This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Embrace the cozy holiday season with this Gingerbread Granola recipe, blending the spicy-sweet flavors of classic gingerbread and the satisfying crunch of granola. Enjoy warm spices, hearty oats, and rich molasses and brown sugar in every bite, creating a perfect festive breakfast or on-the-go snack made with simple, magical ingredients.

Want more small batch granola recipes? You’ll love our Pumpkin Spice Granola, Butter Pecan Granola, and Apple Pie Granola!

Why This Granola Recipe Works

  • Simple Ingredients: Utilizes pantry staples that are easily accessible and often on hand.
  • Customizable: Offers flexibility with nuts and sweeteners to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.
  • Batch Control: Small batch size ensures freshness and reduces waste.
  • Healthy Alternative: Skips the preservatives and additives found in store-bought granolas.
  • Gift-Ready: Not just a treat for your household; it’s the perfect homemade food gift to give during the festive season.
a close up of a jar filled with granola.

What Is Gingerbread Granola?

Gingerbread Granola is a twist on traditional granola that infuses the quintessential flavors of gingerbread—molasses, spices, and brown sugar—into a crispy, crunchy oat-based snack. It’s a homemade, holiday-inspired treat that’s both nourishing and indulgent.

Ingredients

gingerbread granola ingredients on a kitchen counter.
  • Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats are perfect for granola as they bake well and hold their shape, giving a delightful crunch. For a gluten-free version, be sure to go with gluten-free certified oats. Quick oats are not recommended as they don’t provide the same texture. If you have extra oats, consider using them in Baked Oatmeal, Oatmeal Cookies, or an Apple Crisp.
  • Coconut: Unsweetened shredded coconut adds a lovely texture and flavor without extra sugar. You might enjoy making a small batch of Morning Glory Muffins with any leftover coconut, or in a small batch of Coconut Macaroons, or in a rich and creamy Coconut Cream Pie.
  • Nuts: Walnuts and pecans give a rich taste and crunchy texture. Almonds or cashews are great alternatives—just keep the measurements the same.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds depth with its molasses content. No brown sugar? Try mixing white sugar with molasses for a homemade version.
  • Spices: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, and cloves create the classic gingerbread flavor profile.
  • Butter: Salted butter adds a savory note, but coconut oil is an excellent substitute for a dairy-free or vegan option.
  • Maple Syrup: Provides sweetness and helps to cluster the granola. Honey, agave, or brown rice syrup are suitable substitutes.
  • Molasses: The backbone of the gingerbread flavor; dark molasses is recommended for its robust taste. If you love the flavor of molasses, you’ll love using it in Molasses Cookies.
  • Salt and Vanilla Extract: Both elevate the flavors and should not be skipped.

This section provides a quick rundown of the ingredients used in this small batch gingerbread granola recipe. For complete measurements and step-by-step instructions, please scroll to the recipe card located at the bottom of this post.

Send Me the Recipe!
Never lose this recipe! Get it in your inbox now. Plus, get weekly recipes for delicious single serving meals – all for free.

How To Make Gingerbread Granola

These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make a small batch of gingerbread granola. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.

  1. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine the oats, coconut, walnuts, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, and cloves.
oats, nuts, coconut, and sugar in a large mixing bowl.
  1. In a small pot on medium heat, melt butter and stir in maple syrup, molasses, and salt. Cook, stirring frequently until the mixture is smooth. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla.
butter, molasses, and maple syrup simmering in a pot.
  1. Pour the butter/molasses mixture over the oats and nuts and stir until well mixed.
unbaked gingerbread granola in a mixing bowl.
  1. Pour onto a large rimmed sheet pan lined with either parchment paper or a silicone baking liner and spread the unbaked granola across the entire pan. Bake for 10 minutes.

Pro Tip: You will need to bake the granola for a total of 30 minutes, removing the pan from the oven to stir the granola every 10 minutes.

unbaked granola spread evenly over a baking sheet.
  1. Remove from the oven and stir the granola to encourage even toasting. Place the baking sheet back in the oven to bake for another 10 minutes.
stirring gingerbread granola with a spoon on a baking sheet.
  1. Remove from the oven and stir the granola one last time. Bake for another 10 minutes for a total of 30 minutes.
clumping granola before baking to make granola clusters.
  1. Remove from the oven, cool, and then transfer the granola to a container to store.
baked gingerbread granola on a lined baking sheet.

The flavors in this gingerbread granola are fantastic. The spices are subtle and the granola is crunchy and filled with flavor. I can’t resist eating it right off the baking sheet – it’s just so good!

Expert Tips

  • Before you start cooking, make sure to read the entire recipe, including the Ingredient Notes section, and examine the process photos. This detailed guide will help you understand how the recipe unfolds, ensuring your granola turns out perfect every time. All the information you need is found within the body of this recipe post, so don’t miss a thing!
  • Thoughtful Gifting: Turn this gingerbread granola into the ultimate gift for the holidays, as a token of appreciation for hosts, or as a thoughtful present for teachers. Fill quaint mason jars with the granola and add a decorative touch with a seasonal ribbon. It’s a charming and effortless gift that’s sure to be appreciated.
  • Creating Granola Clusters: For those who love the crunch of granola clusters, a simple technique can make all the difference. During the first 10 minutes of baking, gently press the mixture into 1-inch ovals on the baking sheet. This helps the oats and nuts stick together, forming delightful clusters.
  • Cooling for Crunch: Patience is key when achieving that sought-after crunch in your granola. Allow the granola to completely cool after baking before diving in or transferring it to storage jars. It’s during the cooling process that granola transforms into the crispy, crunchy texture we all love.

