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
