If you’re looking for a snack that perfectly balances wholesome ingredients with a touch of indulgence, these Granola Cookies will quickly win your heart. They combine the hearty crunch of rolled oats, nuts, and seeds with the natural sweetness of maple syrup and your favorite add-ins like dried fruits or chocolate chips. Whether it’s for a quick breakfast bite or a comforting afternoon treat, these Granola Cookies offer that satisfying texture and flavor combo that’s both nourishing and delicious. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential to the success of your Granola Cookies. Each one brings its own unique flair—whether that’s crunch, sweetness, or a beautiful golden color after baking.

Rolled oats (1 cup, about 90g): The foundational base, giving your cookies that hearty granola texture.
Chopped almonds (1/4 cup): Adds a lovely crunch and a subtle nutty flavor.
Chopped walnuts (1/4 cup): Brings a rich, earthy depth to balance the sweetness.
Pumpkin seeds (1/4 cup): For an extra nutty taste and a dash of vibrant green color.
Sunflower seeds (1/4 cup): Complements the pumpkin seeds with a mild, buttery crunch.
Raisins, cranberries, or dark chocolate chips (1/4 cup): Choose your favorite for a burst of sweetness or a hint of chocolatey decadence.
Chia seeds (1 tablespoon): A tiny boost of nutrition with a bit of texture that helps bind everything.
Coconut oil (1/4 cup or 60ml): Adds moisture and keeps the cookies golden and tender.
Maple syrup (1/3 cup or 80ml): Natural sweetness that lends a rich flavor and perfectly binds the ingredients.
A pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.

How to Make Granola Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Tray

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, which is around 180°C. While that warms up, line a baking tray with parchment paper to keep the cookies from sticking and to make cleanup a breeze. Setting these little details early makes the whole baking process smooth and enjoyable.

Step 2: Mix Your Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, toss together all your rolled oats, chopped almonds and walnuts, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, your choice of raisins, cranberries or dark chocolate chips, and the chia seeds. Then add in the coconut oil, maple syrup, and that pinch of salt. Stir it all up until every bit is evenly coated and cozying together. This is where the magic starts as the wet ingredients bring everything into one harmonious blend.

Step 3: Shape Your Granola Cookies

Here you have two delicious options for shaping these Granola Cookies. First, grab a cookie cutter or small cake ring and place it onto your lined baking tray. Spoon in 2-3 tablespoons of the granola mix within the ring and press it down gently with the back of your spoon to compact the mix. The second way is even simpler: spoon the mix directly onto the tray in small mounds, then cover each with aluminum muffin cups or similar kitchen tools to hold their shape while baking. This method helps you achieve neat rounds without spreading.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop those shaped cookies into the oven for 20-25 minutes. Keep a close eye towards the end because ovens vary, and you want your cookies to come out delightfully golden and crisp. If you used the muffin cups, remove them in the last 5 minutes of baking to let the cookies brown perfectly without losing their shape.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy!

Once your Granola Cookies are baked, take them out and give them ample time to cool completely. Cooling is crucial because it helps them firm up and develop that satisfying crunch we all love. After cooling, you’re ready to dig in or store them for later.

How to Serve Granola Cookies

Garnishes

Enhance your cookie experience by pairing them with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. For extra flair, try drizzling melted dark chocolate or a honey glaze right before serving to make them feel extra special and irresistible.

Side Dishes

Granola Cookies are delightful on their own but also shine when served alongside a creamy yogurt parfait or a bowl of fresh fruit salad. They add a crunchy texture that balances soft and juicy components beautifully, making your snack or breakfast spread varied and exciting.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming presentation, stack a few Granola Cookies on a rustic wooden board with a side of nut butter or a small jar of your favorite jam. You could even sandwich them with Greek yogurt or nut butter for an impromptu yet impressive treat that friends and family will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Granola Cookies keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Storing them this way maintains their crunchy texture and keeps all those flavors fresh. Just be sure they’re completely cooled before sealing to avoid any humidity build-up.

Freezing

You can freeze these Granola Cookies for longer storage by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freezing until firm, and then transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you want a quick snack, just thaw them at room temperature or toast gently to refresh their crunch.

Reheating

To enjoy your Granola Cookies warm, simply pop them in a toaster oven or regular oven at low heat for a few minutes. This reheating helps restore their crispness and bring back that freshly-baked aroma that makes them so comforting.

FAQs

Can I use other types of nuts or seeds in these Granola Cookies?

Absolutely! The recipe is very flexible so feel free to swap almonds or walnuts for pecans, cashews, or even hazelnuts. Similarly, pumpkin and sunflower seeds can be replaced with flaxseeds or hemp seeds to your liking.

Are Granola Cookies gluten-free?

They can be, as long as you use certified gluten-free rolled oats. This is important since some oats may be processed in facilities with gluten. Double-checking ensures these cookies are safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan because it uses coconut oil and maple syrup for binding and sweetness. Just be sure the add-ins you choose—like chocolate chips—are vegan-friendly.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Using the muffin cup method helps maintain shape by containing the batter while baking. Pressing the mixture firmly into the cookie cutters or rings also helps form thicker cookies that spread less.

Can I add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg?

Definitely! Adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg enhances the flavor profile and complements the natural sweetness. Feel free to experiment with your favorite warm spices to customize your Granola Cookies.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about homemade Granola Cookies—they’re crunchy, sweet, and packed with wholesome ingredients that make you feel good with every bite. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or sneaking one for yourself, these cookies bring that perfect balance of health and happiness. So grab your mixing bowl and give this recipe a try; I have a feeling these Granola Cookies will become a cherished staple in your kitchen, just like they are in mine.

Granola Cookies Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 15 reviews

Author: Charlotte
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Yield: 12 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Granola Cookies are a delightful blend of nuts, seeds, and natural sweeteners, baked to a golden crisp. Perfect as a healthy snack or a breakfast treat, they combine the hearty textures of rolled oats, almonds, walnuts, pumpkin and sunflower seeds with the sweetness of raisins or dark chocolate chips. Made with wholesome ingredients like chia seeds, coconut oil, and maple syrup, they offer a nutritious and tasty way to satisfy your cookie cravings.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set it aside to prepare for baking.
Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, raisins (or alternative), chia seeds, and a pinch of salt. Add the coconut oil and maple syrup, then stir everything thoroughly until the mixture is evenly coated and sticks together.
Shape Cookies (Method 1): Use a cookie cutter or small cake ring to shape cookies. Place the ring on the baking tray, spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the granola mixture into the ring, and press down firmly with the back of a spoon to compact the mixture into a cookie shape.
Bake Cookies: Place the baking tray in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cookies are golden brown. Keep a close eye during baking as oven performance may vary and the cookies might spread a bit.
Alternative Shaping (Method 2): Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the granola mixture directly onto the baking tray, then cover each with aluminum muffin cups or similar kitchen tools to help maintain their shape during baking. Bake for 20-25 minutes, and during the last 5 minutes, remove the muffin cups to allow the cookies to finish baking until golden and crisp.
Cool and Serve: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking tray before enjoying.

Notes

You can customize the dried fruit in the recipe by using raisins, cranberries, or dark chocolate chips according to your preference.
Keep a close watch in the oven during baking time, as times can vary depending on your appliance.
For perfectly round cookies, use the muffin cup method to maintain cookie shape during baking.
Store cooled granola cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Feel free to substitute nuts and seeds depending on availability or dietary restrictions.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American