Oatmeal Cookie Delight Granola
Transform your breakfast and snack time with this delectable Oatmeal Cookie Delight Granola! Infused with the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg, this granola fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma as it bakes. It’s sweetened with rich brown sugar and honey, leading to a satisfying, chewy texture reminiscent of freshly baked oatmeal cookies. Enjoy it as a crunchy topping for yogurt, a hearty breakfast cereal, or a wholesome, on-the-go snack. With the option to add flax seeds for an extra boost of nutrition, this recipe is versatile and easily customizable. Use a Silpat mat for mess-free baking and see how this granola becomes an instant family favorite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
oats
4 cups (uncooked)
flax seed
1/3 cup (optional, ground or whole)
brown sugar
1/2 cup (packed)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon (ground)
butter
4 tablespoons (unsalted, melted)
honey
1/3 cup (liquid)
vanilla extract
4 teaspoons (pure)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, flax seeds (if using), brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir well to ensure even distribution of the dry ingredients.
3
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the honey and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
5
Pour the warm butter-honey mixture over the dry ingredients. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, mix until the oats are thoroughly coated with the sweet mixture.
6
Transfer the granola mixture onto a greased cookie sheet or Silpat mat, spreading it out in an even layer.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through for even browning, but avoid excessive stirring to allow for nugget formation.
8
Once golden and fragrant, remove from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. This is crucial for achieving those delightful granola clusters.
9
After cooling, break the granola into large pieces and store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Oatmeal Cookie Delight Granola?
It is a homemade granola recipe designed to taste like freshly baked oatmeal cookies, featuring oats, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
What are the primary ingredients needed for this granola?
The main ingredients include oats, brown sugar, honey, butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional flax seeds.
At what temperature should I bake the granola?
The oven should be preheated to 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150 degrees Celsius).
How long does the granola need to bake?
Bake the mixture for 20 to 25 minutes until it is golden and fragrant.
How do I get large clusters in my granola?
To achieve clusters, avoid excessive stirring while baking and let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet before breaking it apart.
Is flax seed required for this recipe?
No, flax seed is optional, but it can be added in ground or whole form for extra nutrition.
Can I make this granola vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with coconut oil and the honey with maple syrup or agave to make a vegan version.
What is the best way to store homemade granola?
Once completely cooled, store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature.
How much oats do I need for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of uncooked oats.
Can I use a Silpat mat for this recipe?
Yes, using a Silpat mat is recommended for mess-free baking and easy removal of the granola.
What spices give this granola its cookie-like flavor?
Cinnamon and nutmeg provide the warm, classic spices associated with oatmeal cookies.
How much vanilla extract is used?
The recipe uses 4 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract for a rich flavor.
Can I add nuts to this granola?
Yes, you can easily customize the recipe by adding your favorite nuts like walnuts or pecans before baking.
Is this recipe suitable for breakfast?
Absolutely; it works perfectly as a breakfast cereal with milk or as a topping for yogurt.
How often should I stir the granola while it is in the oven?
Stir it only once halfway through the baking process to ensure even browning.
Can I add dried fruit?
Yes, dried fruit like raisins or cranberries can be added after the granola has finished baking and cooled.
Why is salt included in the recipe?
A small amount of salt (1/4 teaspoon) helps to balance and enhance the sweetness of the honey and brown sugar.
Should the butter be melted before mixing?
Yes, you should melt the butter in a saucepan and then simmer it with the honey before adding it to the dry ingredients.
What type of brown sugar should I use?
The recipe specifies 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar.
Does this granola have a chewy or crunchy texture?
The combination of honey and brown sugar creates a satisfying, chewy texture reminiscent of a cookie.
Is this granola high in fiber?
Yes, thanks to the oats and optional flax seeds, it is considered a high-fiber snack.
Can I use quick oats instead of regular oats?
Old-fashioned rolled oats are recommended for the best texture, but quick oats can be used in a pinch.
How do I know when the granola is done?
It should be golden brown and the kitchen will smell like freshly baked cookies.
Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?
Yes, maple syrup is a great substitute for honey if you prefer the flavor or want a vegan option.
How much honey is required?
The recipe requires 1/3 cup of liquid honey.
Is the granola kid-friendly?
Yes, the sweet and familiar flavor of oatmeal cookies makes it a favorite for children.
Can I add chocolate chips?
Yes, but wait until the granola is completely cool before adding them so they do not melt.
What if I don't have a Silpat mat?
You can use a greased cookie sheet or parchment paper as an alternative.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients, but you may need to use two baking sheets to ensure the granola bakes evenly.
Why must the granola cool on the pan?
Cooling on the pan allows the sugars to harden and bind the oats into those desirable crunchy clusters.