• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to footer navigation
  • Skip to privacy navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Fit Mitten Kitchen

balanced baking and real food recipes

Subscribe to receive my FREE Healthy Nut Butter eBook!
Free eBook!
  • Recipes
    • Course
      • Breakfast
        • Egg Dishes
        • Oatmeal & Granola
        • Pancakes & Waffles
        • Scones
        • Smoothies
      • Desserts
        • Bars & Brownies
        • Cakes & Cupcakes
        • Candy
        • Cookies
        • Ice Cream & Frozen Desserts
        • PIes, Tarts & Crisps
        • Cinnamon Rolls
      • Healthy Drinks
      • Lunch & Dinner
        • Appetizers
        • Bowls
        • Salads
        • Sandwiches & Wraps
        • Sides
        • Soups & Chili
      • Snacks
        • Bars & Balls
        • Muffins & Breads
        • Nut & Seed Butters
    • Dietary
      • Dairy Free
      • Gluten-Free
      • No Added Sugar
      • Nut-Free
      • Oil-Free
      • Paleo
      • Vegan
      • Vegetarian
      • Whole30
    • Method
      • Food Processor & Blender
      • Freezer
      • Grill
      • Instant Pot
      • No-Bake
      • Oven
      • Slow Cooker
      • Stovetop
    • Protein
      • Chicken
      • Plant Based
      • Pork
      • Seafood
      • Turkey
    • Recipe Videos
  • About
    • Meet Ashley
    • Work with Me
      • Partnerships
    • Contact
  • Lifestyle
    • Real Talk
    • Travel
    • Workouts
  • Shop
Home Recipes Course Breakfast Oatmeal & Granola Chocolate Chip Granola
GF Gluten-Free DF Dairy Free V Vegan

Chocolate Chip Granola

Jump to Recipe Rate Recipe
Posted:4/24/23
Updated:4/24/23

A simple sea salt and chocolate chip granola recipe that tastes reminiscent of your favorite oatmeal chocolate chip cookies! With chocolate chips and bits of sea salt in every bite, plus big granola clusters. This vegan and gluten free friendly granola will instantly become your new favorite.

chocolate chip granola in turquoise bowl with spoon

HOMEMADE GRANOLA.

It’s one of those recipes that is relatively simple yet more often than not I find myself grabbing one of my favorite brands when walking down the grocery aisle.

Sometimes that granola is over $6.00 for a small bag and every time I fall victim to store-bought granola I think:

 “Ashley, just make your own. You have tons of granola recipes on your site…” 

But laziness gets the best of me and well, you get it.

HOWEVER, all that being said… I think we can all agree it’s time to make your own granola at home. Not only does it save you money, but you get a large batch and it lasts for weeks. And you get to choose the ingredients!

sea salt chocolate chip granola in mason jar with granola and milk glass in background

What’s in Homemade Granola?

  • old-fashioned rolled oats AND quick oats – why both? Well, the quick oats help bind the ingredients together and create the clusters. If you don’t care about clusters, you can use all old-fashioned oats.
  • salted roasted sunflower seeds – trust me, you want the salted ones. It adds better flavor!
  • slivered almonds – you can sub with pepitas (shelled pumpkin seeds)  if you’d like this recipe to be nut-free.
  • cashew butter or sunflower seed butter– I pretty much always add a nut or seed butter to my granola recipes. I like the additional flavor. Almond butter works great too!
  • oil – light olive oil, avocado, melted/cooled coconut oil all work here. I would suggest a neutral flavor oil (especially if you don’t care for coconut).
  • maple syrup – we’re using pure maple syrup here as a part of the wet ingredients and the sweetener. I do not recommend getting rid of the maple syrup as it affects the rest of the wet to dry ratios. If you opt to use honey, the texture of the granola might change slightly.
  • molasses – just a hint to give the taste a more “cookie” feel.
  • vanilla – Can’t make cookies without vanilla so we’re adding it to this granola recipe too. 
  • chia seeds – I like to add chia seeds because not only is another healthy fat but it acts as another binder to keep the oats together and create chunks.
  • mini chocolate chips – can’t have chocolate chip granola without chocolate chips. Add these at the end as the granola is cooling – this will result in some melty bits and create more chunks! Personally, I love dark chocolate chips here.
  • flaked sea salt – add the sea salt flakes at the end while the granola is cooling for the perfect salty-sweet finisher.

Looking for homemade nut butters to use in this recipe? Check out some recipes, here!

bowl of chocolate chip granola ingredients; almonds, oats, seed and chia seeds showing in glass bowl

How to Make Homemade Granola

Here’s a step-by-step overview of how to make your very own granola at home. For the ingredient amounts and directions, keep scrolling to the recipe card below.

