Vegan Peanut Butter Cookie Granola
This homemade granola transforms refrigerated peanut butter cookie dough into a crunchy, sweet breakfast or snack mix. The cookie dough base provides rich peanut butter flavor while oats, coconut, and mixed nuts add hearty texture. Finished with dried cranberries, chocolate candies, and peanut butter chips, it delivers the perfect balance of sweet and salty. Great for breakfast bowls, yogurt parfaits, or eating by the handful as an indulgent snack.
Ingredients
- 1 roll Pillsbury refrigerated peanut butter cookies (16.5 oz), at room temperaturehomemade peanut butter cookie dough1:1
Use same weight of homemade dough
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 ½ cups oats
- 1 cup flaked coconut
- 1 cup sliced almonds
- 1 cup mixed cashews and macadamia nuts
- ⅓ cup sweetened dried cranberries or dried cherries
- ½ cup candy coated chocolatesmini chocolate chips1:1
Use same amount of mini chips
- ½ cup peanut butter chips or Reese's Pieces
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 325°F and prepare two large rimmed baking sheets with oil or non-stick foil
- 2
Mix cookie dough and cinnamon in large bowl
- 3
Add oats, coconut and knead into dough until well blended
- 4
Add nuts and crumble mixture evenly on cookie sheets
- 5
Bake both sheets simultaneously for 17 to 22 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes and rotating sheets halfway through until light golden brown
- 6
Cool completely on cookie sheets for about 30 minutes
- 7
Break granola into smaller pieces if needed and toss with dried fruit and candy
Tips
Let cookie dough come to room temperature for easier mixing and kneading with the oats and nuts.
Stir granola every 5 minutes during baking to ensure even browning and prevent burning on the edges.
Cool completely before adding dried fruit and candy to prevent melting of chocolate pieces.
Good to Know
Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week
Can be made up to 3 days ahead; add dried fruit and candy just before serving
Serve over yogurt, with milk as cereal, or eat as snack mix
Common Mistakes
Don't add dried fruit and candy while granola is warm to prevent chocolate melting
Stir frequently during baking to prevent burning and ensure even browning
Substitutions
Use same weight of homemade dough
FAQ
Can I use different nuts in this granola?
Yes, substitute any combination of nuts you prefer like pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts using the same total amount.
How long does this granola keep fresh?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week for best crunchiness and flavor.
Can I make this without the candy pieces?
Absolutely, omit the chocolate candies and peanut butter chips for a less sweet version, or substitute with extra dried fruit.