The Best Holiday Gingerbread Granola: Crunchy

Holiday Gingerbread Granola
As the crisp December air settles in and twinkling lights begin to adorn every corner, my kitchen undergoes its most magical transformation, becoming a fragrant gingerbread wonderland. There’s truly nothing like the comforting embrace of those festive spices to usher in the most wonderful time of the year, and at the heart of this seasonal enchantment is our beloved Holiday Gingerbread Granola. This isn’t just a breakfast; it’s an entire festive mood in a jar, ready to make your mornings sparkle with holiday cheer!
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!From the moment those irresistible aromas of ginger, warm cinnamon, and sweet molasses start to waft through the house, you know the holidays have truly arrived, making ordinary mornings feel utterly magical. This cherished family recipe is the key to achieving those perfect, clumpy, and insanely yummy gingerbread clusters that are equally delightful sprinkled over yogurt or enjoyed straight from the jar. And for those who adore homemade granola in a convenient, grab-and-go form, you’ll also love our fantastic recipe for chewy no-bake granola bars!
Holiday Gingerbread Granola: Crunchy, Spiced Perfection
Course: BreakfastCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalWarmly spiced and perfectly crunchy, this Holiday Gingerbread Granola is packed with oats, pecans, molasses, and all your favorite festive flavors. Perfect for breakfast or a homemade gift!
Ingredients
3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup blackstrap molasses
1/4 cup melted coconut oil
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup dried cranberries (optional)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine oats and pecans. Set aside.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, molasses, melted coconut oil, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Pour the wet mixture over the oat mixture. Stir very well with a spatula until all oats and nuts are evenly coated.
- Spread the granola mixture evenly in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, stirring gently halfway through, until golden brown and fragrant. For extra clusters, press down with the back of your spatula after stirring.
- Remove from oven and let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet. This is crucial for achieving maximum crunch and clusters!
- Once completely cool, break the granola into desired clusters. Stir in dried cranberries, if using.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- The Cluster Secret: Don’t stir too much once the granola is golden. Let it cool completely undisturbed on the baking sheet. This is the magic touch for those delightful, big clusters!
- Spice It Up: Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste! A pinch of allspice or even a tiny bit of black pepper can add an interesting depth to the classic gingerbread flavor profile.
- Gift-Giving Gold: This granola makes a fantastic edible gift. Package it in pretty glass jars with a festive ribbon, and it’s ready to spread holiday cheer! Make sure it’s completely cooled before jarring.
