Cold Brew Granola with Chocolate, Walnuts + Chia Seeds

Feb. 5

Happy Tuesday! How’s your week going? Yeah, I realize we’re only a few days in, but anyone else feel like this week has been about a month long? My kiddos are fighting sickness, and the weather here is still gloomy (although about 40 degrees warmer than last week!). We’ve read all the books, played with Play-Doh, watched movies, spilled Cheerios, snuggled on the couch, and laughed a lot (four-year-olds are hilarious, by the way). And now I need to refuel with coffee and chocolate.

I make recipes with that combination a lot, and maybe it’s overdone…or maybe it’s just that good. Whatever. May coffee and chocolate enjoy a long and happy life together, because they truly make the perfect pair.

I shared this granola recipe a few years ago on an old blog I had, and I decided it was time to give it a facelift. It’s made with cold brew coffee concentrate (I use FreshGround Roasting’s Black Ice Brew), but in a pinch you could use regular strong coffee. This time around, I added in cacao nibs instead of chocolate chips in an attempt to be more healthy, but use whichever you prefer. Throw in some dried cherries, extra nuts, or a hint of cardamom for even more flavor options.

Scroll down to get the recipe!

Cold Brew Granola with Chocolate, Walnuts + Chia Seeds
Yields about 4 cups

3 cups rolled oats
½ cup walnuts, coarsely chopped
½ cup cacao nibs or semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup cold brew coffee concentrate or strong coffee
⅓ cup honey (sub maple syrup for vegan)
2 Tablespoons cocoa powder
2 Tablespoons olive oil (preferably “light tasting”)
1 Tablespoon chia seeds (optional)
¼ teaspoon sea salt

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, add all the ingredients and mix well.

Pour mixture onto the baking sheet and spread into a thin layer.

Bake for 35-45 minutes until the granola is crisp, stirring gently 2-3 times throughout the baking process.

Remove the granola from the oven and let it cool completely. Transfer to an airtight container and store until you’re ready to serve. Serve with milk, yogurt, fresh fruit, or additional honey.