Bright and wholesome, these Lemon Chia Breakfast Cookies are soft-baked with whole oats, zesty lemon, and protein-rich chia seeds—perfect for a healthy grab-and-go breakfast or mid-morning snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Fresh citrus flavor: Zesty lemon brightens every bite.
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Balanced nutrition: Oats and chia seeds deliver fiber, protein, and sustained energy.
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Naturally sweetened: Honey or maple syrup provide gentle sweetness without refined sugar.
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Quick prep: One-bowl mix and 15 minutes bake time.
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Perfectly portable: Ideal for busy mornings, lunches, or post-workout snacks.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 ½ cups rolled oats
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½ cup whole wheat or all-purpose flour
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2 tablespoons chia seeds
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon baking soda
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½ teaspoon fine salt
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Zest of 1 medium lemon (about 1 teaspoon)
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¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
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¼ cup honey or pure maple syrup
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¼ cup unsweetened applesauce (or mashed banana)
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1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan)
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1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
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2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
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Optional mix-ins: ¼ cup chopped nuts (e.g., almonds or walnuts), ¼ cup raisins or white chocolate chips
Directions
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Preheat and prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. -
Combine dry ingredients
In a large bowl, stir together oats, flour, chia seeds, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and lemon zest until evenly mixed. -
Mix wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk honey (or maple syrup), applesauce, egg (or flax egg), vanilla, lemon juice, and melted coconut oil until smooth. -
Combine and fold
Pour the wet mixture into dry ingredients. Fold gently just until combined. Stir in any optional mix-ins, taking care not to overwork the dough. -
Portion the dough
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded mounds onto lined baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart. Flatten gently with fingers or back of spoon to a ¾‑inch thickness. -
Bake
Bake for 12–15 minutes, until edges begin to turn light golden and centers are set. -
Cool
Allow cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and timing
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Yield: 12 cookies
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 12–15 minutes
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Total time: ~25 minutes
Variations
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Vegan option: Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flax + 3 tablespoons water) instead of egg.
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Nutty crunch: Mix in ¼ cup chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts.
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Tropical twist: Add ⅓ cup unsweetened shredded coconut and swap lemon zest for lime zest.
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Berry burst: Gently fold in ¼ cup fresh or freeze-dried blueberries.
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Extra sweetness: Add 2 tablespoons white chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate after cooling.
storage/reheating
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Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Refrigerator: Keep for up to 5 days—bring to room temperature before eating.
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Freezer: Freeze individually on a tray, then store in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight or microwave for 15–20 seconds.
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To reheat: Warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes, or microwave for about 10 seconds.
FAQs
1. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes—quick oats work too, but texture will be slightly softer.
2. How do I make it vegan?
Use a flax egg (1 Tbsp ground flax + 3 Tbsp water) and maple syrup in place of honey.
3. Will they be too dry without oil?
The applesauce helps, but omit oil only if reducing fat; they may be slightly drier.
4. Can I replace applesauce with mashed banana?
Yes—use mashed banana in equal measure for natural sweetness and moisture.
5. Are chia seeds necessary?
They add protein, fiber, and a slight gel texture, but can be omitted or replaced with flax seeds.
6. Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes—try 3 tablespoons honey and reduce lemon juice to balance acidity.
7. Will they stick to parchment?
No—parchment or a silicone mat prevents sticking without greasing.
8. Can I double the recipe?
Yes—bake on two sheets simultaneously, swapping racks halfway through.
9. How to keep them soft?
Don’t overbake. Store with a small piece of bread to retain moisture.
10. Can I freeze baked cookies?
Absolutely; thaw in bag or microwave briefly before enjoying.
Conclusion
These Lemon Chia Breakfast Cookies are bright, wholesome, and easy to make ahead. Bursting with citrusy flavor, fiber-packed oats, and nourishing chia seeds, they make a great healthy start to your day or an uplifting anytime snack. Enjoy the lemony cheer in every bite!