Serving Suggestions

While this gingerbread granola is delicious eaten as is, you might like to enjoy it in other ways too:

  • Yogurt Parfait: Layer the granola with creamy yogurt and a drizzle of honey for a quick and nutritious breakfast.
  • Smoothie Topper: Add a crunchy texture to your smoothie bowls by sprinkling granola on top.
  • Snack Packs: Fill up small jars with granola for an on-the-go snack that’s both convenient and wholesome.
  • With ice cream: Granola makes a delicious vanilla ice cream topping.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does gingerbread granola stay fresh?

For optimal freshness, allow the granola to cool thoroughly on the baking tray before sealing it in an airtight container. Stored this way at room temperature, your granola can retain its quality for up to a week.

Is it possible to substitute quick oats for rolled oats in granola?

Quick oats can be used in a pinch, but they alter the final texture, resulting in a softer granola with less crunch. Additionally, they will reduce the overall baking time, so you’ll need to keep a close eye to avoid over-baking.

Is homemade granola more cost-effective than store-bought granola?

Yes, creating granola at home can be significantly more budget-friendly than purchasing pre-made options. Plus, homemade granola has the added benefit of customizable ingredients and no preservatives.

Can this gingerbread granola recipe be increased for larger batches?

Absolutely, if you’re looking to make more of this scrumptious snack, simply double the amounts of each ingredient listed in the recipe to yield a larger batch. Remember to adjust your baking tray size and perhaps the baking time accordingly to ensure even cooking.

Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients

If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:

RELATED: 20 Breakfast Ideas Worth Waking Up To

If you would like additional information on the cooking and baking dishes I use in our “recipes for one”, please visit our FAQ page.

For examples of the dishes used at One Dish Kitchen, please visit our Store page.

If you’ve tried this gingerbread granola or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.

Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!


Your Cooking For One Source
Because you’re worth it

Small Batch Gingerbread Granola

5 from 17 votes
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Cool: 15 minutes
Total: 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Make Gingerbread Granola, blending classic spices, oats, molasses, and brown sugar for a simple, magical holiday snack. Perfect for breakfast or on-the-go.

Ingredients 
 

  • 1 cup old fashioned oats
  • ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
  • 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • teaspoon ground allspice
  • teaspoon ground ginger
  • teaspoon ground cloves
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons molasses
  • teaspoon salt
  • teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
  • In a large bowl, combine the oats, coconut, walnuts, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, and cloves.
  • In a small pot on medium heat, melt butter and stir in maple syrup, molasses, and salt. Cook, stirring frequently until the mixture is smooth. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla.
  • Pour the butter/molasses mixture over the oats and nuts and stir until well mixed.
  • Pour onto a large rimmed sheet pan lined with either parchment paper or a silicone baking liner and spread the unbaked granola across the entire pan. Bake for 10 minutes.
    Pro Tip: You will need to bake the granola for a total of 30 minutes, removing the pan from the oven to stir the granola every 10 minutes.
  • Remove from the oven and stir the granola to encourage even toasting. Place the baking sheet back in the oven to bake for another 10 minutes.
  • Remove from the oven and stir the granola one last time. Bake for another 10 minutes for a total of 30 minutes.
  • Remove from the oven, cool, and then transfer the granola to a container to store.

Notes

  • Before you start cooking, make sure to read the entire recipe, including the Ingredient Notes section, and examine the process photos. This detailed guide will help you understand how the recipe unfolds, ensuring your granola turns out perfect every time. All the information you need is found within the body of this recipe post, so don’t miss a thing!
  • Thoughtful Gifting: Turn this gingerbread granola into the ultimate gift for the holidays, as a token of appreciation for hosts, or as a thoughtful present for teachers. Fill quaint mason jars with the granola and add a decorative touch with a seasonal ribbon. It’s a charming and effortless gift that’s sure to be appreciated.
  • Creating Granola Clusters: For those who love the crunch of granola clusters, a simple technique can make all the difference. During the first 10 minutes of baking, gently press the mixture into 1-inch ovals on the baking sheet. This helps the oats and nuts stick together, forming delightful clusters.
  • Cooling for Crunch: Patience is key when achieving that sought-after crunch in your granola. Allow the granola to completely cool after baking before diving in or transferring it to storage jars. It’s during the cooling process that granola transforms into the crispy, crunchy texture we all love.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving, Calories: 289kcal, Carbohydrates: 37g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 15g, Saturated Fat: 11g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0.2g, Cholesterol: 15mg, Sodium: 130mg, Potassium: 320mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 21g, Vitamin A: 176IU, Vitamin C: 0.2mg, Calcium: 55mg, Iron: 2mg

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

Receive Our Latest Single Serving Recipes!
Sign Up for the weekly One Dish Kitchen Newsletter!!
Red 5-inch square baking dish with One Dish Kitchen branded paper sleeve around it.

Make 80+ Recipes With This Dish!

Ideal for home chefs, this individual square ceramic baking dish is safe for oven, microwave, freezer, and dishwasher. Simple to use & easy to clean!

Welcome!

I’m Joanie and I’m incredibly happy you’re here! Our aim is to inspire individuals with access to single serving recipes, education, and a supportive community that will enable them to enjoy the preparation of a meal that will nourish both body and soul.

More Ideas

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




35 Comments

  1. That's all it takes to make granola??? I've been wasting so much money buying it at the store. I'm definitely going to make it myself from now on. This recipe sounds delicious. I can almost taste the gingerbread already!!

  2. Omggg! Gingerbread granola?! I want it right now. 🙂 This is one that's perfect for this season! So happy to have the recipe!

  3. There is nothing better this time of year than gingerbread cookies!!! I might whip up a batch of this and have as a snack when I have an all-day travel day this week. Two little ones and me on the plane means I need some major fuel!