These sea salt + date quinoa breakfast cookies are a decadent way to start the day, with a deliciously satisfying blend of textures and flavors.
I just arrived back from a week-long trip to Prince Edward Island and while I'm certainly feeling refreshed and relaxed, the mountainous to-do list, my disorganized apartment, my empty fridge and getting my butt back in gear for workouts, already is making the vacation seem like ages away.
It's funny how that happens, right? When you're away you are able to forget about life for a while, but as soon as you get back home, it just picks back up right where we left off. And you're really just left with great memories, some peace of mind, and a little bit of a tan if we're lucky.
So now, it's time to introduce you to this month's cookie flavor: Sea Salt + Date Quinoa Breakfast Cookies!
Initially the idea for these was more of a salted caramel flavor, but after testing them a few times, I decided the flavor was less caramel-y and more of just a subtle sweetness with chewy date pieces. So, they're sea salt + date quinoa breakfast cookies and they are D-E-L-I-S-H!
We've changed this version up just slightly by using a date puree to sweeten them instead of maple syrup. If you haven't ever made a date puree, you're in for a treat. It's kind of like a thick caramel, but a little bit less sweet, yet every bit as decadent.
And it's super easy to make. All you have to do is soak some dates (for about 15 minutes), then blend them up until they're smooth and creamy. You're definitely going to want to have a high-powered blender or food processor because it can be a little tricky to get them smooth.
I used my BlendTec Twister Jar, but I think a Vitamix or even a food processor would also do the trick.
And you know, you also don't have to really worry about the puree being totally smooth; if there are some bits of date left over, that's fine! It will give some texture to the cookies and having a few chunks of chew date inside is actually kind of perfect.
![SALTED DATE QUINOA BREAKFAST COOKIES...made with only nutritious ingredients, no gluten, dairy OR refined sugar! [vegan]](https://www.simplyquinoa.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sea-salt-date-quinoa-breakfast-cookies-8.jpg)
For the sea salt bit, I simply sprinkled my cookies with some Maldon sea salt flakes. It added just the right amount of saltiness without overpowering the entire flavor. Plus, the balance of sweet and salty makes these an even more epic dessert breakfast.
What do we love about these cookies? For starters, you can make them in just one bowl. Second, they are naturally gluten-free, vegan and don't need any refined sugar.
These cookies also double as the perfect on-the-go snack. I love to toss a few in my bag on my way out the door so that if I have to run errands after my yoga or spin class, I can just nibble on these cookies if I need a quick bite to eat.
![HEALTHY QUINOA BREAKFAST COOKIES -- with banana, dates, almond butter, chia seeds and more! Topped off with flaked sea salt for added flavor! [vegan + gluten-free]](https://www.simplyquinoa.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sea-salt-date-quinoa-breakfast-cookies-6.jpg)
So…let's recap the flavors we have so far:
- January: Chunky Monkey
- February: Blueberry Muffin
- March: Peanut Butter + Jelly
- April: Lemon Poppy Seed
- May: Snickerdoodle
- June: Sea Salt + Date
And for the next month…it's up to you!
What flavor would you like to see for July?
- Matcha Latte
- Strawberry “Cheesecake”
- Lemon Raspberry
- Chocolate Peanut Butter
- or…something different?
Let me know your vote in the comments below and we'll see which one wins!
xo Alyssa
More Quinoa Breakfast Cookies to try:
- Carrot Cake Quinoa Breakfast Cookies
- Zucchini Bread Quinoa Breakfast Cookies
- Peanut Butter Oat & Quinoa Cookies
- Matcha Quinoa Breakfast Cookies
- Apple Pie Quinoa Breakfast Cookies
Sea Salt + Date Quinoa Breakfast Cookies
![SALTED DATE QUINOA BREAKFAST COOKIES...made with only nutritious ingredients, no gluten, dairy OR refined sugar! [vegan]](https://www.simplyquinoa.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sea-salt-date-quinoa-breakfast-cookies-8-193x290.jpg)
Ingredients
- for the date puree:
- 10 medjool dates pitted + soaked in warm water for at least 10 minutes
- 3 tablespoons plant milk of choice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- for the cookies:
- 1 flax egg 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water
- ½ cup almond butter
- ¼ cup date puree
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or plant milk for lower sugar option
- 1 medium banana mashed
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup quinoa flakes
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ vanilla bean powder or extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds optional
- Topping: sea salt flakes I like Maldon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Drain dates and add them, along with the milk and salt, to high-powered blender or food processor. Blend on high until smooth. (you may have to stop and scrape the sides down occasionally)
- Whisk together the flaxseed meal and water, and set aside.
- Beat together almond butter, date puree, syrup and banana in a large bowl. Add flax egg and mix to combine.
- Pour in oats, quinoa flakes, baking powder, vanilla and salt, and stir together. Fold in chia seeds.
- Drop 2 tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheet and repeat until no dough remains. Gently flatten them and then sprinkle with the sea salt flakes.
- Bake cookies on center rack for 15 - 17 minutes until edges are golden brown. Remove and let cool on the pan for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.
- Enjoy at room temp or slightly reheated in a microwave.
