Holiday Gingerbread Granola: Your New Favorite Breakfast

Holiday Gingerbread Granola. The holidays truly have a special magic, don’t they? For me, that magic isn’t complete until the rich, spicy aroma of gingerbread fills the air, instantly transporting me back to bustling kitchens, twinkling lights, and the undeniable warmth of home.

This year, I was determined to capture that festive spirit in a way we could savor every single day, and that’s how my Holiday Gingerbread Granola came to life. Imagine waking up to the inviting scent of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses, then pouring yourself a bowl of crunchy, golden clusters – it’s pure, cozy comfort, a little touch of holiday magic in your everyday routine.

Honestly, this might just be my favorite kitchen adventure of the season! While I adore a classic like my vanilla nut granola recipe for year-round goodness, there’s something uniquely special about this festive blend. If you’re ready to infuse your mornings with pure holiday cheer, you can find the full, glorious details for my Holiday Gingerbread Granola recipe right here.

Why You’ll Love This Holiday Gingerbread Granola

This granola isn’t just breakfast; it’s an experience. Every bite delivers a delightful crunch, packed with the iconic flavors of gingerbread that you crave during the colder months. It’s wonderfully versatile—fantastic with milk, yogurt, or simply by the handful as a snack. Beyond its incredible taste, it makes your home smell absolutely heavenly while baking, instantly transforming your kitchen into a festive haven. Plus, it’s a homemade gift that truly comes from the heart, showing your loved ones how much you care with a thoughtful, delicious treat.

The Secret to Great Holiday Gingerbread Granola

The real magic in achieving those irresistible, chunky clusters in this Holiday Gingerbread Granola lies in the perfect balance of wet ingredients and a patient bake. Using both molasses and a touch of brown sugar creates a sticky, flavorful binder that caramelizes beautifully. Molasses doesn’t just add that deep, signature gingerbread taste; it also helps the oats and pecans cling together during baking. My little trick? Don’t skimp on pressing the mixture firmly onto the baking sheet before it goes into the oven. This encourages the granola to form larger, more satisfying chunks, making every spoonful a joy.

Pro Tips to Nail It Every Time

For granola that’s crunchy and perfectly golden, remember to bake low and slow. A moderate oven temperature prevents burning while ensuring even toasting. Once it’s done baking, resist the urge to stir it while it cools on the pan. Letting it sit undisturbed for at least an hour, or even overnight, is crucial for those glorious, substantial clusters to form and set. Another pro tip is to line your baking sheet with parchment paper; this not only makes cleanup a breeze but also helps achieve an even crisp on the bottom without sticking.

Fun Variations to Try

While this Holiday Gingerbread Granola is delicious as is, it’s also a fantastic canvas for creativity! For an extra festive touch, stir in some dried cranberries or candied ginger bits after the granola has cooled completely. If you’re a chocolate lover, white chocolate chips or even dark chocolate chunks would be a wonderful addition, melting slightly from the residual warmth before firming up. You can also experiment with different nuts, swapping pecans for walnuts or almonds, or even adding pumpkin seeds for another layer of texture and flavor. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Final Thoughts

Sharing this Holiday Gingerbread Granola recipe with you feels like sharing a piece of my heart. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to bring warmth, comfort, and the joy of the holiday season into your kitchen. Whether you’re making it for your own cozy mornings, gifting it to friends and family, or simply enjoying the incredible aroma it creates, I promise this granola will become a cherished part of your holiday traditions. Happy baking, my friends, and may your homes be filled with delicious scents and happy memories!

Cozy Holiday Gingerbread Granola: Your New Favorite Breakfast

Recipe by SarahCourse: BreakfastCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

A warm, spiced granola recipe with all the classic gingerbread flavors, perfect for cozy holiday mornings or homemade edible gifts. Crunchy clusters, fragrant spices, and a touch of sweetness make this a festive favorite.

Ingredients

• 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

• 1 cup chopped pecans

• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

• 1/4 cup blackstrap molasses

• 1/4 cup neutral oil (like canola or vegetable)

• 2 tsp ground ginger

• 1.5 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

• 1/4 tsp ground cloves

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup dried cranberries (optional, added after baking)

Directions

• Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped pecans, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt. Stir well to ensure the dry ingredients and spices are evenly distributed.
• In a separate small bowl, whisk together the packed light brown sugar, blackstrap molasses, neutral oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
• Pour the wet ingredients over the dry oat and pecan mixture. Stir thoroughly with a spatula or wooden spoon until all the oats and nuts are evenly coated and moistened.
• Spread the granola mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Use the back of your spoon or spatula to press the granola down firmly into a single layer. This step is key for achieving those desirable clusters.
• Bake for 45-50 minutes, stirring gently halfway through (around the 25-minute mark) to promote even browning, but try to keep it pressed together. The granola should be golden brown and fragrant.
• Once baked, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet without touching or stirring it. This cooling period is critical for the clusters to set and become wonderfully crunchy.
• Once fully cooled, break the Holiday Gingerbread Granola into your desired cluster sizes. If using, stir in the dried cranberries.
• Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks for optimal freshness.

Notes

• For the Chunkiest Clusters: Press the granola firmly onto the baking sheet before baking and resist the urge to stir it too much while it bakes. Let it cool completely, undisturbed, on the baking sheet before breaking it into glorious chunks!
• Customize Your Crunch: Feel free to swap pecans for walnuts or almonds, or add pumpkin seeds for extra texture. Just keep the total amount of mix-ins similar to maintain the perfect oat-to-mix-in ratio.
• Spice It Up (or Down)!: My spice blend is cozy, but adjust to your liking. A tiny pinch of black pepper can really make the ginger flavor pop, or add a bit more cinnamon for a milder, sweeter profile. Freshly grated ginger can also be an amazing addition for a more intense ginger kick!