Name: Cozy Up with Holiday Gingerbread Granola Clusters
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 3 cups Rolled Oats; 1 cup Nuts of Choice (Consider nut-free options like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.); 1/2 teaspoon Sea Salt; 2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon; 1 teaspoon Ground Ginger; 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cloves; 1/4 cup Coconut Oil (Can substitute with olive oil.); 1/3 cup Maple Syrup; 1/4 cup Unsulphured Molasses; 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Optional for added sweetness.)

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As the first hints of winter chill creep in, I find myself dreaming of the warm spices that define the season. With the aroma of my Holiday Gingerbread Granola wafting through the kitchen, it’s impossible not to feel the comfort of cozy mornings ahead. This easy, one-bowl recipe blends oats with cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, creating delightful clusters that are not only vegan-friendly but also perfect for those ready to swap out fast food for something homemade. Whether you savor it as a breakfast staple or use it to elevate your pancakes and waffles, this granola offers a festive twist that brings joy to every bite. Are you ready to experience that perfect crunch and gingerbread magic? Let’s dive into the recipe!

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Why is this granola perfect for winter?

Warm, Festive Flavors: Each bite of this Holiday Gingerbread Granola delivers cozy notes of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, reminiscent of holiday baking traditions.
Quick & Simple: With only one bowl needed, this easy recipe is perfect for busy mornings, making homemade granola hassle-free.
Vegan-Friendly: Tailored for everyone, it’s naturally vegan and offers nut-free substitution options, ensuring all can enjoy its deliciousness.
Crunchy Clusters: Expect delightful clusters that provide a satisfying crunch—ideal for snacking or adding texture to your breakfast creations.
Versatile Enjoyment: Use it alone, on yogurt, or to elevate your favorite pancakes. This granola makes every meal a little more special!

Holiday Gingerbread Granola Ingredients

For the Granola Base
• Rolled Oats – the essential backbone for texture and bulk in your granola.
• Nuts of Choice – adds delightful crunch and healthy fats; consider seeds like sunflower or pumpkin if you’re looking for nut-free alternatives.
• Sea Salt – enhances sweetness and brings out the flavors beautifully.

For the Spices
• Ground Cinnamon – provides warmth and sweetness; it’s the star flavor of gingerbread.
• Ground Ginger – adds a zesty heat, enhancing the overall gingerbread profile.
• Ground Cloves – offers depth and complexity; a little goes a long way for that cozy kick.

For Sweetness & Binding
• Coconut Oil – acts as a binder and adds richness; use olive oil for a different taste if desired.
• Maple Syrup – this natural sweetener aids in caramelization, giving the granola its crunchy goodness.
• Unsulphured Molasses – a must-have for that deep gingerbread flavor, providing both taste and color.
• Vanilla Extract – adds a lovely aroma, optional for an extra hint of sweetness.

Feel free to explore this Holiday Gingerbread Granola with your favorite ingredients!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Holiday Gingerbread Granola

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring it’s ready to hold your delicious granola. This initial setup will keep everything from sticking and make cleanup a breeze, letting you focus on creating your tasty Holiday Gingerbread Granola.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, your choice of nuts or seeds, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, and sea salt. Stir well to ensure that all dry ingredients are evenly coated with the warm, inviting spices. This step is crucial for the flavor, transforming your oats into a gingerbread masterpiece.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate small bowl, melt coconut oil (or olive oil) if it’s solid, then whisk in maple syrup, unsulphured molasses, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and combined. This rich mixture will act as the glue for your Holiday Gingerbread Granola, binding the oats and spices together in delightful harmony.

Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, stir thoroughly until every oat and nut is generously coated. The granola mixture should feel sticky yet crumbly, ensuring that your granola will bake into those tasty clusters you love.

Step 5: Shape and Bake
Transfer the granola mixture onto the lined baking sheet. Spread it out evenly into a thin layer, using your fingers to press it down gently for uniform baking. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until it turns golden brown and fragrant, filling your kitchen with a cozy aroma.

Step 6: Cool and Cluster
Once baked, remove the granola from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for 15 minutes. This cooling time allows the granola to harden, making it easier to break into crunchy clusters. Resist the urge to stir; letting it sit undisturbed will encourage larger clusters that are perfect for snacking or topping.

Step 7: Store for Freshness
After cooling completely, transfer your Holiday Gingerbread Granola into an airtight container. This will keep it fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks. Now you’ve created a delightful treat to enjoy, perfect for cozy winter mornings or as a sweet snack throughout the day!

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Holiday Gingerbread Granola Variations

Feel free to customize your Holiday Gingerbread Granola with these delightful twists that will excite your taste buds!

