Healthy Homemade Granola Mint Chip Recipe

I made this granola the other day and it totally blew my mind with its crunch and sweet touches, and im excited to share how you can whip up this tasty snack at home.

Ingredients:
• 3 cups old fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup raw almonds chopped
• 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
• 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
• 1/4 cup chia seeds
• 1/3 cup melted coconut oil
• 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (70% cocoa)

Instructions:
First, preheat your oven to 300°F and line a baking sheet with parchment so nothing sticks. In a big bowl, mix up the oats, almonds, pumpkin seeds, coconut flakes and chia seeds real good. Then in a small saucepan, melt the coconut oil over low heat and add in the honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, peppermint extract and sea salt. Once it starts looks all smooth, pour that warm mix over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is coated evenly. Now spread the mixture out evenly on your baking sheet so theres only one layer. Bake for about 20-25 minutes and make sure to stir it every 8 minutes or so to let it bake evenly and not burn. When it gets a nice golden color remove the tray and let the granola cool completely on the sheet. While its still a bit warm, fold in the dark chocolate chips and let them soften just a little. If you feel like its not sweet enough you can drizzle some more honey over it once it’s cooled down. Finally, store your granola in an airtight container and enjoy it with milk, yogurt or just by itself as a healthy snack.

I love how my healthy homemade granola mint chip recipe mixes hearty rolled oats with raw almonds and pumpkin seeds. I think the unsweetened coconut flakes, chia seeds, melted coconut oil, honey and peppermint extract give it a nutritious boost while dark chocolate chips adds really delightful taste and texture.

Ingredients

• Old fashioned rolled oats are rich in fiber and carbs, offering lasting energy and crunch.
• Raw almonds deliver protein, healthy fats, and a satisfying crunch that keeps you energized.
• Pumpkin seeds are loaded with healthy fats, magnesium, and fiber for overall wellness.
• Unsweetened coconut flakes add a tropical flavor while providing healthy fats and texture.
• Honey or maple syrup naturally sweetens the granola without refined sugars, enhancing flavor.
• Peppermint extract gives a cool minty twist that brightens flavors and surprises your taste buds.
• Dark chocolate chips add antioxidants and a rich, bittersweet note that perfectly complements mint.

Ingredient Quantities

• 3 cups old fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup raw almonds chopped
• 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
• 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
• 1/4 cup chia seeds
• 1/3 cup melted coconut oil
• 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (70% cocoa)

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper so it doesn’t stick.

2. In a big bowl, mix together the rolled oats, chopped raw almonds, pumpkin seeds, and unsweetened coconut flakes and chia seeds.

3. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the coconut oil then stir in the honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract and peppermint extract along with the sea salt.

4. Pour the warm liquid over the dry ingredients and stir well until everything is evenly coated.

5. Spread the mix out evenly on the prepared baking sheet in one layer.

6. Bake it in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, stirring every 8 minutes to let it bake evenly without burning.

7. Once you see a nice golden color, remove the tray from the oven and let the granola cool completely on the sheet.

8. When the granola is cool, fold in the dark chocolate chips so they melt just a little from the leftover heat.

9. Give it a taste and if you want it sweeter, feel free to drizzle a bit more honey over it while it’s still cool.

10. Store your granola in an airtight container and enjoy it with milk, yogurt or right out of hand as a healthy snack.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven (preheated at 300°F)
2. Baking sheet with parchment paper
3. Large bowl for mixing dry ingredients
4. Small saucepan for melting coconut oil and stirring in the liquids
5. Measuring cups and measuring spoons
6. Spatula or spoon for stirring and mixing
7. Cooling rack or clean surface for letting the granola cool completely
8. Airtight container for storing your finished granola

FAQ

• Q: Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?
  A: Yeah, you can use either honey or maple syrup. Both do a good job holding the granola together and add nice flavor.
• Q: How long should I bake this granola?
  A: It usually takes about 25 to 30 minutes in a 325°F oven. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t get too dark.
• Q: How do I store the granola?
  A: Store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will keep for around 2 weeks but if you need it to last longer, place it in the fridge.
• Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
  A: It naturally is if you use gluten-free rolled oats. Check your ingredient labels to be extra sure.
• Q: Can I add extra ingredients like dried fruit?
  A: Sure thing! If you want to add dried fruit or switch up the nuts, do it after baking. This helps keep their texture nice and chewy.

Healthy Homemade Granola Mint Chip Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you don’t have raw almonds, you can use walnuts or pecans instead. They add a great nutty flavor.
• If pumpkin seeds aren’t available, sunflower seeds work well in their place.
• If you want to switch up the sweetener, try using agave nectar or brown rice syrup instead of honey or maple syrup.
• If you can’t find unsweetened coconut flakes, toasted coconut chips are a good alternative.
• If you don’t have peppermint extract, a smaller dash of mint extract can be used, but use a little less since it’s stronger.

Pro Tips

1. One thing that can really upgrade your granola is to pre-toast your almonds and pumpkin seeds in a dry pan for like 2 minutes before adding them in. It brings out their flavor a lot more and makes them crunchier when mixed with the oats.

2. Be sure to stir your mixture every 8 minutes while it’s baking. This little extra attention stops any parts from burning and makes sure everything toasts evenly so you get that perfect golden color all over instead of some parts being too dark.

3. When you fold in the dark chocolate chips after the granola has cooled a bit, you get just the right amount of melt without fully turning them into a gooey mess. This gives you a cool mix of textures in every bite.

4. If you like a sweeter granola, try drizzling a little extra honey (or maple syrup if you prefer) over it as soon as it comes out of the oven. The sticky coating helps lock in the flavors and adds a nice extra bit of sweetness without overwhelming the other ingredients.