Quinoa Breakfast Cookies with Seeds Recipe

Hey friend, I’m so excited to share this Quinoa Breakfast Cookies with Seeds Recipe with you — it’s genuinely one of my favorite ways to kickstart the day with something wholesome yet totally delicious. These cookies are packed with protein-rich quinoa and a mix of seeds that give each bite a satisfying crunch. Plus, they’re naturally sweetened and easy to whip up, making them perfect for busy mornings or a grab-and-go snack. Stick around, because these aren’t just cookies; they’re an everyday energy booster you’ll come back to again and again.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Balanced Nutrition: Quinoa and seeds combine protein, fiber, and healthy fats for lasting energy.
  • Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples come together quickly—no complicated steps or hard-to-find items.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Using oats and quinoa keeps it accessible for many dietary needs.
  • Customizable Boost: Optional chocolate chips and honey/maple syrup let you tweak sweetness and flavors easily.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Quinoa Breakfast Cookies with Seeds Recipe serves a special purpose. Quinoa brings hearty texture and protein, seeds add crunch with crucial fatty acids, and the tahini ties everything together with that creamy richness. I suggest shopping with care, especially choosing fresh seeds and a good-quality tahini for a deeper flavor. It really makes a difference!

Quinoa Breakfast Cookies with Seeds, healthy breakfast cookies, protein-packed morning snacks, nutritious seed cookies, easy wholesome breakfast recipes - Flat lay of cooked fluffy quinoa grains in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small pile of rolled oats on a white ceramic plate, raw pumpkin seeds scattered neatly on a white ceramic dish, a small white bowl filled with hulled hemp seeds, a small white bowl holding shiny black chia seeds, creamy thick tahini in a small white bowl showing a drippy texture, a small white bowl of golden maple syrup, a pinch of sea salt grains arranged delicately on a white ceramic spoon-shaped dish, a small heap of semisweet chocolate chips on a white ceramic plate, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Cooked quinoa: Provides a light chew and protein boost; make sure it’s well-drained so your cookies don’t get soggy.
  • Rolled oats: Adds structure and chewiness; gluten-free oats work great if you need to avoid gluten.
  • Raw pumpkin seeds: For a vibrant crunch and subtle nuttiness—unsalted keeps things balanced.
  • Hemp seeds: Tiny nutritional powerhouses that melt into the background with mild flavor.
  • Chia seeds: Help bind the dough while giving a nice crunch and plenty of omega-3 fats.
  • Tahini: Creamy and a little nutty—this is the secret to moist, chewy cookies without added butter or oils.
  • Maple syrup: Natural sweetener that adds a caramel note; you can swap for honey if you prefer.
  • Baking soda: Gives a subtle lift for a tender texture.
  • Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
  • Semisweet chocolate chips (optional): Adds a touch of indulgence—perfect if you want to treat yourself.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love that this Quinoa Breakfast Cookies with Seeds Recipe is a fantastic canvas for your morning cravings. Whether you want to make it more chocolatey, boost the crunch, or even sneak in some dried fruit, you can easily do it here. I often swap pumpkin seeds for sunflower seeds when they’re on sale or toss in some coconut flakes for extra chew.

  • Chocolate chip variation: Adding dark chocolate chips turns these cookies into a fun treat—I do it when I’m sharing with my kids for an extra smile.
  • Nut-free adjustment: Swap tahini for sunflower seed butter if you have nut allergies; it still keeps that creamy texture.
  • Seasonal twist: I sometimes sprinkle in cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice during fall — it warms up the flavor beautifully.
  • Sweetener swap: Honey, agave, or even date syrup work well if you want to change the flavor profile slightly.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Quinoa Breakfast Cookies with Seeds Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Quinoa (If Needed)

If you don’t already have cooked quinoa, no worries — cooking just a small batch takes minutes. I usually cook about ¼ cup dry quinoa which yields about 2/3 cup cooked. Make sure to rinse it well before cooking to remove any bitterness. I either use my Instant Pot for super easy hands-off cooking or stovetop method. After cooking, let it cool to room temperature so it won’t make the cookie batter too wet.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, add your cooked quinoa, rolled oats, pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, and chia seeds. Stir these together until evenly combined. This is where you get all those wonderful textures mingling—don’t rush this part, take a moment to appreciate all the goodies coming together.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients & Combine

Next, add your tahini, maple syrup, baking soda, sea salt, and chocolate chips if you’re using them. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is combined into a sticky, hearty dough. Sometimes I use a sturdy spoon, but my hands work like magic to really get everything folded in well.

Step 4: Shape and Bake Your Cookies

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out 1½ Tbsp-sized mounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet. The dough doesn’t spread much, so you can place them fairly close together. Gently press each cookie with your palm to flatten slightly. Bake in a preheated 350°F (176°C) oven for 14–18 minutes until the edges turn golden and the centers look set. After baking, let them sit on the sheet for about 5–10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is key for them to firm up nicely.

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Pro Tips for Making Quinoa Breakfast Cookies with Seeds Recipe

  • Use cooled quinoa: Warm quinoa can melt your tahini and change the dough texture, so always cool first.
  • Don’t overbake: Cookies firm as they cool, so pull them out once edges brown to keep them chewy.
  • Press lightly: Flattening gently before baking helps them hold shape without cracking.
  • Store airtight: Keep in a sealed container to maintain texture and flavor freshness.