1. mix the wet ingredients together

First mix together the chia seeds with water and allow the mixture to gel up – about five minutes.

In a separate medium bowl, mix together nut /seed butter with oil, maple syrup, molasses and vanilla.

TIP: If your nut or seed butter is on the thicker side, try warming it up before mixing with the maple syrup, oil and vanilla extract. You can also mix this all on the stovetop. 

2. mix the dry ingredients

In a large bowl combine the oats, nuts and seeds together.

3. Combine

Now it’s time to mix everything together by combining the nut butter mixture with the chia seeds and oat mixture. You can use your hands at the end to make sure everything gets fully coated and combined.

unbaked chocolate chip granola recipe mixture spread out on parchment paper lined sheet pan
sheet pan of baked chocolate chip granola

4. Spread onto baking sheet

Then press onto a lined baking sheet (parchment paper or silicone baking mat), almost into an even layer, but leaving some clumps, too.

5. Bake!

Now it’s time to bake the granola for about 30 minutes total, flipping the granola halfway through baking time.

TIP: The BEST WAY to get chunky granola clusters is to not over-stir the granola as it bakes. Flipping the granola with a flat spatula (versus stirring) will keep some of the clusters. Moving the granola halfway through baking time also prevents it from burning.

6. Cool & add chocolate chips

Once the granola is a nice golden color, remove from the oven but don’t stir the granola again just yet. Let the granola cool for about 15 minutes before sprinkling with chocolate chips. Let the pan rest another 15 minutes, then gently stir and kind of cluster together. The slightly melty chocolate chips will add to the clusters as well. 

Oh, and sea salt! Yes, you need this sea salt. 

sea salt chocolate chip granola in mason jar with spoon in jar and milk glass in background

Ways to Enjoy Granola

Granola is a versatile healthy snack you can enjoy in a variety of ways. Here are some ways I like to enjoy it:

  • With Skyr or Greek yogurt, piled up high so you get granola crunch in every bite.
  • Take a handful of clusters as a snack.
  • Make a smoothie bowl using this recipe and enjoy as a topping.
  • Add into trail mix for a filling snack.
  • On top of Sweet Potato Protein Bowls.

Storing

Granola will last for a couple of weeks, as long as it’s stored in an airtight container. It can also be kept on the countertop at room temperature – no refrigeration needed for this recipe.

sea salt chocolate chip granola in teal bowl with spoon

More Healthy Granola Recipes

  • Pumpkin Spice Granola
  • Cashew Butter Banana Granola 
  • Peanut Butter Granola
  • Chocolate Granola

This sea salt chocolate chip granola is sure to be your new favorite. Whether you’re making a big batch for yourself, the kids, or as a gift, homemade granola is the best!

Let me know if you make this chocolate chip granola recipe by leaving a comment and star rating below! It helps others learn more about the recipe, too. Xx Ashley

Print

Chocolate Chip Granola

chocolate chip granola in jar
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 5 reviews

This chocolate chip granola is a simple homemade granola recipe that will remind you of your favorite chocolate chip cookie! Perfect as a snack, with yogurt, milk – however you like! Easily adaptable to be nut-free, also vegan and gluten-free friendly.

  • Author: Ashley
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: about 4 cups 1x
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Oven
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 3 tablespoons chia seeds
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 2/3 cup quick oats (see notes)
  • 1/2 cup roasted salted sunflower seeds
  • 1 cup sliced almonds (see notes)
  • 1/3 cup creamy cashew butter (or sunbutter to keep nut free)
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon molasses
  • 1/3 cup oil (melted & cooled coconut, avocado, or light olive)
  • 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup mini dark chocolate chips
  • flaked sea salt, for sprinkling once cooled

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325ºF and line large baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat. Set aside.
  2. Make chia seed gel: In a small bowl combine chia seeds with water; set aside for about 3-4 minutes until mixture gels together.
  3. Combine dry ingredients: In large bowl combine rolled oats, quick oats, almonds, sunflower seeds.
  4. Combine wet ingredients: In medium bowl combine nut or seed butter with oil, maple syrup, molasses and vanilla. Note: if nut or seed butter is very thick, try warming up first. 
  5. Combine together: Now stir in chia seed mixture and add dry ingredients. Use large wooden spoon or sturdy silicone spatula to combine, using hands at end as necessary to get the mixture fully coated.
  6. Bake: Spread onto lined baking sheet, spreading out almost flat but keeping some chunks. Bake granola for 15 minutes, then flip the granola using flat spatula (to prevent from browning too much) and bake for another 15-18 minutes, until lightly golden.
  7. Cool: Remove granola from oven and allow to cool for about 15 minutes on baking sheet. Next sprinkle mini chocolate chips over granola and gently cluster granola together – this will melt some of the chocolate chips. Finish with flaked sea salt and allow granola to cool completely – about one hour.
  8. Store: Transfer granola to airtight container. Granola will keep at room temperature about 2 weeks. 

