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- 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, pecans) - 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes - 1/2 cup maple syrup - 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves - 1 cup dried cranberries - 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional) - Pinch of salt The ingredients in my spiced Christmas granola make it special. I love the mix of flavors and textures. The rolled oats form a hearty base. They provide fiber and give a nice chew. Mixed nuts add crunch and healthy fats. I often use almonds, cashews, and pecans for great taste. The coconut flakes bring a tropical touch. They add sweetness and chewiness. Maple syrup acts as a natural sweetener. It also helps bind all the ingredients together. Coconut oil gives the granola a rich flavor and crispy texture. Spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves bring warmth. They create a cozy, festive flavor that feels like Christmas. Vanilla extract adds a lovely aroma, too. For a fruity touch, I add dried cranberries. They provide a nice tartness that balances the sweetness. Dark chocolate chips are optional, but they add a fun twist. A pinch of salt enhances all these flavors and makes them pop. Gather these ingredients to start making this festive treat. You’ll enjoy each crunchy bite, filled with the spirit of the season! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet First, set your oven to 325°F (160°C). This helps the granola bake evenly. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup easy. 2. Combine dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl In a large mixing bowl, add the rolled oats, mixed nuts, and coconut flakes. Then, sprinkle in the ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and a pinch of salt. Mix these dry ingredients well. You want the spices spread evenly throughout. 3. Mix wet ingredients separately In another bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. This mixture will help bind the granola and add flavor. 4. Combine wet and dry mixtures Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is coated. This step ensures each oat and nut gets the sweet and spiced goodness. 5. Spread granola on baking sheet and bake Spread the granola mixture evenly on your prepared baking sheet. Bake it for 25-30 minutes. Stir halfway through to help it bake evenly. Look for a golden brown color as a sign it’s ready. 6. Cool and add dried cranberries and chocolate chips After baking, remove the granola from the oven. Let it cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cool, stir in the dried cranberries and chocolate chips if you like. This adds a nice sweet touch to your granola. To get the perfect granola texture, aim for a mix of crunch and chew. Start with rolled oats. They give a hearty base. Use a mix of nuts for added crunch. Almonds, cashews, and pecans work well together. Coconut flakes add a nice chewiness, too. When you mix the dry ingredients, make sure spices are well blended. This helps to spread the flavor evenly. I like to add a pinch of salt. It brings out the sweetness of the maple syrup. Stir the mixture every 10 minutes while baking. This ensures even cooking. Feel free to add your favorite seasonal spices. Nutmeg and ginger give a warm flavor. You can also add a bit of cardamom for extra zest. Mixing in dried fruits is a great way to personalize your granola. Dried cranberries add tartness. You could also use dried apples or figs for a sweeter touch. If you want, toss in dark chocolate chips for a treat. They melt slightly and give a rich flavor. Pro Tips Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to mix and match your favorite nuts for a personalized touch. Walnuts, hazelnuts, or even pistachios can add unique flavors. Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet granola, reduce the amount of maple syrup. You can also substitute with honey or agave syrup if desired. Store for Freshness: To keep your granola crispy, store it in an airtight container. You can also refrigerate it for extended freshness. Mix-ins Variations: Experiment with different dried fruits like raisins, apricots, or cherries. You can also add seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for extra crunch. {{image_2}} You can change the nuts in this granola to fit your taste. If you love walnuts or hazelnuts, use them instead of mixed nuts. Each nut gives a unique flavor and texture, so feel free to mix and match. Adding seeds can also boost nutrition. Pumpkin seeds add a nice crunch and are great for protein. Sunflower seeds bring a nutty taste and extra vitamins. They both work well in this recipe and make the granola even more festive. Sweeteners change the taste of your granola. Instead of maple syrup, try honey or agave syrup for a different flavor. You can also use brown sugar for a rich, caramel-like taste. Chocolate can make your granola special too. While dark chocolate chips add a rich touch, you might like white chocolate or milk chocolate instead. Each type of chocolate brings its own sweetness and creaminess, making your granola unique and tasty. To keep your spiced Christmas granola fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps to lock in flavor and crunch. I recommend glass jars or plastic containers with tight lids. Avoid using bags, as they allow air in, which can make the granola stale. Before sealing, make sure the granola is completely cool. Warm granola can create moisture in the container. This moisture can lead to clumping or sogginess. You can keep your granola at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing it. Frozen granola can last up to three months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before eating. Signs that your granola has spoiled include a stale smell or a change in texture. If it feels soft or chewy instead of crunchy, it’s time to toss it. Always trust your senses! Can I make this granola gluten-free? Yes, you can easily make this granola gluten-free. Just use certified gluten-free oats. You can also check all other ingredients for gluten-free labels. This keeps your granola safe for those with gluten sensitivities. How do I adjust the sweetness to my preference? To adjust sweetness, you can change the amount of maple syrup. If you prefer less sweetness, try using half the amount. You can also add more dried fruits, like cranberries, for natural sweetness. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance. Is it possible to make this granola vegan? Yes, this granola is vegan-friendly as it stands. The ingredients, like maple syrup and coconut oil, are plant-based. Ensure the chocolate chips you choose are dairy-free if you add those. Enjoy your tasty, vegan treat with no worries! Breakdown of calories and macros Each serving of this granola contains around 200 calories. You get about 8 grams of protein, 10 grams of healthy fats, and 25 grams of carbohydrates. This makes it a wholesome snack or breakfast option. Health benefits of the ingredients - Rolled oats: These provide fiber and can help lower cholesterol. - Nuts: They add healthy fats and protein, keeping you full longer. - Coconut flakes: These offer a bit of natural sweetness and healthy fats. - Cranberries: They are rich in antioxidants and add a tart flavor. - Spices: Cinnamon and ginger can help with digestion and have anti-inflammatory benefits. This granola is not just tasty; it packs a nutritional punch! You can create a delicious granola at home with just a few ingredients. Start by mixing oats, nuts, and spices. Combine them with wet ingredients, then bake for a healthy snack. Remember, you can customize the recipe with your favorite fruits or nuts. Store it in a sealed container for lasting freshness. Making your own granola is easy and fun. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and textures. Your homemade granola will offer taste and nutrition!

Spiced Christmas Granola

A festive and delicious granola packed with spices, nuts, and dried fruits, perfect for the holiday season.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, pecans)
  • 0.5 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
  • 0.5 cup maple syrup
  • 0.25 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 0.5 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, mixed nuts, coconut flakes, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to distribute the spices evenly.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract.
  • Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is coated and well mixed.
  • Spread the granola mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even baking, until the granola is golden brown.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool completely. Once cooled, stir in the dried cranberries and chocolate chips if desired.
  • Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Keyword Christmas, granola, healthy, snack