Jennifer Garner’s Breakfast Cookies Will Turn Anyone Into a Morning Person

This recipe may come from her Pretend Cooking Show, but it's the real deal.

Simply Recipes / Getty Images / Lauren Habermehl

When I was growing up, my father loved to remind us that breakfast was the most important meal of the day. We had snacks and candy around, but that kind of thing was never available for breakfast. That said, his one weakness was (and still is) a freshly baked oatmeal chocolate chip cookie.

I wish Jennifer Garner’s Pretend Cooking Show had existed when I was a kid. I recently watched her make "breakfast cookies," and I know this recipe would've convinced my father to let us have an after-school treat for breakfast.

Simply Recipes / Lauren Habermehl

What I Love About Jennifer Garner's Breakfast Cookies

I’ve never met a cookie recipe that I didn’t like. I particularly like an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink-style cookie, and breakfast cookies are a prime example. They’re packed with wholesome ingredients that bring different flavors and textures to every bite.

You'll find all the usual suspects in this recipe, like rolled oats and chocolate chips. Jen also invites some fun new friends, including coconut and crushed shredded wheat. Yes, that shredded wheat.

Not only does shredded wheat boost the dietary fiber, iron, and plant-based protein in this recipe, but it also adds a fantastic crunch. (I plan to experiment and work this ingredient into more of my favorite cookie recipes because it’s that good.)

Another thing I adore about these cookies is that you don’t have to chill the dough before baking. Mix the ingredients as directed, scoop onto a sheet pan, and bake. Any cookie recipe ready in 30 minutes or less is a winner in my book.

Simply Recipes / Lauren Habermehl

How To Make Jennifer Garner's Breakfast Cookies

Garner's breakfast cookies follow the standard cookie-making method, with a few special twists along the way.

Begin by combining all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Then, add the ingredients that make these cookies magnificent: oats, coconut, shredded wheat, whole wheat flour, and nutmeg.

To crush the shredded wheat, I pulsed mine in a miniature food processor a few times, but you could also toss the cereal into a plastic zip-top bag and give it a good whack with a rolling pin.

Simply Recipes / Lauren Habermehl

In a separate bowl, combine the brown and superfine sugars with the lemon zest and vanilla. Garner recommends rubbing the zest and vanilla into the sugars with your fingertips for a more intense flavor that will get evenly distributed through the dough. Trust me: this step makes a difference.

Then, beat the sugars with the butter until fluffy. Beat in the eggs before gradually adding the flour mixture. Don’t overmix the dough; mix just until combined and no dry patches of flour or oats remain.

If you’re adding chocolate, it's time to fold in the chips. I went for one cup of dark chocolate chips, which was the perfect amount.

Simply Recipes / Lauren Habermehl

What Do Breakfast Cookies Taste Like?

These breakfast cookies are what dreams are made of; they have lovely crisp edges and chewy centers. Pair that with layers of flavor thanks to the vanilla, lemon zest, and nutmeg, and I’m in cookie heaven.

Garner said she likes to enjoy these breakfast cookies with a hot toddy, but I paired mine with a latte. I can’t think of a better way to start my day.

Simply Recipes / Lauren Habermehl

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