Gluten-Free Easy Holiday Oatmeal Granola Cookies
These festive oatmeal cookies combine the convenience of Betty Crocker cookie mix with crunchy granola and colorful holiday M&M candies. The addition of vanilla extract and Nature Valley granola creates extra texture and flavor that these simple drop cookies. Perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or when you need a quick homemade treat that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen. The red and green M&M candies make them especially festive for Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 pouch Betty Crocker Oatmeal Cookie Mix, 17.5 oz
- 1 egg
- ½ cup butter
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup Nature Valley granola, your favorite flavorrolled oats1:1texture
less crunch but still oaty
- ¾ cup mini holiday M&M's minis chocolate candies, or red and green cherry bits
Instructions
- 1
Heat oven to 375°F
- 2
Prepare cookie mix as directed on package, mixing in vanilla with the egg, butter and water
- 3
Stir in granola and M&M candies, being careful not to overmix to prevent color bleeding
- 4
Drop dough onto ungreased cookie sheet in rounded tablespoonfuls
- 5
Bake 9 to 10 minutes until edges are light golden brown
- 6
Cool 2 minutes on sheet, then transfer to cooling racks to cool completely
Tips
Don't overmix the dough once you add the M&M candies to prevent the colors from bleeding into the cookie dough
Use any flavor of Nature Valley granola you prefer - vanilla, honey oat, or cinnamon work especially well
Let cookies cool completely on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to prevent breaking
Good to Know
Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week
Dough can be prepared and refrigerated up to 2 days before baking
Serve at room temperature with milk or hot cocoa
Common Mistakes
Don't overmix after adding M&M candies to avoid color bleeding
Don't overbake or cookies will be hard - remove when edges are just golden
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
same holiday colors
FAQ
Can I use regular M&M candies instead of minis?
Yes, but mini M&Ms distribute better throughout the cookie and are less likely to sink during baking.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Store in an airtight container for up to one week at room temperature for best texture and flavor.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, drop spoonfuls of dough on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months.