My kids are obsessed with these granola cookies—so much so that I have had to hide the cookie jar behind the cereal boxes sometimes!
Honestly, cookies are my go-to parenting hack as these have saved me more times than I can count. But here’s when I feel guilty- too many cookies, especially the sugary ones, can catch up with you quickly. Store-bought cookies are often loaded with preservatives, artificial sweeteners, and more stuff that are hard to even pronounce!
While homemade cookies are definitely better, they still contain more butter and sugar than I would want in an everyday snack. And if you think I can just stop at one, clearly you have never seen my kids around cookies!
These homemade Granola cookies, on the other hand, are a totally nutritious snack that’s way more satisfying and wholesome than regular cookies. Made with granola, nuts, and dried fruits, granola cookies are better than just sugar or butter cookies. So, while they are still a treat, they are packed with fiber and healthy fats that actually fill you up, not just spike your sugar level.
Ready to bake such treats that make you think less before reaching for seconds? Let’s get into this cookie recipe!
Why You’ll Love These Granola Cookies Recipe
- A nutritious alternative to sugary or buttery cookies.
- Fiber and healthy fats keep you fuller longer.
- Tasty enough for kids to enjoy.
- Chewy and crunchy- a perfect balance in every bite!
Choosing The Right Granola For Your Cookies
The key ingredient being the granola, I would say it’s important to choose the right type for your liking! Here are some things to consider while selecting granola for this recipe:
Texture
Want more crunch in your bites? Choose the crunchy granola for this recipe! For softer bites, you can go for chewygranola instead. My recommendation? Try a mix of both of these varieties for the best result.
Flavor
I have used plain granola for making today’s granola cookies. However, there are flavored ones available such as cinnamon, coconut, chocolate chip, or even mixed berries! Feel free to experiment and choose the one that suits your taste.
Size
You can go for large chunk-sized granola for extra crunch and more texture. But you will need to break them down a bit eventually for even distribution. Finely crumbled granola is more suitable for this recipe as it blends smoothly and gives a consistent bite.
Sweetness
Sweetened granola is available if you want to have some extra sweetness in your cookies. Unsweetened granola is overall a better choice as it gives you full control over the sweetness level.
Flavor Variations For These Chewy Granola Cookies
The fun doesn’t end with this recipe- here are some more flavors you can add to make your granola cookies even more exciting!
Maple Pecan
Make your cookies healthier by swapping the granulated sugar with maple syrup! Throw in some chopped pecans and enjoy an autumn-inspired treat that’s rich and naturally sweet.
Pumpkin Spice
Are pumpkins in season? Make the best use of them by roasting or boiling the pumpkins and blending until smooth. Add some warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or clove for an aromatic touch that makes the granola cookies even tastier.
Candy Classics
Kids love candy bars, right? Now you can create a copycat flavor by mixing in shredded coconut, chopped almonds, and mini chocolate chips. Drizzle some melted chocolate on top, and your candy-flavored cookie is ready to roll!
Dried Berries
Add dried cranberries, blueberries, and strawberries into the cookie batter while mixing. Top it off with melted white chocolate to enjoy a bakery-style finish.
More Nuts!
What’s your favorite- almonds, walnuts, pecans, or maybe cashews? Honestly, why choose? You can chop up a mix of all these and stir them right into the cookie dough for a super nutty, crunchy mouthful.
Baking Tips and Tricks For Granola Cookies
Having trouble with your granola cookies? Here are some baking tips to get you back on track and help you make chewy, crunchy, and delicious cookies every time:
- Granola gone a bit stale? Freshen it up by toasting it lightly in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5-7 minutes.
- Use room temperature butter and eggs so they mix smoothly and give the dough a uniform texture.
- If the dough is crumbling, add 1 tbsp of honey or maple syrup to help bind it together.
- Toss in the extras like berries or nuts at the end to keep them evenly distributed and prevent overmixing.
- Chill the cookie dough before baking to help the cookies hold their shapes and avoid spreading.
Granola Cookies
Ingredients
- ½ cup Unsalted Butter
- ½ cup Granulated Sugar
- ¼ cup Brown Sugar
- 1 large Egg
- 1 tsp Vanilla Essence
- 1 and ¼ cups All-Purpose Flour
- ½ tsp Baking Soda
- ¼ tsp Cinnamon Powder
- 1 and ½ cups Granola
- ¼ cup Almond (chopped)
- ¼ cup Walnuts (chopped)
- ¼ cup Black Raisin
Instructions
Preheat The Oven and Prepare The Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
- Grab a baking tray and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a mixing bowl, add all-purpose flour, baking soda, and cinnamon powder.
- Whisk the ingredients together using a fork until evenly combined. Set it aside.
Add Wet Ingredients
- Grab a large mixing bowl and add butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar to it.
- Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the mixture until it’s light and creamy.
- Crack an egg and stir vanilla essence into the mix. Beat again on low speed until fully mixed.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Use a spatula to gently mix just until a soft dough forms.
- Add the granola, chopped almonds, chopped walnuts, and black raisins to the dough. Mix gently until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Chill and Shape The Dough
- Place the cookie dough in the freezer for about 10-15 minutes.
- Once chilled, use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion out the dough into equal-sized balls.
- Place the balls on the prepared baking tray, leaving enough space to spread each cookie.
Bake, Cool, and Serve!
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool for 5-10 minutes on the baking sheet.
- Once cooled, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy the crunchy and chewy granola cookies with a glass of milk or a warm cup of tea.
Cookies can be a great go-to treat to help you out at the very last minute! Don’t want to prep a snack? Cookies have your back. Getting late and need to pack something for an outing? Grab some cookies. And when the late-night ‘Mom, I am hungry’ shows up in pajamas? – Well, here’s a cookie, kiddo!
As these granola cookies are full of wholesome ingredients like granola, nuts, and natural sweetness, you can feel good about enjoying them anytime. My kids love these cookies as they have a great crunch and sweet taste. Anytime I am out of fresh snacks or in a rush, I just grab these few healthy cookies, and we are all set!
Recipe FAQs
How Do I Store Granola Cookies?
To preserve the freshness, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Can I Make The Cookie Dough Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours before baking- just be sure to refrigerate it.
How Do I Make The Cookies More Chewy?
To get chewier cookies, remove them from the oven when the edges are golden, but the center is still soft.
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