A Delicious Gingerbread Granola Recipe

Today I am sharing a delicious gingerbread granola recipe, perfect for the holidays.

I love homemade granola. It's easy to make, easy to customize, and it's delicious. There are so many benefits to making it at home. Once you try it, you'll want to make it over and over.

Earlier this fall I shared my go-to homemade granola recipe. That is the one I make year-round. However, when the holidays come around, I love making this easy and festive gingerbread granola. It's not only yummy, it makes your kitchen smell delicious.

This also makes a great gift. Fill a mason jar with this gingerbread granola, add a ribbon and gift tag, and you have a really thoughtful gift that is perfect for family and friends.

Let's get started with this delicious gingerbread granola recipe.

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Why is homemade granola better?

You have control over the ingredients.

One of the biggest benefits of making your own granola is having full control over what goes into it. Store-bought granola often contains unnecessary additives, preservatives, and excessive sugars. When you make your own, you can choose wholesome ingredients like organic oats, nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and natural sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup. This allows you to cater to dietary needs, allergies, and taste preferences.

Customizable to your tastes.

The beauty of homemade granola is the endless possibilities for customization. Whether you prefer a crunchy, nutty texture or a soft, chewy consistency, you can tailor your granola to your liking. Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth, mix in coconut flakes or chocolate chips for indulgence, or experiment with different nuts and seeds to find the perfect blend.

Cost-effective and budget friendly.

Purchasing high-quality granola from the store can be pricey, especially if you opt for organic or gourmet varieties. By making your own, you can save money in the long run. Bulk-buying oats, nuts, and seeds allows you to create large batches of granola at a fraction of the cost. Plus, you can reduce food waste by using ingredients you already have at home.

It's fun to make - and a good project for kids.

Creating your own granola can be fun! It’s a chance to experiment in the kitchen, try out new flavor combinations, and get creative with your recipes. It’s also a great project to do with kids, allowing them to participate in choosing and mixing ingredients. The process is simple and enjoyable, making it an ideal introduction to homemade, healthy snacks.

What do you need for this gingerbread granola recipe?

Oats. I use gluten free rolled oats, typically from Trader Joe’s, Costco or Bob’s Red Mill. Oats are a whole grain. They contain a large amount of beta-glucan, which is a soluble fiber, along with important vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

*Be sure to buy certified gluten free oats if you have celiac disease or are gluten intolerant. Oats are easily contaminated from other gluten-containing grains because of how they are grown.

Nuts. I like a mix of slivered almonds and pecans, but you can really use any type of nut. Pecans feel particularly holiday-ish to me and they work well with the spices in this recipe. Nuts contain protein, fiber, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals - a nutritional powerhouse. If you need to make this nut-free, I'd replace the nuts with more oats. You could also add seeds such as pumpkin seeds.

Hemp Hearts. Hemp hearts contain two essential fatty acids, are a source of protein, and they are rich in vitamin E.

Honey. A natural sweetener, and helps to create that crisp after cooking. Honey is full of antioxidants and has antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Molasses. Essential to get that delicious gingerbread taste. Molasses is naturally rich in antioxidants and nutrients such as iron and calcium.

Coconut Oil. Helps to coat the granola before baking.

Vanilla Extract. A must-have for adding flavor.

Spices. Ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg. Gives this granola a delicious flavor and is full of antioxidants.

Optional Add-ins: golden raisins, dried cranberries, mini chocolate chips. Add these AFTER baking.

How To Make Gingerbread Granola

It really couldn't be easier.

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. This low temperature is important for the ingredients to dry out and become crispy.

Mix 3c oats, 2c nuts, 1/2 c hemp hearts and 1/4 tsp salt in a large bowl.

Mix 1/2c honey, 1/4c coconut oil (liquid), 3 tbsp molasses, 1 tsp vanilla, 2 tsp ground ginger, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp cloves, 1/2 tsp nutmeg in a separate bowl.

Pour wet ingredients over dry ingredients and mix well, making sure all dry ingredients are coated.

Spread out on a large, rimmed sheet pan lined with parchment paper.

Cook for about 30 min, stirring every 10 minutes or so.

Remove from the oven and let cool.

Once cooled, you can add the optional add-ins. Break into chunks and store in an air-tight container for several weeks.

Tips for Making Homemade Granola

#1: Watch your granola carefully, and stir every 10 minutes or so. It can burn easily.

#2: When it comes out of the oven, it may seem undercooked, but it will harden and crisp as it cools. Wait until it’s fully cooled to start breaking it apart. You can decide on the size of your granola chunks.

#3: Be sure your granola is cooled before adding chocolate or dried fruit.

I hope you enjoy this delicious gingerbread granola. If you give it a try, please let me know!

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