We at Boulder Locavore love a good Road Trip and will be hitting the highway in search of sun. We love free-wheeling for some great exploration, education and of course discovery of delicious regional cuisine. We’ve taken you along through the fabulous food of New Mexico, vast open spaces and wineries of West Texas and the glorious Canadian Rockies. After this winter we are anxious for warmth, shedding our parkas and Ugg boots, and can’t wait to share our finds with you!
With hours of driving to be had one challenge, especially for those gluten-free, is a nutritious food supply. It’s easy to snack away in the car whether out of hunger and no time to scout an en route eatery, or frankly a little bit of boredom between the big stops.
This trip we’ll be packing The Best Road Trip Breakfast Cookies. You don’t have to be on a road trip or only eat them for breakfast but as the name suggests they are a great source of nutrition in a few bites without a crazy amount of sugar and processed ingredients. They pack a great amount of protein, fiber and essential fats into their two-bite form as well.
Two of my favorite nutrition workhorses are Chia Seeds and Hemp Hulls/Seeds. In addition to covering terra cotta sheep to make Cha-Cha-Cha-Chia Pets, chia is a power food which was used by the Aztecs when making day long treks. They’d chew a mere tablespoon to sustain themselves for a full day. The tiny, flavorless seeds are a fantastic source of protein, fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
Similarly Hemp Hulls are a fantastic source of protein, fiber and essential fatty acids, enzymes and vitamins. They most closely resemble chopped up sunflower seed hulls and merely add texture to a dish without a distinct flavor. For those with children you’ll appreciate the value of that! Both of these seeds are included in these cookies to provide texture and a protein boost.
The cookies are full of gluten-free oats, peanut butter (not too much), seeds nuts, agave nectar and ripe banana for sweetening and a smidge of chocolate as a treat. Eaten in about two bites, they are a perfect simple way to start the day or as a pick me up along your journey.
Recipe
The Best Road Trip Breakfast Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 Eggs , room temperature and lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- ½ cup Raisins
- 1 ½ cups Oat Flour
- 1 ½ cups Rolled Oats (gluten-free or regular), not quick oats
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 2 tablespoons Chia Seeds
- 2 tablespoons Hemp Hulls/Seeds
- 2 tablespoons Peanut Butter
- 3 tablespoons Agave Nectar
- 1 ripe Banana , still firm
- ¼ cup Sunflower Oil
- ½ cup Chocolate Covered Sunflower Seeds*
- ½ cup Pecans , chopped
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl combine the eggs, vanilla extract and raisins. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to soak 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare 1-2 baking sheets with parchment paper or a Silpat. Set aside.
- In the bowl of a mixer, combine the flour, oats, baking soda, salt, chia seeds, and hemp seeds. Mix for a few seconds just to combine.
- In a blender combine the peanut butter, agave nectar, banana and oil. Pulse until all ingredients are incorporated and the banana is pulverized leaving no large pieces.
- Spoon the blender mixture into the dry ingredients in the mixer bowl. Mix on low to combine.
- Add the egg-raising mixture to the mixer bowl and beat on medium to combine.
- Stir in the chopped pecans and chocolate covered sunflower seeds.
- Mound the dough in tablespoons onto the prepared baking pans. The cookies will not change form so you may smooth the exterior if desired. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the bottom is just turning golden.
- Remove from oven and allow to sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack to fully cool. As with most gluten-free baked goods, they will have the most structure if allowed to cool fully before eating.
Notes
Nutrition
Other great Road Trip snack recipes:
Kirsten says
Toni,
We’ve got a road trip coming up, and I’ve got a spouse who needs to eat frequently. These cookies look like a great option–thanks!
fabiola@notjustbaked says
Ok, this is so funny. I was at Costco yesterday and they were giving out samples of the belvita cookies. I just thought to myself that I need to make my own. So, thank you for this recipe. I am making these!
Sheena @ Tea and Biscuits says
I’m all about cookies for breakfast! they look delicious and healthy 🙂