Cranberry Coconut Granola: Crunchy, Sweet & Cozy

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A Comforting Breakfast for Cold Mornings

There’s nothing better than starting the day with a crunchy, flavorful breakfast that fills the house with warmth. This cranberry coconut granola brings that perfect winter feeling to your breakfast table. The tropical sweetness of coconut pairs beautifully with the tart flavor of cranberries — a delicious combination for chilly mornings.

As it bakes, your home fills with the gentle caramel scent of honey and coconut — it almost smells like cookies fresh from the oven. You can make a big batch all at once, so you’ll have a quick, wholesome breakfast ready for busy mornings.

👉 Tip: Take a look at my basic granola recipe — it’s a great starting point for experimenting with your favorite flavors.


More About the Ingredients

Oats form the heart of every granola. They’re packed with fiber, which provides slow, steady energy and keeps you full for hours — perfect for starting your day right!

Dried cranberries bring balance with their tart, fruity flavor. They add a lovely pop of color and are rich in antioxidants. Prefer a less sweet granola? Choose unsweetened cranberries.

Coconut adds a subtle sweetness and tropical aroma that surprisingly fits right in with wintry flavors — especially when combined with the tartness of cranberries.

Pumpkin and sunflower seeds add a satisfying crunch and healthy fats. They make the granola extra nutritious and give a mild, nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with honey and coconut. You can easily swap in other seeds if you like.

Honey is the natural binder in this recipe. It caramelizes slightly in the oven, creating that irresistible aroma and a beautiful golden color.

Canola oil (or another neutral oil like sunflower oil) helps the granola bake evenly and turn crisp without overpowering the flavor.


Ingredients for Winter Granola (makes about 1½ pounds / 700 g)

  • 4 cups (400 g) rolled oats
  • ¾ cup (100 g) dried cranberries
  • ½ cup (50 g) shredded coconut or coconut flakes
  • ½ cup (60 g) pumpkin seeds
  • ½ cup (60 g) sunflower seeds
  • ⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon (130 g) honey
  • ⅓ cup (80 g) canola oil (or another mild vegetable oil)
  • A pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine oats, coconut, seeds, and cranberries. Add a pinch of salt — it might sound odd, but it really enhances the flavor.
  3. Prepare the honey mixture: Stir the honey and oil together until smooth and well blended.
  4. Combine everything: Pour the honey mixture over the oat mixture and stir until every oat is lightly coated.
  5. Bake the granola: Spread the mixture evenly on the baking sheets and press it down gently with a spatula. Bake for 15–20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown.
  6. Cool completely: When you take it out of the oven, you’ll hear the granola crackle softly. It doesn’t get perfectly crisp until it’s completely cool — then it’s wonderfully crunchy.

Serving & Variation Ideas

  • With yogurt or kefir: The tart cranberries pair perfectly with creamy yogurt. Want to try making your own? Check out my post on how to make homemade yogurt — it’s easier than you think!
  • As a topping for applesauce or stewed pears: Sprinkle a handful of granola over warm applesauce or poached pears for a delightful crunch. The combination of sweet fruit and toasted oats is simply irresistible.
  • Festive dessert idea: Use this granola as a crunchy topping for a creamy trifle with mascarpone. (I’ll be sharing that recipe soon!)
  • Extra flavor and aroma: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to the mix for an even cozier winter touch.
  • Prefer a lighter flavor? Substitute honey with maple syrup for a subtle caramel note and a slightly looser texture.
  • No seeds? No problem: Skip the pumpkin and sunflower seeds and add an extra 1 cup (100 g) of oats instead for a softer, milder granola.

Storage & Shelf Life

This granola stays crispy for at least 4 weeks when stored in airtight glass jars in a cool, dry place. Avoid keeping it near the stove or oven — warmth and moisture will soften it.

For extra freshness, store your granola in smaller jars and open one at a time. That way, it stays perfectly crunchy until the last bite.

Looking for a thoughtful gift idea? Fill a glass jar with granola, tie a ribbon around it, and add a handwritten tag with the recipe. A homemade gift that’s guaranteed to make someone smile!


Why You’ll Love This Granola

Still need a reason to make your own granola? Here’s why this one’s worth it:

  • Ready in less than 30 minutes
  • Made with all-natural ingredients
  • Wonderfully crunchy and flavorful
  • High in fiber for lasting energy
  • Easy to make in big batches
  • Fills your home with warmth and a sweet, cozy aroma

A Granola for Cozy Winter Days

This cranberry coconut granola is full of warm, comforting flavors — ideal for cold mornings when you need a boost of energy. With just a few spoonfuls, you can transform a simple bowl of yogurt or milk into a wholesome, satisfying breakfast.

Enjoy it as a topping on yogurt, with milk, or even by the handful as a quick snack.
Make a batch for yourself or give it as a festive gift in a pretty glass jar — the perfect homemade treat for the holiday season!

Pin this for later:

A close-up of dried cranberries on top, in contrast with baked granola featuring oats, coconut, and cranberries, with decorative text overlay promoting a cozy winter breakfast.

Check out our other Recipes for more inspiration

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