Martha Stewart’s 12 Favorite Cookies

Martha Stewart’s 12 Favorite Cookies is a medium American recipe that serves 8. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Martha Stewart on YouTube.

Prep: 38 min | Cook: 22 min | Total: 1 hr 15 min

Cost: $46.98 total, $5.87 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Unsalted Butter (softened, room temperature)
  • 3 cups Dark Brown Sugar (packed tightly)
  • 4 Large Eggs (room temperature)
  • 4 tsp Vanilla Extract (pure vanilla)
  • 2 cups Whole Wheat Flour (sifted)
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
  • 0.5 tsp Salt (fine sea salt)
  • 1.5 tsp Baking Soda (aluminum‑free)
  • 4 cups Rolled Oats (old‑fashioned, not instant)
  • 0.25 cup Dried Papaya (finely chopped)
  • 0.5 cup Dried Mango (finely chopped)
  • 0.5 cup Raisins (plump)
  • 0.5 cup Pumpkin Seeds (raw, unsalted)
  • 0.5 cup Sunflower Seeds (raw, unsalted)
  • 0.5 cup Unsweetened Coconut (shredded)
  • 1 cup Almonds (coarsely chopped)
  • 3 pieces per cookie Banana Chips (optional topping, up to three per cookie)

Instructions

  1. Cream Butter and Sugar

    In the stand mixer bowl, beat 1 lb softened unsalted butter with 3 cups packed dark brown sugar until light and fluffy.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Add Eggs One at a Time

    Add the four large eggs, one at a time, allowing each egg to fully incorporate before adding the next.

    Time: PT3M

  3. Stir in Vanilla

    Mix in 1 tbsp plus 1 tsp pure vanilla extract until evenly distributed.

    Time: PT1M

  4. Combine Dry Ingredients

    In a separate bowl whisk together 2 cups whole‑wheat flour, 2 cups all‑purpose flour, ½ tsp salt, and 1½ tsp baking soda.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients

    Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the butter‑egg mixture on low speed, mixing until just combined.

    Time: PT3M

  6. Add Oats

    Stir in 4 cups rolled oats until evenly distributed.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Prepare Fruit and Nut Mix‑In

    Finely chop ¼ cup dried papaya, ½ cup dried mango, ½ cup raisins, ½ cup pumpkin seeds, ½ cup sunflower seeds, ½ cup unsweetened coconut, and coarsely chop 1 cup almonds. Add all to the bowl and stir by hand until fully incorporated.

    Time: PT10M

  8. Final Hand Mix

    Using a spatula, scrape the bottom of the bowl and give the dough a final hand‑mix to ensure all add‑ins are evenly distributed.

    Time: PT2M

  9. Portion and Shape Cookies

    Line a baking sheet with parchment. Using a ½‑cup measuring cup (or a 2‑tbsp ice‑cream scoop), scoop dough onto the parchment, flatten to about ½‑inch thickness, and top each with up to three banana chips.

    Time: PT10M

  10. Bake

    Bake in a pre‑heated 350°F oven until golden and firm, about 20‑25 minutes.

    Time: PT22M

    Temperature: 350°F

  11. Cool and Store

    Allow cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Store in an airtight container.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
5 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
18 g
Fiber
4 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains gluten

Allergens: Dairy, Eggs, Tree nuts, Coconut

Last updated: March 17, 2026

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Martha Stewart’s 12 Favorite Cookies

Recipe by Martha Stewart

A hearty, chewy breakfast cookie packed with dried mango, papaya, raisins, seeds, coconut, and almonds. Made with a blend of whole‑wheat and all‑purpose flour, these cookies are perfect for a nutritious start to the day or a grab‑and‑go snack.

MediumAmericanServes 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
28m
Prep
37m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 15m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$46.98
Total cost
$5.87
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Creaming butter and brown sugar to a light, fluffy texture
  • Adding eggs one at a time to avoid curdling
  • Chopping and incorporating the dried fruits, nuts, and seeds
  • Forming uniformly sized cookies with a scoop
  • Baking until golden and firm

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot baking sheet with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Use pasteurized eggs if concerned about raw egg consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of the Breakfast Cookie in American cuisine?

A

The Breakfast Cookie is a modern American twist on classic oatmeal raisin cookies, created to provide a portable, nutrient‑dense snack that fits busy morning routines. It reflects the American trend of incorporating superfoods like dried mango and pumpkin seeds into traditional baked goods.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of breakfast‑style cookies in the United States?

A

In New England, breakfast cookies often feature maple‑glazed oats; in the Southwest, they may include cornmeal and chili powder. The Martha Stewart version emphasizes dried tropical fruits and seeds, giving it a cross‑regional appeal.

cultural
Q

How is the Breakfast Cookie traditionally served in American households?

A

It is usually served at room temperature, either as a quick grab‑and‑go snack with coffee or milk, or sliced and paired with yogurt for a balanced breakfast.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is the Breakfast Cookie associated with in American culture?

A

These cookies are popular for bake‑sales, school lunches, and outdoor activities like hiking, where a sturdy, energy‑rich treat is valued.

cultural
Q

What makes the Breakfast Cookie special or unique in American cookie tradition?

A

Its combination of whole‑wheat flour, rolled oats, and a wide variety of dried fruits and seeds creates a nutritionally dense cookie that still satisfies sweet cravings, setting it apart from typical sugar‑heavy cookies.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the Breakfast Cookie?

A

Common errors include over‑mixing the dough, which can make the cookies tough, and not chilling the dough, which leads to excessive spreading. Also, under‑chopping nuts can result in uneven texture.

technical
Q

Why does this Breakfast Cookie recipe use both whole‑wheat and all‑purpose flour instead of just one type?

A

The blend balances the hearty, nutty flavor of whole‑wheat flour with the lighter texture of all‑purpose flour, ensuring the cookie stays tender while still providing fiber and a rustic taste.

technical
Q

Can I make the Breakfast Cookie ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. The dough can be refrigerated for up to two days or frozen in individual portions. Baked cookies keep best in an airtight container at room temperature for three days, or in the freezer for up to two months.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the Breakfast Cookie is done baking?

A

The cookies should be golden around the edges, firm to the touch, and slightly glossy on top. The interior will be chewy and moist; they will continue to set as they cool.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Martha Stewart specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Martha Stewart focuses on classic American home cooking, entertaining, and lifestyle tips, offering polished, step‑by‑step tutorials that blend tradition with modern convenience.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Martha Stewart's approach to American baking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Martha Stewart emphasizes meticulous technique, high‑quality ingredients, and elegant presentation, often providing historical context and detailed troubleshooting, whereas many other channels prioritize speed or novelty.

channel
Q

What other American recipes is the YouTube channel Martha Stewart known for?

A

Martha Stewart is renowned for her classic chocolate chip cookies, lemon‑scented sugar cookies, pecan bars, and homemade graham crackers, among many other timeless American desserts and breads.

channel

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