Name: Gingerbread Granola (Christmas Granola) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups rolled oats (not steel cut oats); 1 1/2 cups raw pecan halves, roughly chopped; 1/3 cup dried cranberries; 1/3 cup vegetable oil (or canola oil); 1/2 cup honey; 1/4 cup molasses; 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed (light or dark brown sugar, preferably dark); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 20 reviews

If you’re dreaming of a cozy, crunchy treat that perfectly captures the flavors of the holiday season, look no further than this delicious Gingerbread Granola (Christmas Granola) Recipe. Loaded with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, and studded with pecans and tart dried cranberries, it’s the ultimate winter breakfast or snack. The molasses and brown sugar add a beautifully deep sweetness that keeps you coming back for more, making each bite feel like a festive hug in a bowl. Whether you sprinkle it over yogurt, munch on it straight from the jar, or gift it to friends, this granola brings Christmas cheer all through the season.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with three layers arranged side by side: a layer of light beige rolled oats on the bottom left, a layer of dark red dried cranberries on the top left, and a layer of medium brown pecan halves on the right side, all dry and raw. The textures vary from the flaky oats to the rough, wrinkled cranberries and the smooth, curved pecans. The bowl is round with thick edges, and the shot is taken from above, showing all layers clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is essential for creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures in this Gingerbread Granola (Christmas Granola) Recipe. Each component plays a unique role—from the hearty rolled oats that give it structure to the aromatic spices that make every bite festive and warm.

4 cups rolled oats: The base of your granola, these provide a satisfying crunch and hearty texture.
1 1/2 cups raw pecan halves: Roughly chopped to add buttery, nutty richness and a lovely crunch.
1/3 cup dried cranberries: These add bursts of tart sweetness and a festive pop of color.
1/3 cup vegetable oil: Helps to bind the granola and keep it crisp without heaviness.
1/2 cup honey: A natural sweetener that adds floral notes and helps everything stick together.
1/4 cup molasses: The star of the gingerbread flavor, giving deep, rich caramel undertones.
2 tablespoons brown sugar: Adds moisture and enhances the molasses flavor; dark brown sugar works beautifully here.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor with a sweet, fragrant warmth.
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the spices.
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Infuses the granola with classic holiday spice.
1 teaspoon ground ginger: Brings that unmistakable gingerbread zing.
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice: Adds a complex warmth that ties the flavors together.
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A subtle nutty spice that complements everything perfectly.
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: A little goes a long way to intensify that traditional gingerbread taste.

How to Make Gingerbread Granola (Christmas Granola) Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. Getting this step right sets the stage for perfectly toasted granola.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, toss together the rolled oats, chopped pecans, and dried cranberries. Mixing these dry components evenly ensures every handful of granola will have a nice balance of nuts, fruit, and oats.

Step 3: Make the Spiced Syrup

In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the vegetable oil, honey, molasses, and brown sugar. Stir frequently until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture is smooth and hot, about 5 to 7 minutes. This syrup is key to coating the granola with flavor and helping it stick together in crunchy clusters.

Step 4: Add Spices and Vanilla

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, kosher salt, and all the warm spices: cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves. Mixing these in while the syrup is still warm releases their full fragrant potential, infusing every bite.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the spiced syrup over the oat mixture, and toss well to coat everything thoroughly. This step ensures every piece is flavored and ready to bake into golden perfection.

Step 6: Bake to Crunchy Goodness

Spread the granola mixture evenly on your prepared baking sheet, then bake for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. This stirring trick helps prevent any edges from burning and promotes even browning, so your granola comes out beautifully toasted and crunchy.

Step 7: Cool and Store

Once the granola is a gorgeous golden brown and smells absolutely irresistible, remove it from the oven. Let it cool completely on the baking sheet—this allows it to crisp up fully. After cooling, store it in an airtight container or resealable bag to keep it fresh and crunchy.

How to Serve Gingerbread Granola (Christmas Granola) Recipe

The image shows a large rectangular baking tray filled with a single thick layer of golden brown granola that includes oats, pecan nuts, and dark dried berries. The granola pieces vary in size and texture, some looking crunchy while others softer, evenly spread across white parchment paper lining the tray. The tray is resting on a white marbled surface, making the warm colors of the granola stand out clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle your Gingerbread Granola on top of creamy Greek yogurt topped with a drizzle of honey and a few fresh pomegranate seeds for extra festive flair and texture contrast. Or, add a handful to your favorite smoothie bowl for crunch and holiday spice.

Side Dishes

This granola pairs wonderfully with warm spiced applesauce or a bowl of lightly warmed cinnamon-spiked oatmeal. It can also complement a winter fruit salad by adding a satisfying texture and robust flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist on gifting or entertaining, package the granola in decorative jars or cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons. You can also serve it in small bowls alongside freshly brewed coffee or mulled cider during holiday brunches for a crowd-pleasing crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Gingerbread Granola in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks, making it a perfect make-ahead breakfast or snack during the busy holiday season.

Freezing

If you want to keep your granola for even longer, freezing is a great option. Place it in a sealed freezer bag and freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

While this granola is delicious cold, you can lightly warm it in a low oven or toaster oven for a few minutes to refresh its crunch and amplify those cozy gingerbread spices.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts would bring their own unique flavor and texture. Just chop them similarly for even baking.

Is it okay to substitute maple syrup for honey?

Yes, maple syrup will add a wonderful deep sweetness, though it will slightly change the flavor profile. You could try it if you prefer a vegan option or different taste.

Can I make this granola gluten-free?

Definitely—just be sure to use certified gluten-free rolled oats to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.

How do I get big crunchy clusters?

Don’t stir the granola too often during baking and let it cool completely before breaking apart. This helps clusters form and stay intact.

Can I add chocolate chips to this granola?

Yes, add chocolate chips after the granola has cooled to prevent melting. Peppermint or white chocolate chips make a great festive touch!

Final Thoughts

This Gingerbread Granola (Christmas Granola) Recipe is a wonderful way to bring festive holiday flavors into your everyday routine. With its perfect blend of spices, nuts, and sweet molasses, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again every December. Trust me, once you try it, this crunchy, flavorful granola will become your go-to treat for cozy mornings and holiday snacking. So grab your ingredients and start baking—you’re just a few steps away from that perfect gingerbread crunch we all crave!