Easy Granola Cookies
If you are searching for a wholesome and delicious snack to satisfy your sweet tooth and keep you energized, these Easy Granola Cookies are exactly what you need. Packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, nuts, dried fruits, and natural sweeteners, these cookies bring together the perfect balance of crunch, chewiness, and flavor. Whether you need a quick breakfast treat, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a healthy dessert alternative, these recipes will quickly become your favorites for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Made from pantry basics that are easy to find and require minimal prep.
- Wholesome Nutrition: A blend of oats, nuts, and natural sweeteners provides fiber and lasting energy.
- Customizable Flavors: Easily adapted with your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, seeds, or dried fruits.
- Quick and Easy: Each recipe comes together in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy days.
- Kid-Approved: Delicious cookies that whole family will love, making healthy snacking fun.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These easy granola cookies rely on simple yet essential ingredients that provide texture, flavor, and nutrition. Each component plays a role in creating the perfect balance between chewy and crunchy with a touch of natural sweetness.
- Old-fashioned oats: The heart of granola cookies, offering hearty texture and fiber.
- Honey or maple syrup: Natural sweeteners that add moisture and gentle sweetness.
- Nut butter: Adds richness, binds the dough, and gives a velvety mouthfeel.
- Chopped nuts: Provide satisfying crunch and boost protein content.
- Dried fruits: Bring natural sweetness and chewy bursts of flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall aroma and taste with a warm touch.
- Baking soda and salt: Balance flavors and help cookies rise slightly for a perfect bite.
Variations for Easy Granola Cookies
One of the best things about making Easy Granola Cookies is how flexible and customizable they are. Feel free to experiment by swapping or adding ingredients to suit your dietary preferences, taste buds, or what’s available in your kitchen.
- Chocolate lovers’ twist: Add dark or milk chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
- Nut-free option: Use sunflower seed butter and pumpkin seeds for a safe alternative.
- Vegan adaptation: Swap honey for maple syrup and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs.
- Spice it up: Mix in cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for warm, cozy flavors.
- Tropical vibes: Add shredded coconut and dried pineapple or mango pieces.
How to Make Easy Granola Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together nut butter, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and any eggs or flax eggs until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, stir together oats, baking soda, salt, nuts, dried fruits, and any spices ensuring everything is evenly distributed.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold together with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined, forming a sticky dough.
Step 5: Shape Cookies
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the centers look set but still soft. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Granola Cookies
- Don’t overmix: Combining ingredients just until mixed keeps cookies tender, not tough.
- Toast your nuts: Lightly roasting nuts before adding boosts their flavor and crunch.
- Use fresh oats: Freshly opened oats mix much better and give a fresher taste.
- Check cookie size: Smaller cookies bake more evenly and are perfect for snacking.
- Cool completely: Cooling solidifies the cookies for the best texture and prevents crumbling.
How to Serve Easy Granola Cookies
Garnishes
Sprinkle a pinch of coarse sea salt, drizzle melted dark chocolate, or add a light dusting of powdered sugar on your cookies for a beautiful and tasty finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a cup of your favorite coffee, herbal tea, or a cold glass of milk to create a satisfying snack or dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange Easy Granola Cookies in a rustic basket lined with a linen napkin for casual gatherings, or stack them with parchment paper layers in a decorative jar to gift friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your granola cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, preserving their crunchy and chewy texture perfectly.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze cookies in a sealed freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months; just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
If you prefer a freshly baked taste, warm cookies in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for a few minutes to regain softness and warmth.
FAQs
Are Easy Granola Cookies healthy?
Yes, these cookies use natural sweeteners, whole oats, nuts, and dried fruits providing fiber, protein, and vitamins making them a healthier option than many traditional cookies.
Can I make Easy Granola Cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just ensure you use certified gluten-free oats and double-check that any other mix-ins don’t contain gluten.
How long do Easy Granola Cookies last?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies typically stay fresh for up to one week at room temperature or longer if frozen.
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Old-fashioned oats work best for texture, but if you only have quick oats, they can be substituted; expect a softer cookie with less chew.
Can I add chocolate chips to the recipe?
Yes! Chocolate chips are a fantastic add-in that pairs wonderfully with granola ingredients and adds an indulgent touch to your cookies.
Final Thoughts
These Easy Granola Cookies offer a delightful, wholesome treat that combines convenience, nutrition, and great taste all in one. With endless ways to customize and share, they are destined to become your go-to snack for busy days or cozy moments. Don’t hesitate—grab these simple recipes and start baking your own batch of happiness today!
Related Posts
PrintEasy Granola Cookies
Easy Granola Cookies are a wholesome and delicious snack made from simple pantry ingredients like oats, nuts, dried fruits, and natural sweeteners. These cookies offer the perfect balance of crunch and chewiness with customizable flavors, ideal for breakfast, snacks, or healthy desserts. Quick to prepare and kid-approved, they provide lasting energy and fiber in every bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups old-fashioned oats
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts, almonds, or pecans)
- ½ cup dried fruits (such as raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots)
- Optional spices: ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, or ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup nut butter (e.g., peanut butter, almond butter, or sunflower seed butter for nut-free)
- ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg or 1 flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, for vegan option)
Optional Add-ins and Variations
- ½ cup chocolate chips (dark or milk)
- ½ cup shredded coconut
- ½ cup dried tropical fruits (pineapple, mango pieces)
- Pumpkin seeds (for nut-free option)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the nut butter, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and the egg or flax egg until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, stir together oats, baking soda, salt, chopped nuts, dried fruits, and any optional spices until evenly distributed.
- Bring Wet and Dry Together: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold them together with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined, forming a sticky dough.
- Shape Cookies: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the centers look set but still soft. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Don’t overmix: Mixing ingredients just until combined keeps cookies tender, not tough.
- Toast your nuts: Lightly roast nuts before adding to boost flavor and crunch.
- Use fresh oats: Freshly opened oats blend better and taste fresher.
- Check cookie size: Smaller cookies bake evenly and are perfect for snacking.
- Cool completely: Solidifies cookies for best texture and prevents crumbling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: granola cookies, healthy cookies, gluten free snacks, oat cookies, granola bars, easy baking, kid-friendly cookies, wholesome snacks