Chocolate Chip Cookie Granola (with Cookie Dough version)

It is National Chocolate Chip Cookie week! The girls and I decided we are going to create one new granola recipe every month, and we decided to make Chocolate Chip Cookie Granola! Not only that but there are options to make it Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Granola. We made a few batches and the girls prefer the more traditional version, I also liked a version baked at a higher temp, shorter time, that was pressed into the pan and broken into pieces which I will post below as well but it needs to be watched carefully as it will brown around the edges, unless you liked a little burnt cookie taste. We added 2 versions for Cookie Dough. No matter how you make this it is sure to be a family favorite!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Granola (with Cookie Dough version)

Makes about 5-6 cups

3 c oats, gluten free

1/3 c raw cashew butter

1/4 c raw agave, or honey (honey for non-vegan)

2 TBSP coconut oil

1 TBSP coconut palm sugar (Navitas Naturals)

1 tsp vanilla

pinch of sea salt

1/3-1/2 c sweet cacao nibs, chocolate chips, or chopped dark chocolate of choice (used dark vegan chocolate chips)

Traditional Granola
Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Line large baking sheet with parchment paper. In large mixing bowl mix together melted coconut oil, agave/honey, coconut palm sugar, cashew butter, vanilla, and salt. Add oats and mix together with rubber spatula until evenly coated. Spread on prepared baking sheet. Bake 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool before adding cacao nibs and or chocolate.  Store in airtight container, and enjoy within 5-7 days. Enjoy!

To make it thicker and to break into big pieces preheat oven to 400 degrees and press mixture into a 9×9 lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15- 20 minutes watching at the end as it will start to brown and you want it golden but not burnt.

For Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Granola there are two options. You can add pieces of cashew butter. If you use the fresh ground cashew butter it is thick and you can just drop pieces into your granola right before eating. OR you can make my Raw Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cookies and break into pieces and add to the granola. I would recommend adding right before serving not mixing it in and keeping it in a jar.