Healthier homemade cookies and cream granola—an elevated, better-for-you take on that nostalgic flavor. This granola captures rich cocoa, a creamy sweetness, and satisfying crunch, all made from wholesome ingredients that actually fuel you. It also bakes up into big, crunchy clusters for maximum texture.
My husband and I snack on granola all the time, but store-bought versions can be pricey and often contain excess sugar and fillers. After experimenting with several batches, this cookies and cream granola quickly became our favorite. It balances indulgent flavor with nutritious components so you get a treat that also supports steady energy.
The base is hearty old-fashioned rolled oats combined with healthy fats and protein from hemp seeds, chia seeds, and slivered almonds. Maple syrup and coconut sugar provide natural sweetness, while quality cocoa powder gives the granola its classic cookie taste. White chocolate chips folded in at the end recreate the creamy center of a sandwich cookie, so each bite has that familiar cookies-and-cream vibe.
What I appreciate most about this recipe is that it tastes like dessert but is built on fiber-rich, nutrient-dense ingredients that help you feel full and energized. Use it as a crunchy topping for yogurt, a midday snack, or a cozy after-dinner treat with milk. If you choose certified gluten-free oats, the granola is entirely gluten-free.
Ingredients
- Olive oil (or coconut oil, melted)
- Maple syrup
- Coconut sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Cocoa powder (good quality)
- Old-fashioned rolled oats
- Unsweetened shredded coconut
- Hemp seeds
- Slivered almonds
- Chia seeds
- Sea salt
- White chocolate chips
Make a batch and keep it on hand for whenever the cookie craving hits—you’ll be glad you did. It stores well in an airtight container and makes a quick, satisfying snack or breakfast option. Enjoy!
Healthy Cookies and Cream Granola
Author: Mia Swinehart
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Category: Desserts, Snacks
Description
A healthier cookies and cream granola that still tastes like a treat. Rich cocoa, a touch of sweetness, and crunchy clusters make it perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert-style snacking.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/3 cup olive oil (or sub coconut oil, melted)
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup high-quality cocoa powder
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/3 cup hemp seeds
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds
- 3 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, maple syrup, coconut sugar, and vanilla until smooth and combined.
- Add the cocoa powder, oats, shredded coconut, hemp seeds, slivered almonds, chia seeds, and sea salt. Stir until the dry ingredients are evenly coated and the mixture comes together.
- Spread the granola mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet, pressing gently to form clusters. Bake for about 30 minutes, checking halfway to ensure even toasting.
- Remove from the oven and let the granola cool for 30 minutes. While cooling, sprinkle the white chocolate chips over the warm granola so they soften slightly. Let cool another 15–30 minutes until completely set, then break into clusters and store in an airtight container.