Granola Chocolate Chip Cookies
These Granola Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic favorite, combining the chewy goodness of granola with the rich, melty allure of chocolate chips. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also pack a nutritional punch with wholesome ingredients. Whether enjoyed as an afternoon snack or a late-night treat, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.
What Makes This Recipe Special
What truly sets these Granola Chocolate Chip Cookies apart is the unique blend of textures and flavors. The addition of granola gives a satisfying crunch and enhances the cookie with wholesome oats and nuts, while the semi-sweet chocolate chips bring a rich, sweet contrast. Dried cherries add a hint of tartness, making each bite a delightful surprise. This recipe is not just about satisfying cravings; it’s about creating a balanced treat that feels indulgent yet has a touch of healthiness.
What’s in the Bowl
To create these scrumptious cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 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
Tools of the Trade
Before you start baking, gather these essential tools:
- Mixing Bowls: A set of various sizes for mixing wet and dry ingredients.
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: For effortless creaming of butter and sugars.
- Baking Sheets: Use light-colored, non-stick sheets for even baking.
- Parchment Paper: To prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Spoon or Cookie Scoop: For portioning the dough uniformly.
- Cooling Rack: To cool cookies properly after baking.
Granola Chocolate Chip Cookies Made Stepwise
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that golden-brown color we all love.
Step 2: Prepare Baking Sheets
Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This will help prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup effortless.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Set this mixture aside for now.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use your stand mixer or hand mixer to cream together the room-temperature butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
Step 6: Combine Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want to keep our cookies tender.
Step 7: Fold in the Goodies
Gently fold in the granola, old-fashioned oats, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and dried cherries using a spatula. Make sure everything is evenly distributed.
Step 8: Scoop the Dough
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Step 9: Bake
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set. They will firm up as they cool.
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, 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 Granola Chocolate Chip Cookies warm or at room temperature!
Fresh Seasonal Changes
One of the best features of these Granola Chocolate Chip Cookies is their versatility. Here are some ideas to adapt the recipe to the seasons:
- Spring: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
- Summer: Incorporate dried cranberries or apricots to keep things fruity.
- Fall: Swap in pumpkin spice granola or add a dash of cinnamon to the dough.
- Winter: Use dark chocolate chips or chunks for a richer flavor.
Behind-the-Scenes Notes
When making Granola Chocolate Chip Cookies, it’s essential to use room-temperature butter. This allows for proper creaming with the sugars, ensuring your cookies are light and fluffy. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different types of granola; some may have added flavors or ingredients that can enhance your cookies even further.
- For a more indulgent treat, try using a mix of chocolate chips, such as dark and white chocolate.
- Ensure that your eggs are at room temperature as well; it helps with the mixing process and results in a better texture.
- If you prefer a chewier cookie, slightly underbake them and allow them to cool on the baking sheet.
Make-Ahead & Storage
These Granola Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for making ahead of time. You can store the dough in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just scoop the dough onto baking sheets and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to bake, you can bake them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For longer freshness, you can freeze the baked cookies, layered between parchment paper, in an airtight container.
Quick Q&A
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the cookies may be denser. You might want to use a mix of both for a lighter texture.
What can I use instead of dried cherries?
If you don’t have dried cherries on hand, feel free to substitute with dried cranberries, raisins, or even chocolate-covered dried fruit for a fun twist!
How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Granola Chocolate Chip Cookies, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Make sure your granola is also gluten-free.
Can I add nuts to the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a lovely crunch. Just be sure to adjust the granola quantity slightly to maintain the right texture.
See You at the Table
Baking is not just about ingredients; it’s about bringing people together. These Granola Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you pack them for a picnic, serve them at a gathering, or simply enjoy them with a glass of milk at home, they are bound to make everyone smile. So gather your loved ones, and let’s dig into a batch of these delightful cookies!
Granola Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.
- Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Step 5: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Step 6: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Step 7: Gently fold in the granola, old-fashioned oats, chocolate chips, and dried cherries.
- Step 8: Drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart.
- Step 9: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Step 10: Let cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Notes
- Use room-temperature butter for better creaming.
- Experiment with different types of granola for varied flavors.
- For chewier cookies, slightly underbake them.
