Peppermint White Chocolate Granola Recipe

Name: Peppermint White Chocolate Granola Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: PT-485052H43M43S
Total time: PT-485052H43M43S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Dry Ingredients; 1 cup Old Fashioned Oats (80g); 2 cups Puffed Rice Cereal (34g); 1 scoop Vanilla Protein Powder (31g); Wet Ingredients; 1/4 cup melted coconut oil (50ml); 1/4 cup lite pancake syrup (50ml); 1/4 tsp. Peppermint Extract; Topping; 1/3 cup White Chocolate Chips (Lily’s, 55g)

This heavenly Peppermint White Chocolate Granola is a game-changer for breakfast or snacking! Crispy, sweet, and infused with refreshing peppermint, it’s ridiculously simple to make and requires just a handful of ingredients. The perfect balance of wholesome oats, protein, and white chocolate makes this a treat you’ll want to keep in your pantry year-round.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Kitchen Project: From start to finish in under 30 minutes – perfect for busy days when you still want something homemade!
Perfectly Balanced: The refreshing peppermint pairs wonderfully with sweet white chocolate without being overwhelming.
Customizable: So easy to adapt based on your preferences and what’s available in your pantry.
Nutrient-Rich: With oats and protein powder, you’re getting fiber and protein in every delicious bite.
Gift-Worthy: Package this granola in mason jars for a thoughtful homemade gift that everyone will love!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Old Fashioned Oats: The hearty foundation of any good granola – provides that perfect chewy texture and satisfying bite.
Puffed Rice Cereal: Adds incredible lightness and crunch to balance the heartier oats.
Vanilla Protein Powder: Sneaks in extra protein while complementing the peppermint and white chocolate flavors.
Peppermint Extract: The star flavor – just a little goes a long way! This gives the granola that refreshing coolness.
Coconut Oil: Helps bind everything together and adds a subtle richness that butter just can’t match.
Lite Pancake Syrup: Provides just the right amount of sweetness and helps create those irresistible clusters.
White Chocolate Chips: I recommend Lily’s for a less sugary option, but any white chocolate chips will create those lovely melty pockets throughout the granola.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Winter Holiday Twist

Add a tablespoon of crushed candy canes after baking for extra peppermint punch and festive color.

Chocolate Lover’s Dream

Mix in some dark chocolate chips along with the white chocolate for a double-chocolate experience.

Nutty Crunch

Toss in a handful of slivered almonds or chopped pecans before baking for extra texture and nutrition.

Berry Delicious

Add dried cranberries after baking for a tart-sweet contrast to the peppermint and white chocolate.

How to Make Peppermint White Chocolate Granola

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the oats, puffed rice cereal, and vanilla protein powder until well combined.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Melt the coconut oil if it’s not already in liquid form. Pour the melted coconut oil, lite pancake syrup, and peppermint extract over the dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.

Step 3: Spread and Bake

Transfer the mixture to your parchment-lined baking sheet, spreading it out in an even layer. Break up any large clumps to help the granola dry evenly during baking. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove and give everything a good stir.

Step 4: Finish Baking

Return the granola to the oven for another 2-6 minutes, checking frequently to prevent burning. The granola is ready when it feels dry and crumbly to the touch.

Step 5: Add the White Chocolate

Sprinkle the white chocolate chips evenly over the hot granola and return to the oven for just 1-2 minutes – long enough for the chips to soften but not completely melt.

Step 6: Cool and Break

Allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet. As it cools, the white chocolate will harden and help form those delicious clusters. Once cool, break into chunks of your desired size.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Watch Like a Hawk: Granola can go from perfectly golden to burnt in seconds, so keep a close eye during those final minutes of baking.
Cluster Control: For bigger clusters, press the granola mixture down firmly on the baking sheet before baking and don’t stir too much during the cooling process.
Extract Expertise: Peppermint extract is potent! Measure carefully – a little drop extra can make your granola taste like toothpaste.
Even Distribution: Make sure to spread the granola in a thin, even layer to ensure consistent baking and maximum crunchiness.
Cool Completely: Resist the temptation to break into the granola while it’s still warm. That cooling time is crucial for developing the perfect texture.

How to Serve

Breakfast Ideas

Serve over Greek yogurt with fresh berries for a protein-packed breakfast that feels like a treat.

Snack Time

Eat by the handful directly from your storage container (we all do it!), or portion into small containers for controlled snacking.

Dessert Option

Sprinkle over vanilla ice cream for an incredible dessert topping that adds both flavor and texture.

Parfait Perfect

Layer with yogurt, fruit, and a drizzle of honey for an impressive breakfast parfait.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Make sure the granola is completely cool before storing to prevent moisture from making it soggy.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze this granola! Pack it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. The texture stays remarkably crunchy even after thawing.

Gifting

This granola makes a wonderful homemade gift. Pack in a mason jar, add a pretty ribbon and label with storage instructions for a thoughtful present.

FAQs

Can I use regular maple syrup instead of lite pancake syrup?

Absolutely! Real maple syrup works beautifully in this recipe and adds a lovely natural sweetness. You may find the flavor slightly different but equally delicious, with maple complementing both the peppermint and white chocolate wonderfully.

My granola isn’t forming clusters. What did I do wrong?

Cluster formation depends on a few factors. Make sure you’re using enough binding ingredients (the oil and syrup), not stirring too much during baking, and allowing the granola to cool completely before breaking it apart. The melted white chocolate also helps bind clusters, so make sure it’s well distributed.

Can I make this granola without protein powder?

Yes! Simply replace the protein powder with an equal amount of oats or almond flour. The texture will be slightly different, but the flavor will still be delicious. You might want to add a touch more vanilla extract to compensate for the missing vanilla flavor from the protein powder.

Is this granola gluten-free?

It can be! Just make sure to use certified gluten-free oats and check that your puffed rice cereal and protein powder are also gluten-free. Most of the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels to be certain, especially for the white chocolate chips.

Final Thoughts

This Peppermint White Chocolate Granola is truly a treat that bridges the gap between healthy and indulgent. The refreshing hint of peppermint paired with creamy white chocolate creates a flavor combination that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re enjoying it with your morning yogurt, as an afternoon pick-me-up, or gifting it to friends, this granola is bound to become a regular in your kitchen rotation. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself making double batches – it disappears quickly!