Make Gingerbread Granola, blending classic spices, oats, molasses, and brown sugar for a simple, magical holiday snack. Perfect for breakfast or on-the-go.
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.