Granola Chocolate Chip Cookies
If you’ve ever found yourself craving something sweet yet wholesome, these Granola Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect answer. Imagine the delightful crunch of granola mixed with rich chocolate chips, all wrapped up in a chewy cookie that’s just waiting to be devoured. These cookies are not only easy to make, but they also pack a hearty punch of flavor and texture that will keep you coming back for more. Perfect for lunch boxes, after-school snacks, or a cozy evening treat, these cookies are a delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth while incorporating wholesome ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Granola Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie. The combination of granola and oats adds a wonderful texture and nutty flavor that elevates this treat beyond the ordinary. Each bite offers a perfect balance of chewy and crunchy, while the chocolate chips melt beautifully into the dough, creating a blissful experience. Not only are these cookies delicious, but they are also versatile, making them a great addition to any occasion. Plus, they are sure to become a favorite among family and friends, making you the star of any gathering!
Shopping List
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups plain oat granola
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
- 1/2 cup dried cherries, coarsely chopped if large
What You’ll Need (Gear)
- Mixing bowls – For combining the dry and wet ingredients.
- Electric mixer – To cream the butter and sugars together smoothly.
- Baking sheets – For baking the cookies; use parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Cookie scoop – To ensure evenly sized cookies, making for consistent baking.
- Cooling rack – To cool your cookies after baking, preventing them from getting soggy.
Cooking Granola Chocolate Chip Cookies: The Process
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Sheets
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. This step helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents throughout the flour.
Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the unsalted butter, packed light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract for that delightful aroma and flavor.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Step 7: Fold in the Granola and Oats
Gently fold in the oat granola, old-fashioned oats, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and dried cherries. The mixture should be thick and chunky, with all the ingredients evenly distributed.
Step 8: Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop, drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are just set.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Enjoy your delicious Granola Chocolate Chip Cookies warm or at room temperature!
Spring to Winter: Ideas
- Add seasonal spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy fall flavor.
- Substitute dried cranberries or blueberries for dried cherries during the spring.
- Incorporate chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
- Experiment with different types of chocolate, like dark chocolate or white chocolate.
Avoid These Traps
- Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies; mix until just combined.
- Using cold butter can affect the texture; make sure your butter is at room temperature.
- Not allowing the cookies to cool on the baking sheet can result in sogginess.
- Skipping the parchment paper can lead to sticking; always use it for easy removal.
Save It for Later
If you want to save some cookies for later, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months. Simply thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds for a warm treat anytime!
Reader Q&A
Can I use gluten-free flour in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to check that your granola and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
What can I substitute for the eggs if I want to make these vegan?
You can replace each egg with a flax egg by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens before adding it to your mixture.
Can I make this dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just scoop the dough onto baking sheets and bake when you’re ready to enjoy fresh cookies.
How can I make these cookies less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet cookie, you can reduce the amount of granulated sugar and brown sugar by 1/4 cup each. Just keep in mind that this may affect the texture slightly.
In Closing
These Granola Chocolate Chip Cookies are more than just a treat; they are an experience that combines the comforting flavors of home-baked goodness with the wholesome crunch of granola. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to satisfy a personal craving, these cookies are sure to impress. With their delightful texture and rich flavor profile, they are destined to become a staple in your baking repertoire. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to indulge in the joy of homemade cookies!
Granola Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, packed light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the oat granola, old-fashioned oats, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and dried cherries until well combined.
- Drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Cool the cookies on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Freeze cookies on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.
- Thaw at room temperature or microwave for a warm treat.