How to Serve Quinoa Breakfast Cookies with Seeds Recipe

Quinoa Breakfast Cookies with Seeds, healthy breakfast cookies, protein-packed morning snacks, nutritious seed cookies, easy wholesome breakfast recipes - A stack of five thick cookies sits on a white plate with a black rim, each cookie showing a rough texture with visible pieces of chocolate chips, seeds, and grains in golden brown tones. The cookies are dense and bumpy, with darker brown chocolate chips scattered throughout. The plate is placed on a wooden board with some seeds spilling onto the light beige surface around it. In the background, a white marbled texture surface and a blurred glass milk bottle add softness to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep things simple here—just a little sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking amps up the flavor beautifully. Sometimes I add a little drizzle of extra tahini or a dollop of nut butter when serving to make it more decadent. Fresh berries on the side add a bright, juicy contrast that wakes up your morning palate.

Side Dishes

If I’m having these as breakfast, I like pairing them with a cup of my favorite coffee or herbal tea. A small bowl of yogurt or plant-based yogurt adds creaminess, balancing the crunch and chew of the cookies. Some days, I toss a quick fruit salad or sliced apple alongside for some freshness and a bit of tang.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch or when hosting, I’ve arranged these cookies on a wooden board surrounded by little bowls of extra seeds, fresh fruit, and nut butter. Each guest can customize their bite, which adds some fun and interaction to the table. I’ve also wrapped a few cookies in parchment tied with twine for a sweet homemade gift — always a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover quinoa breakfast cookies in an airtight container on the counter; they stay good for 2 to 3 days, perfect if you plan to snack through the week. If you want to extend their life, the fridge works great and preserves their fresh flavor for up to 4 or 5 days—just bring them to room temp or warm briefly before eating.

Freezing

Freezing works like a charm with these cookies! After cooling completely, I wrap them individually in parchment paper and pop them in a freezer bag. They keep for at least a month this way, and thaw in just 15–20 minutes at room temperature, or you can nuke them gently for a warm, fresh-baked feel.

Reheating

To reheat, I usually place a cookie on a microwave-safe plate and warm for about 15 seconds—enough to refresh the softness without melting away the texture. Another trick is to warm a couple minutes in a toaster oven for a slightly crisper edge, which is really satisfying when you want that fresh-baked sensation.

FAQs

  1. Can I use dry quinoa directly in the Quinoa Breakfast Cookies with Seeds Recipe?

    Dry quinoa cannot be mixed directly into the cookie dough because it needs to be cooked first to soften and develop its flavor. If you try to bake with dry quinoa, you’ll end up with crunchy, unpleasant bites. So always cook and cool the quinoa before adding it.

  2. Are these cookies suitable for gluten-free diets?

    Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free rolled oats, these cookies are gluten-free. Quinoa, seeds, and tahini are naturally gluten-free ingredients, making this recipe safe for most gluten-sensitive folks.

  3. Can I omit the chocolate chips?

    Absolutely! The chocolate chips are totally optional and just there if you want a little treat. The cookies are delicious on their own with seeds and tahini, and omitting the chips doesn’t affect the texture much.

  4. What’s the best way to sweeten these cookies if I’m avoiding maple syrup?

    If you’re avoiding maple syrup, using honey (if you’re not vegan) is a great swap. Other options include agave syrup or date syrup, but keep in mind these can slightly change the flavor profile.

  5. How do I prevent the cookies from being too crumbly?

    Make sure to press the cookie dough gently before baking so the ingredients stick together well. Also, using tahini adds moisture and binding power. Don’t overbake, as that can dry them out causing crumbliness.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Quinoa Breakfast Cookies with Seeds Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it hits that sweet spot between healthy and comforting. It’s hard to find something that feels indulgent while also being so nourishing and easy to make. I can’t recommend it enough, whether you want a quick breakfast, a road trip snack, or a little afternoon pick-me-up. Give it a try—you might just find this becoming your new favorite way to start the day, just like I did!

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Quinoa Breakfast Cookies with Seeds Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 3 reviews
  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Total Time: 28 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cookies
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

These Seedy Quinoa Breakfast Cookies are a nutritious and delicious way to start your day. Packed with quinoa, oats, and a mix of seeds, they provide a good balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Sweetened naturally with maple syrup and optionally enhanced with chocolate chips, these cookies are gluten-free and perfect for a healthy snack or breakfast on the go.


Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup cooked quinoa (measured after cooking)
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats (ensure gluten-free as needed)
  • 1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds (unsalted)
  • 2 Tbsp hemp seeds (hulled)
  • 2 Tbsp chia seeds
  • 1/2 cup tahini (creamy, drippy)
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt
  • 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips (optional, ensure dairy-free as needed)


Instructions

  1. Prepare quinoa: If you do not already have cooked quinoa, prepare it now either using an Instant Pot or on the stovetop. Use about 1/4 cup uncooked quinoa to yield approximately 2/3 cup cooked quinoa.
  2. Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (176 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  3. Mix dry and wet ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, add 2/3 cup cooked quinoa, rolled oats, pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, and chia seeds. Stir well to combine. Then add tahini, maple syrup, baking soda, sea salt, and optional chocolate chips. Mix thoroughly to fully incorporate all ingredients.
  4. Shape cookies: Using a tablespoon-sized scoop (1 ½ Tbsp), scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheet. The recipe should make 12 cookies. Place cookies fairly close together as they do not expand much. Gently press each cookie with the palm of your hand to flatten slightly.
  5. Bake: Bake cookies in the preheated oven for 18 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
  6. Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely; this process firms them up.
  7. Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, refrigerate for 4-5 days, or freeze for up to 1 month or longer.

Notes

  • If not vegan, honey can be used instead of maple syrup as a sweetener.
  • Prep and cook times assume you are using leftover cooked quinoa. Cooking quinoa fresh will add extra time.
  • This recipe was inspired by Love and Lemons’ Quinoa Breakfast Cookies and adapted from Easy Flourless Granola Cookies.
  • Nutrition information is an estimate and calculated without the optional chocolate chips.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 140 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 80 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

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