added.

Whisk the almond flour with cinnamon, baking soda and salt, then beat this into the wet mixture until fully combined. The batter will thicken and become more neutral in color.

Fold in the add-ins by hand: buckwheat flakes, grated carrot, chopped walnuts, shredded coconut and raisins. The mixture will be thick and sticky.

Use an ice cream scoop to portion the dough, then shape it into 12 patties about 3 inches across and 3/4 inch thick. Rinsing your hands occasionally helps manage the stickiness. Place the patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 1/2 inch apart. They won’t expand much while baking.

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–22 minutes, until browned and firm. Let the cookies cool on the pan for 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

Yes. This recipe uses buckwheat flakes and almond flour, both naturally gluten-free. If you swap ingredients, ensure any alternative (like oats) is certified gluten-free if you need to avoid gluten.

How are these breakfast cookies refined sugar-free?

They are sweetened with coconut sugar, which is less processed than white sugar. The recipe also uses unsweetened raisins and applesauce. A white chocolate drizzle is optional — skip it to keep the cookies fully refined sugar-free.

Can you substitute oat flakes for buckwheat flakes?

Yes. Oat flakes can be used in place of buckwheat flakes and have a similar texture. To maintain a gluten-free recipe, choose certified gluten-free oats.

Why substitute avocado for oil or butter?

Avocado adds healthy monounsaturated fats, vitamins and minerals, and it’s a great dairy-free alternative. When baking with avocado instead of butter, keep a few things in mind:

• Avocado doesn’t melt like butter, so recipes often need slightly more wet ingredients to achieve the right texture; applesauce helps here.
• Bake at a lower temperature or slightly longer when using avocado to avoid over-browning.
• Baked goods made with avocado can be a bit flatter than those made with butter. If you want a closer texture to butter-based recipes, try substituting only half of the fat with avocado.

Can you freeze breakfast cookies? Are breakfast cookies good for meal prep?

Yes — these cookies freeze and thaw well, making them excellent for meal prep. I usually keep a few fresh on the counter for the first days and freeze the rest in a single layer or with wax paper between layers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before eating.

I hope you enjoy these cookies as much as I do. They’re a simple, nutritious way to make mornings easier and tastier.

• Avocado Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
• Avocado Pumpkin Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies

If you try the recipe, leave a comment to share your experience.

📖 Recipe