Oatmeal Cookie Granola

This cozy, homemade granola brings all the comforting flavors of oatmeal cookies into a crunchy, snackable form.

Made with rolled oats, warm spices, and a touch of sweetness, it's perfect for topping yogurt, sprinkling over smoothie bowls, or enjoying straight out of the jar. Plus, it's easy to make and customizable with your favorite nuts and dried fruits.

makes about 2 quarts

Photo by American Heritage Chocolate on Unsplash

INGREDIENTS:

3 cups old fashioned rolled oats (I like the organic, gluten free oats from Bobs Red Mill)

1 1/2 cups puffed millet cereal (or puffed rice)

1/4 cup raw sunflower seeds

1/4 cup raw pepitas

1/4 cup blanched slivered almonds

2 tablespoons ground flaxseeds

2 tablespoons chia seeds

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

pinch of nutmeg

1 teaspoon celtic sea salt

1/2 cup pure maple syrup (or honey)

1/4 cup coconut sugar (or date, maple or brown sugar)

1/4 cup coconut oil

1/4 cup almond butter (or tahini)

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

Optional add-ins: golden or regular raisins, dried cherries or cranberries, mini chocolate chips, unsweetened coconut flakes, etc.

Photo by Heather Barnes on Unsplash

DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl mix together the oats, cereal, seeds, nuts, spices, salt. Mix well and set aside.

In a small saucepan, combine the maple/honey, sugar, oil, and the almond butter/tahini, and vanilla - cook over low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Add the syrup mixture to the dry oat mixture and mix until well combined.

Dump the mixture out onto the parchment lined baking sheet and spread out to an even layer, pressing the mixture into the pan edge to edge.

Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes, mix, then return to the oven for another 5-7 minutes, keeping an eye on it until it reaches a light golden brown color. Once the mixture is evenly lightly golden brown, remove from the oven and let cool completely to allow it to fully crisp.

Once completely cool transfer to a large bowl and add in any mix-in’s you would like (golden or regular raisins, dried cherries (or cranberries), mini chocolate chips, unsweetened coconut flakes, etc).

Transfer to an air-tight container and use within 1 week.

ENJOY :)