Christmas Granola

By:

Thomas

Published:

December 8, 2025

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Crafting homemade Christmas Granola feels like wrapping up the essence of the holiday season in every tasty bite. It’s not just about snacks; it’s about celebrating flavors that make your home feel warm and inviting. Imagine the inviting aroma of toasting oats, mingling with warm spices, and the sweet scent of maple syrup—these smells set the stage for those cherished holiday moments. Whether you’re whipping it up as a special breakfast treat or packing it as a thoughtful gift, Christmas Granola brings a toast of joy to all. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for sharing with loved ones. So, if you’re ready to create a delightful mix of oats, nuts, and dried fruits, let’s get into the festive spirit with this delicious recipe!

Why This Recipe Works

Crafting the perfect Christmas Granola requires a blend of flavors that evoke the warmth and joy of the festive season. The balance of toasted oats, crunchy nuts, and dried fruits harmonizes beautifully with the spices, creating a delightful munching experience. The addition of maple syrup and brown sugar not only sweetens the mix but also gives it a rich flavor profile that makes every bite feel indulgent and celebratory.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Granola

This Christmas Granola recipe captures the spirit of the holiday season in each delectable cluster. It’s packed with nutritious ingredients, making it a guilt-free treat you can enjoy as breakfast or a snack. The vibrant colors from cranberries and pistachios not only make it visually enticing, but the mixture of spices fills your kitchen with a festive aroma that makes holiday baking a joy. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for sharing!

Ingredients

¼ cup (64 grams) Melted Coconut Oil
⅓ cup (74 grams) Brown Sugar
⅓ cup (74 grams) Real Maple Syrup
1 Tablespoon Vanilla Extract
Zest of 1 Large Orange
3 cups (270 grams) Rolled Oats
⅓ cup (30 grams) Sliced Almonds
2 Teaspoons Mixed Spice
1 cup (110 grams) Unshelled Pistachios, roughly chopped
1 cup (120 grams) Dried Cranberries

Prepping Your Baking Sheet

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (162°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with a Silpat liner or parchment paper. This ensures your granola doesn’t stick and makes for easy cleanup.

Mixing the Wet Ingredients

Combine Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, mix together the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, mixed spice, and the zest of a large orange. Stir until well combined for a fragrant, flavorful base.

Combining Dry Ingredients

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, sliced almonds, and additional mixed spice. Once mixed, pour the wet ingredient mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is evenly coated and sticky.

Shaping the Granola

Transfer to Baking Sheet

Pour the granola mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to press down firmly, forming an even compact layer. This helps create those irresistible granola clusters.

Baking the Granola

Initial Baking

Bake the granola for 20 minutes. The oats will start to turn golden brown, filling your kitchen with a delicious aroma.

Adding Pistachios

Sprinkle the chopped pistachios over the top and return the granola to the oven for an additional 10 minutes. It should be golden brown, while the nuts remain vibrantly green.

Cooling and Finishing Touches

Cool and Add Cranberries

Remove from the oven and let cool for one hour. Once cooled, fold in the dried cranberries. Use clean hands to break the granola into chunks for serving.

Storing Your Christmas Granola

Store in Airtight Container

Transfer your granola to an airtight container. It can be stored for up to two weeks, maintaining its crunchiness and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy your Christmas Granola as a breakfast topping on yogurt, with milk, or by the handful as a snack. It also makes an excellent holiday gift when packaged in festive jars.

Tips for Success

Ensure your granola is evenly spread out in the pan for consistent baking.
Don’t skip the cooling step! This allows the granola to cluster as it hardens.
Experiment with different nuts or spices to make it your own!

Variations

Substitute almonds with your favorite nuts such as walnuts or pecans.
Add seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for extra crunch and nutrition.
Adjust the sweetness by using more or less maple syrup based on your preference.

FAQs

1. Can I use other oils instead of coconut oil?
Yes, you can use vegetable oil or melted butter if you prefer.

2. How long does this granola stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container, it stays fresh for up to two weeks.

3. Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use certified gluten-free oats.

4. Can I freeze Christmas granola?
Yes, you can freeze granola in an airtight container for up to three months.

5. What can I replace the maple syrup with?
Honey or agave syrup are good substitutes for maple syrup if desired.

This Christmas Granola is not just a recipe; it’s an experience that brings festive cheer to your home or as a thoughtful gift. Every crunchy bite tells the story of the season, combining textures and flavors that warm the heart. So gather your ingredients and let the holiday spirit inspire your kitchen adventures!

Christmas Granola

Why This Recipe Works

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Granola

Ingredients