Blog Library

đŸ« Mini Muffins (Kid-Approved + Lunchbox-Ready!)

Let’s be honest—mornings are chaos. Between missing socks, packed schedules, and last-minute “Mom, I need a snack for school!” moments, breakfast (or snack prep) often gets pushed to the bottom of the list.

Enter: these super easy Mini Muffins.

They take less than 20 minutes, use one bowl, and somehow manage to please both my not-picky child and my extremely picky one—which is a win in any parent’s book. đŸ’Ș


Mini, fluffy, and packed with just enough chocolate (or other add-in) to keep little hands reaching for more.

📝 Ingredients

Just a few pantry staples (and a shortcut!) are all you need:

  • 1 cup of pancake mix or choice
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • Optional add-ins of choice
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a medium bowl, mix muffin mix, egg, and milk until just combined.
  3. Scoop the batter into a mini muffin pan—grease it or use liners for easy cleanup.
  4. Sprinkle a few chocolate chips or other add-on on top for fun (optional but recommended!).
  5. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
  6. Let them cool slightly
 or eat them warm if your kids don’t want to wait.

⏱ Time-Saving Breakdown:

  • Prep time: 5 minutes
  • Bake time: 10–12 minutes
  • Total time: About 15–20 minutes

🧁 Why We Love These:

  • Kid-approved by even the pickiest of eaters (yes, mine!)
  • Perfect for lunchboxes, road trips, or after-school snacks
  • Freezer-friendly: stash a batch in a zip-top bag for emergencies
  • Minimal mess = happy mom

💡 Tips:

  • Add a splash of vanilla or a pinch of cinnamon for flavor boosts
  • Use a cookie scoop to keep muffin sizes consistent
  • Want to sneak in something extra? Fold in mashed banana or grated zucchini

💬 Let’s Chat:

Have a picky eater win with this recipe?

Share your version in the comments or tag me on Facebook at From Work to Table — I’d love to see how your batch turned out!

🍌 5-Ingredient Banana Oat Cookies (Easy + Picky-Eater Friendly)

These are my go-to cookies when we want something sweet, fast, and not packed with sugar or drama. With only five ingredients (plus whatever extras you have), they’re perfect for after-school snacks or “oops, I forgot it’s bake sale day” moments.

One of my kids thinks these are basically breakfast. The other only eats them if I sprinkle sea salt and throw in chocolate chips—so of course, that’s what I do.

Ingredients

  • 2 ripe bananas (the spottier, the better)
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup oats (quick or rolled)
  • Chocolate chips or other add-ins (optional: raisins, chopped nuts, shredded coconut)
  • Sea salt for sprinkling (optional but delicious)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until smooth.
  3. Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla until combined.
  4. Add oats and mix until everything comes together. Fold in chocolate chips or any extras.
  5. Scoop small spoonfuls onto the baking sheet and gently flatten. Sprinkle with sea salt if using.
  6. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden.
  7. Let cool for 5 minutes (or don’t—it’s your kitchen).

Recipe Notes

  • Want them chewier? Add more oats.
  • Allergic to peanut butter? Try almond butter or sunflower seed butter.
  • These freeze well—just toss them in a zip bag after they’ve cooled.

Prep & Cook Time

Prep time: 5 min Cook time: 12–15 min Total time: ~20 min Makes: 10–12 cookies

Variations

  • Add cinnamon, flaxseed, or chia for extra nutrition.
  • Turn them into “breakfast cookies” with dried fruit + coconut.
  • Use dark chocolate chunks and flaky salt for grown-up snack energy.

Storage

  • Store in an airtight container for 3 days at room temp or 5–6 days in the fridge.
  • Freeze flat in a bag or container for up to 1 month.

Did your picky eater approve these? (Even a nibble counts!)

Tag me @fromworktotable or leave a comment—I’d love to see your cookie twist.

From Work To Table