Granola Cookies {Chewy and Healthy} – WellPlated.com (2024)

The wise woman who said “a balanced diet is a cookie in each hand” might not have specifically had these Granola Cookies in mind, but I can’t think of a cookie recipe more fitting of the phrase!

These healthy granola cookies are nutritiously crafted with 100% whole grains (a combo of whole wheat flour and oatmeal granola) and include plenty of peanut butter for added protein and that hubba hubba flavor.

If you are a fan of these Healthy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies, I know you’ll love these peanut butter granola cookies too.

Both wholesome and sweet, if you are looking for a more nutritious cookie to add to your diet, these beauties strike a true balance.

These cookies earn the “granola” in their name in two different, delicious ways.

• First, they incorporate granola into the batter. The granola creates surprise bits of texture and makes the cookies all the more addictive. If you’ve ever opened a bag of granola and not been able to stop snacking, you know the feeling! For recipes, check out my Healthy Granola and Ridiculously Addictive Maple Quinoa Granola in my cookbook. Or, use your favorite store-bought granola.
• Second, they play on the granola concept by including other classic granola mix-ins like dried fruit, nuts, and chocolate chips.

Know that these healthy granola cookies are thick, soft, and chewy, and that the use of granola itself does not make them crunchy.

Rather, the granola creates dimension and makes every bite a sweet surprise. (If you prefer crunchy granola cookies, baking these longer will only dry them out, not create more crunch; I’d suggest trying these Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies instead).

Along with bringing a little texture to these oatmeal granola cookies (the oatmeal is the granola itself), the Honey Oat Granola also is a delectable stand-alone product for your pantry.

In addition to using it to bake cookies, try granola stirred up with fruit and yogurt, on top of cooked breakfast oatmeal for texture (it’s dreamy on top of these Overnight Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oats), and scatter it over a scoop of ice cream for dessert.

These peanut butter granola cookies further embody the spirit of granola because you can add any number of mix-ins to the recipe, such as chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts.

Here, dried cranberries and pecans are a perfect combination. Just like these hit Healthy Oatmeal Cookies, you can mix in whatever dried fruit or nuts you have in your pantry.

How To Make Granola Cookies

These versatile cookies are quick to whip up and can be customized to any of your favorite mix-ins.

The Ingredients

• Peanut Butter. Incredibly scrumptious, creamy goodness that flavors every bite of these cookies. I recommend using a shelf-stable creamy peanut butter for this recipe, as the natural kinds that need to be stirred can separate in baking.
• Brown Sugar. For just the right amount of sweetness and to help the cookies be ultra moist and chewy.
• Milk. I used nonfat milk, but any milk you have on hand will work here.
• Vanilla + Cinnamon. While they don’t overpower the cookies, these two cozy ingredients enhance the other flavors in an all-important way.
• White Whole Wheat Flour. Whole wheat flour is my sneaky way to make these cookies extra wholesome. Whole wheat is good because it gives an extra boost of fiber and vitamins (read more benefits here), and it adds just a touch of nutty flavor.
• Bob’s Red Mill Granola. As we discussed above, I love using Bob’s Red Mill Honey Oat Granola for this recipe, but their Classic Granola would also be delicious here.
• Mix-ins. A spectacular combination of chocolate chips, dried fruit, and chopped nuts. These mix-ins round out the granola vibe and make the cookies impossible to resist.

The Directions

1. Beat the butter, peanut butter, and sugar together until combined.
   
2. Beat in the egg, milk, and vanilla.
   
3. Add the cinnamon and salt.
   
4. Add the flour, mixing until the dough comes together.
   
5. Stir in the granola, chocolate chips, cranberries, and nuts.
   
6. Drop cookies onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, flattening the tops slightly.
7. Bake at 350 degrees F for 10 to 13 minutes. Let cool, then DIG IN!

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

• To Store. Leftover cookies can be stored in an airtight storage container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• To Freeze Baked Cookies. Freeze cookies in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Thaw and enjoy as desired.
• To Freeze Cookie Dough. Scoop the unbaked cookies onto a parchment-lined baking sheet as directed, and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen cookies to an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Remove and bake from frozen as directed, adding a few minutes to the baking time if needed.

More Favorite Healthy Cookie Recipes

• No Bake. If you like the sound of granola cookies no bake style, these Energy Balls are a tried and true recipe with a similar flavor. Be sure to check out my Healthy No Bake Cookies too.
• Grain Free. In need of a grain-free cookie recipe? Check out my crowd-pleasing Almond Flour Cookies or Coconut Flour Cookies.
• Fun Flavors. You’ll love the unique flavors of these Pumpkin Snickerdoodles, Carrot Cookies, and Apple Oatmeal Cookies.
• And all these delicious cookie recipes!

Because of this variability of possible nutritious mix-ins, these simple granola cookies are ideal to serve to kids, either as a dessert or as an extra-special snack.

I can also attest that adults love them! I recently brought these cranberry granola cookies to an outdoor gathering, and several of my neighbors asked for the recipe on the spot. Don’t be surprised when you receive requests too.

WELL PLATED COOKBOOK NEWS & UPDATES

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