Notes
Nutrition
![SALTED DATE QUINOA BREAKFAST COOKIES...made with only nutritious ingredients, no gluten, dairy OR refined sugar! [vegan]](https://www.simplyquinoa.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sea-salt-date-quinoa-breakfast-cookies-8-150x150.jpg)
Filed Under:
WW SmartPoints: 5
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Can you just crush regular quinoa, instead of using flakes?
I haven’t tested it that way, but it might work!
Can I use regular quinoa? I have never seen flakes.
I haven’t tested these with cooked quinoa, sorry about that! But you can use quick cooking oats instead 🙂
Hi! Would love to try these, but can’t eat banana. Any ideas of what I can sub with? Thanks!
I think you could try using applesauce! You might want to start with 1/4 of a cup and then add a touch more if it’s too dry 🙂
Where does the maple syrup come into play??
Whoops! It’s added in with the other wet ingredients. Updating the recipe now 🙂
Can you clarify the amount of vanilla. It says 1/2 vanilla bean powder or extract. i assume it’s teaspoon?
Teaspoon, yes! Thanks for that 🙂
First of all, YUM. Second of all, you went to PEI?! I live in Moncton, so it’s so close to my home! Hope you liked it! 🙂
YES! It was a blast. Such an amazing place. I wish it was a little warmer, but that just means we’ll have to come back 😉
Lemon Raspberry! I also love the cherry idea.
Thanks Sally! <3
Mmmm, these sound great. I love using date puree in cookies and the salt on top is perfect. I vote strawberry cheesecake or matcha latte! Can’t wait!
Yay, thanks! xo
lemon raspberry for sure!!! It’s one of my favorite combinations!
These sound delicious! I vote for Lemon Raspberry!D
I’ll vote for Strawberry Cheesecake, but something with coffee flavour would be delish!
Coffee is an awesome idea!!
Can’t wait to try these and I have dates in my frig that need to be used! So excited! I vote for Strawberry Cheesecake. I love cheesecake but very rarely eat it because it’s definitely not very healthy. I would love it if I could make something that tasted like cheesecake but was healthy! Thanks for another great recipe!
Where did the Caramel ones go?
I need to do a bit more testing for those ones!
Strawberrie cheesecake
The cheesecake sounds really goo, but I also like the lemon raspberry and of course who doesn’t like chocolate peanut butter. I absolutely don’t like anything mocha. Thanks for all the great recipes.
Thanks for the vote!
I think this may be the kick in the pants I need to finally make date purée. #lazy #impatient haha and for next month?? At first I was like CHEESECAKE YAS. But then I saw lemon… And I am so torn. I guess I will go lemon cause it’s summer and I want all the lemon things!!
Can’t wait to hear what you think of the date puree! Soooo yum!
Lemon raspberry for sure!
Or almond joy like Janelle said!
Almond joy is a great idea!
Absolutely Lemon Raspberry!!! Yumyum!
I was going to go for matcha latte again too, but lemon raspberry also sounds super yummy!
Lemon raspberry sounds perfect for a summer cookie!
I would really love to see more recipes using the quinoa pearls vs the flakes
I have tons and tons of those on my site 🙂 Feel free to browse, I think you’ll find lots of great options!
Matcha latte sounds fantastic.
How about Ginger Snap?
Oooooh! Love that 🙂 Adding it to my list (would be so yum in the fall!)
Lemon Raspberry, Strawberry Cheesecake, and Chocolate Peanut Butter all sound delish; I can’t decide. If I had to choose one though I’d probably go with Lemon Raspberry for Summer.
YUM! I think lemon raspberry is winning here!
Cannot wait to try these! I’m in for Chocolate Peanut Butter! Thanks for the recipes!
Yay, thanks! Can’t wait to hear what you think 🙂
Lemon raspberry or strawberry shortcake. And I have a question, can I use all quinoa flakes instead of oatmeal? (I can’t digest the oatmeal.)
lemon raspberry sounds like a winner
Great recipe but I also have an oatmeal problem. I use a (preventative) rotation diet with different food families. I also am wondering if I could use quinoa flakes in same amount as oat ? The rest of this great recipe allows enough substitutions to
use. Thank you.
I *think* so! I haven’t tried it, but I imagine it would be fine. You might want to start with a little less (maybe 3/4 cup) and add as needed. Let me know!
Hi!! I really want to make this recipe but can’t find quinoa flakes anywhereeee. Any chance I could sub for all oats instead? Obviously not as healthy but I just really want to try this tasty vegan treat asap! Thanks
I think you could, yes! I would actually use quick oats instead of regular rolled oats for the quinoa flakes if you can 🙂
Almond joy or lemon raspberry!
Lemon raspberry sounds superb 😀 Fingers crossed!
Matcha Latte!
How about fresh cherries & almond cookies as an option for July (now that cherries are just coming into season!)?
Love it! I think maybe I’ll use cherries and chocolate chips in a breakfast bar recipe 😉
I vote for these – lemon raspberry second choice.
Still hoping for matcha latte!
I’m voting for Chocolate Peanut Bkutter! YUM!
These quinoa cookies look like my breakfast for next week – added to the list! And July should definitely feature Chocolate Peanut Butter.. sounds like dessert for breakfast and there is never anything wrong with that!
mmm …. those look delicious! Can’t wait to try them, Alyssa. Chocolate-peanut butter is my flavour vote!