Nut-Free: Swap out nuts for seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds to make this granola accessible for everyone. The seeds still provide that satisfying crunch, ensuring every bite is just as enjoyable.
Add Dried Fruits: Toss in some dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates after baking to introduce chewy sweetness and a pop of color. This balance of crunchy and chewy will make your granola a bite-sized delight.
Spice It Up: Want a little more flair? Increase the ground ginger for an extra kick of warmth. Alternatively, add a touch of cayenne pepper to spice it up further, giving your breakfast a surprising twist.
Sweeteners Variety: Substitute honey for maple syrup if you’re not strictly vegan, or use agave syrup for a lighter sweetness. Each sweetener lends its unique flavor profile, adapting to your taste preferences.
Cocoa Magic: For a chocolatey twist, add unsweetened cocoa powder or cacao nibs to your mix before baking. This creates an irresistible combination of gingerbread and chocolate flavors that can easily become a family favorite!
Coconut Crunch: Add shredded coconut to the mixture for an extra layer of texture and tropical flavor. The coconut toasts beautifully and infuses a delightful aroma as it bakes.
Granola Bars: To create chewy granola bars, press the mixture into a baking dish lined with parchment paper and cut into bars before baking. They make for a convenient, on-the-go snack for busy mornings.
Infuse Aromatics: Experiment with flavoring by adding a splash of orange zest or almond extract. These subtle additions can brighten the flavors and add an entirely new dimension to your granola.

These adjustments not only maintain the spirit of Holiday Gingerbread Granola but invite even more creativity into your kitchen. Don’t forget to enjoy it on yogurt or your favorite breakfast treats!

Storage Tips for Holiday Gingerbread Granola

Room Temperature: Store your granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, ensuring it stays crunchy and fresh.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the granola in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature.
Reheating: If the granola loses its crunch after storage, bake it in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes to restore its delightful texture.
Serving Freshness: Always check the granola for freshness before serving; consumed within the recommended timeframes ensures the best flavor and enjoyment of your Holiday Gingerbread Granola!

Make Ahead Options

These Holiday Gingerbread Granola clusters are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time and stress during the busy holiday season! You can mix the dry ingredients (rolled oats, nuts or seeds, spices, and sea salt) up to 3 days in advance, storing them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. The wet ingredients can also be prepared ahead—just whisk together the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, molasses, and vanilla extract and refrigerate them up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply combine the mixtures and follow the usual steps. This method ensures that your granola will be just as delicious and fragrant, making your mornings a breeze!

Expert Tips for Holiday Gingerbread Granola

Mix Thoroughly: Ensure all dry ingredients are well combined before adding wet ingredients to distribute flavors evenly in your Holiday Gingerbread Granola.
Press Firmly: For larger clusters, press the granola mixture firmly into the pan before baking. This helps maintain the shape during cooking and enhances crunchiness.
Cool Completely: Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet before breaking it apart. This will firm up the clusters and elevate their crunchy texture.
Stir Halfway: If using smaller clusters, gently stir the mixture halfway through baking to promote even browning and prevent burning.
Customize Wisely: Feel free to adjust spices and nut options according to your preference, but remember to keep the key flavor elements for an authentic gingerbread taste.

What to Serve with Holiday Gingerbread Granola

Elevate your breakfast or snack time with delicious sides that enhance the cozy flavors of holiday gingerbread granola.

Creamy Yogurt: Pair it with thick Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast that balances out the crunch. A drizzle of honey on top can add extra sweetness.
Fresh Fruits: Enjoy a side of juicy berries or sliced bananas. Their freshness complements the warming spices beautifully while adding a nourishing element.
Buttermilk Pancakes: Serve it on top of fluffy, homemade pancakes. The granola adds crunchy texture and a festive seasoning twist for a perfect morning treat.
Hot Chocolate: Sip on a rich mug of hot chocolate. The chocolatey warmth harmonizes with the spices in your granola, making every bite a cozy delight.
Cinnamon-Spiced Coffee: Brew a cup of coffee with a hint of cinnamon. The aromatic drink pairs perfectly with the gingerbread flavors in your granola, creating a delightful morning ritual.
Maple Syrup: Drizzle some maple syrup over pancakes or yogurt with the granola sprinkled on top for an indulgent yet simple treat. It adds an extra layer of sweetness that celebrates the season.

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Holiday Gingerbread Granola Recipe FAQs

What type of oats should I use for this granola?
I recommend using rolled oats for the best texture! They provide the perfect bulk and chewy bite. Steel-cut or instant oats may not yield the same delightful clusters.

How should I store my Holiday Gingerbread Granola?
To keep your granola crunchy, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you want it to last longer, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months.

Can I freeze my granola? How?
Absolutely! To freeze your Holiday Gingerbread Granola, allow it to cool completely first. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container, pressing out any excess air to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw the granola at room temperature for a few hours.

What if my granola doesn’t clump together well?
No worries! If your granola isn’t clumping, it might be due to insufficient moisture or not pressing it down firmly before baking. For the next batch, ensure you mix the wet ingredients thoroughly with the dry, and press the mixture down firmly onto the baking sheet. Additionally, allowing it to cool completely will help it harden into clusters.

Is this recipe suitable for people with nut allergies?
Yes! You can easily make the Holiday Gingerbread Granola nut-free. Just substitute the nuts with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds. Be sure to check labels if using store-bought varieties, as cross-contamination can occur.

Can I use different spices or sweeteners?
Very! Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking—more ginger for extra warmth or additional cinnamon for sweetness. For sweeteners, you can swap maple syrup with honey if you are not strictly vegan, but stick to unsulphured molasses for that authentic gingerbread flavor.