If you’re looking to add a warm, festive twist to your morning routine or snack lineup, this Spiced Christmas Granola Mix Recipe is an absolute must-try. Loaded with hearty oats, crunchy nuts, and a delightful blend of cozy holiday spices, it brings the magic of Christmas right to your kitchen. The sweet touch of maple syrup and the burst of dried cranberries and raisins make each bite irresistibly comforting, perfect not only for breakfast but also as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family during the holiday season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Spiced Christmas Granola Mix Recipe are simple yet essential, each bringing its unique texture, flavor, or color to create a harmonious holiday treat. From the rich nuts to the fragrant spices, every component plays a role in delivering that perfect crunchy and warmly spiced finish.
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats: The wholesome base providing chewiness and a satisfying crunch.
- 1 cup sliced almonds: Adds a mild, nutty flavor and crisp texture.
- 1 cup pecans, chopped: Brings buttery richness to the mix.
- ½ cup walnuts, chopped: Offers a slightly bitter note balancing the sweetness.
- ½ cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened): Adds tropical aroma and chewy texture.
- ½ cup maple syrup or honey: Natural sweetness that also helps bind the granola clusters.
- ¼ cup coconut oil or melted butter: Adds moisture and a rich, velvety mouthfeel.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor depth with warm, sweet notes.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: The quintessential holiday spice that invokes cozy feelings.
- ½ tsp ground ginger: Adds a gentle, spicy warmth.
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg: Brings subtle earthy undertones.
- ¼ tsp ground cloves: Gives a pungent, aromatic touch that elevates the spice blend.
- ¼ tsp allspice: Complements other spices with a complex holiday flavor.
- ¼ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
- ¾ cup dried cranberries: Bursts of tart juiciness, adding color and texture.
- ½ cup raisins or chopped dried apricots: Natural chewiness and extra sweetness to round out the mix.
How to Make Spiced Christmas Granola Mix Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 325°F (165°C). It’s important to have your baking sheet lined with parchment paper so your granola doesn’t stick and is easy to remove once baked. This preparation ensures even cooking and an effortless cleanup.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the rolled oats, sliced almonds, chopped pecans, walnuts, and shredded coconut. This blend of nuts and oats forms the hearty backbone of your granola and makes every bite irresistibly crunchy.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients and Spices
In a separate bowl, whisk together maple syrup or honey with melted coconut oil or butter, vanilla extract, and your beautifully aromatic spices—cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, allspice—along with a pinch of salt. This fragrant mixture not only sweetens the granola but also infuses it with that signature holiday warmth.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until every oat and nut is evenly coated. This step is crucial for creating those beautifully golden clusters that you’ll love crunching on.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Spread the mixture evenly on your prepared baking sheet and pop it into the oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring once halfway through to ensure even toasting. Your kitchen will fill with a gorgeous aroma that spells holiday comfort.
Step 6: Cool and Add Fruits
Once your granola is golden and fragrant, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. This cooling period is crucial as the granola crisps up beautifully during this time. Afterward, gently stir in the dried cranberries and raisins or apricots for bursts of tart and sweet flavors.
How to Serve Spiced Christmas Granola Mix Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle your Spiced Christmas Granola Mix Recipe over creamy yogurt, fresh fruit, or even a smoothie bowl to add texture and flavor. A light dusting of cinnamon or a few extra dried cranberries on top can make your breakfast or snack look extra festive.
Side Dishes
This granola pairs delightfully with warm bowls of spiced applesauce, holiday spiced cider, or a simple cup of your favorite coffee or tea. These combinations create a full sensory experience that’s cozy and satisfying anytime during the day.
Creative Ways to Present
Package your granola in mason jars or clear bags tied with ribbons for heartfelt holiday gifts. You can also layer it in jars with yogurt and fruit for an easy grab-and-go breakfast. These thoughtful presentations make this Spiced Christmas Granola Mix Recipe a memorable treat to share.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your granola, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. Proper storage keeps the crunchy texture intact for up to three weeks, making it easy to snack on throughout the holiday season and beyond.
Freezing
If you want to extend the shelf life, freezing is a smart option. Freeze the granola in sealed freezer bags for up to three months. When you’re ready, simply thaw it at room temperature, and enjoy the same fresh taste and crunch.
Reheating
While granola is usually enjoyed at room temperature, you can warm it slightly in an oven at low heat for a few minutes to bring back its roasted aroma and warmth. This is especially comforting during chilly mornings or when serving it as a festive snack.
FAQs
Can I use different nuts in this Spiced Christmas Granola Mix Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite nuts like hazelnuts, cashews, or pistachios. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as some nuts brown faster than others.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe can be gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free oats. Always double-check the packaging if you have gluten sensitivities or allergies.
Can I make the granola vegan?
Yes! Simply use maple syrup or another plant-based sweetener instead of honey, and stick to coconut oil instead of butter to keep it fully vegan.
How do I get extra crunchy granola?
For a crunchier texture, try adding a whipped egg white before baking, which helps clusters stick together and crisp up nicely. Just be sure to bake fully to cook the egg white through.
Can I add chocolate to this granola?
Definitely. White chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks can be stirred in after the granola has cooled for a deliciously sweet twist that pairs perfectly with the spices.
Final Thoughts
This Spiced Christmas Granola Mix Recipe is truly a heartwarming way to bring festive cheer into your day. Whether enjoyed as a nourishing breakfast, a crunchy snack, or a thoughtful homemade gift, it captures the essence of the holiday season in every bite. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and share this cozy delight with the people you love!
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Spiced Christmas Granola Mix Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: About 8 cups
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Description
This Spiced Christmas Granola Mix is a warm, crunchy, and lightly sweetened treat infused with cozy holiday spices. Made from a wholesome blend of oats, nuts, dried fruits, and sweetened naturally with maple syrup, it makes for a delightful breakfast, snack, or a thoughtful homemade gift during the holiday season.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup sliced almonds
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- ½ cup walnuts, chopped
- ½ cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp allspice
- ¼ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup maple syrup or honey
- ¼ cup coconut oil or melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dried Fruit
- ¾ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup raisins or chopped dried apricots
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, sliced almonds, chopped pecans, walnuts, shredded coconut, and all the ground spices and salt, ensuring an even distribution.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup or honey, melted coconut oil or butter, and vanilla extract until fully blended.
- Coat the Mixture: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients, stirring thoroughly to ensure every oat and nut piece is evenly coated with the spiced syrup mixture.
- Spread and Bake: Evenly spread the coated granola mixture on the prepared baking sheet in a thin layer for uniform baking.
- Bake and Stir: Bake the granola for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring halfway through the baking time to promote even toasting and prevent burning, until it turns golden and fragrant.
- Cool Completely: Remove the granola from the oven and allow it to cool completely on the baking sheet; as it cools, it will crisp up for the perfect crunch.
- Add Dried Fruit: Once cooled, stir in the dried cranberries and raisins or dried apricots, mixing gently to combine.
- Store or Serve: Break the granola into clusters and store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunchiness for up to three weeks or package it for gifting.
Notes
- Extra crunch: For a crispier granola, add one egg white whipped until foamy before baking to help bind the clusters.
- Sweet variation: Mix in white chocolate chips after the granola has cooled for a festive twist.
- Storage: Keep granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks to maintain freshness.
- Gifting: Pack granola in decorative jars or bags tied with ribbons to create charming holiday gifts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