Notes

Using quick oats help create better clusters and bind the ingredients together. If you only have rolled oats, pulse about 3/4 cup or rolled oats a few times in a food processor (i.e. NutriBullet) until broken down – but don’t pulse too long or you’ll end up with flour.

To make nut-free: omit almonds and use 2/3 cup of sunflower seeds with 2/3 cup pepitas. Use sunflower seed butter instead of cashew. 

Nutrition approximate and based on 1/3 cup servings.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/3 cup
  • Calories: 370
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Fat: 23g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 33g
  • Fiber: 7g
  • Protein: 9g

Keywords: homemade granola recipe, healthy granola, chocolate chip cookie granola

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @fitmittenkitchen on Instagram and hashtag it #fitmittenkitchen

About Ashley

"Ashley Walterhouse is the founder of Fit Mitten Kitchen, based in the Greater Lansing Area of Michigan, AKA “the Mitten.” Ashley grew up as a picky eater but later discovered that eating healthy was actually easy and fun. She started FMK in 2015 as a way to share her newfound love of developing healthier recipes for all to enjoy."

strawberry scones recipe on black wire rack
Previous Post
Strawberry Scones
Mexican Street Corn off the cob as healthy dip in bowl with lime and cast iron pan behind
Next Post
Healthy Mexican Street Corn Dip

Reader Interactions

Rate this Recipe Cancel reply

Recipe rating ★ 5 Stars ☆ ★ 4 Stars ☆ ★ 3 Stars ☆ ★ 2 Stars ☆ ★ 1 Star ☆

  1. Cheri says

    3/21/2020 at 5:29 pm

    Love this granola. Nice change from my regular recipe. Also made your cashew butter! Amazing. Thank you.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      3/24/2020 at 9:56 am

      Yay! So glad you’re liking them 😀 Thank you for taking the time to comment and leave a review!

      Reply
  2. Erin says

    4/2/2020 at 6:29 pm

    SO GOOD. It’s like eating a choc chip cookie. I used almond butter and it worked great.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  3. Erin says

    4/7/2020 at 5:12 pm

    Made this over weekend and I have been eating it on top of my smoothie bowls every day! So so good!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      4/8/2020 at 12:47 pm

      Awesome!! Thanks for taking the time to comment and leave a review 😀

      Reply
  4. Kristen Liburdi says

    4/8/2020 at 10:39 pm

    This granola is absolutely delicious! I loved it!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  5. Jody says

    5/15/2020 at 9:24 am

    Do you have the macro breakdown for this granola?

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      5/15/2020 at 9:50 am

      Just added approximate nutrition info for you.

      Reply
  6. Jamie says

    5/28/2021 at 10:21 pm

    I’m 22 weeks pregnant and this recipe satisfies all the cravings!! It’s my first time making homemade granola and I don’t think I’ll even be able to try another recipe. Thank you so much for all that you do, it’s so appreciated!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      6/1/2021 at 10:04 am

      Congratulations! Thank you so much for your kind comment and review 😀

      Reply
  7. Jasna says

    11/14/2021 at 8:54 am

    Hi, i just read the recipe and as I’ve never made a granola and as we do not have molasses where I live, just wanted to check if this can be substituted by honey or something else?
    Thank you!
    Looking forward to making this

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      11/14/2021 at 12:05 pm

      Hi there! No worries on the molasses, you can omit and it won’t change the recipe. You could replace with honey if you’d like though 🙂

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

More...

40 Amazing Strawberry Recipes!

up close of roasted chickpeas with sauce in bowl

Chickpea Shawarma Bowls

35+ Healthy Smoothie Recipes

thai quinoa salad with cashews in bowl

Crunchy Cashew Quinoa Salad

mango blueberry crisp in small serving bowl with ice cream scoop

Coconut Mango Blueberry Crisp

21 Healthy Plant-Based Meals for Everyone

Smoothie in glass topped with blueberries and a metal straw

Blueberry Banana Smoothie

50 Delicious and Healthy Power Bowl Recipes

Free recipe ebook!

Subscribe and get a FREE healthy nut butter ebook!

Thank you for subscribing!
Trending Now
walnut taco meat in bowl with taco toppings Plant Based Meals
angled view of cherry sitting in cherry smoothie glass Smoothies
close up of energy balls; cranberry orange and almond mocha Easy Snacks
As Featured On
  • Browse by Diet
  • Gluten-Free
  • Dairy Free
  • Vegan
  • Paleo
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
Exclusive Member of Mediavine· © 2023 · All Rights Reserved · Site Credits Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled Back to Top

Subscribe & receive a free nut butter ebook!

Thank you for subscribing!