Home > Recipes > > Chocolate Chip Granola
by Michelle
May 29, 2014 (updated Oct 19, 2019)
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4.44 (23 ratings)
Earlier this month when we went to the beach, I stocked our car snack bag with a few bags of granola that Nature Valley had sent my way. Believe it or not, I’m usually anti-chocolate when it comes to breakfast, so I’d never tried a chocolate or chocolate chip granola before. Not long into our trip, we busted open the bag of Oats ‘n Dark Chocolate, and dug in. Suffice it to say, we were totally hooked by the second handful. I loved the mild, plain-ish flavor of the oats combined with the dark chocolate. It was sort of like eating crumbled up oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. Which is never, ever a bad thing.
It didn’t take very long before it was decided that I needed to try recreating the granola at home. I made my first batch with chopped dark chocolate, but that turned into a terribly messy event. The chocolate never set after coming out of the oven, which rendered it pretty much impossible to eat with your hands.
On to round number two… I took my favorite crunchy granola recipe, stripped away all of the nuts and dried fruit, and simply added two cups of chocolate chips. This turned out a much better result, seeing as how chocolate chips generally hold their shape when baked, and will remain firm enough when cooled down to be handled. Success!
If you’re down with chocolate in your breakfast, all you need is 10 minutes and some pantry staples to whip this together. If you’re not down with chocolate for breakfast, then you have a fabulous afternoon snack. Thank goodness for road trips or I may have never realized what I was missing in the whole chocolate chip granola department!
One year ago: White Chocolate Raspberry Swirl Ice Cream
Two years ago: Grandma’s Ambrosia Salad and Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Sandwiches
Three years ago: Blueberry Muffins
Four years ago: All-Occasion Sugar Cookies
Six years ago: Herb-Baked Eggs
Chocolate Chip Granola
Yield: 9 cups
Prep Time: 10 minutes mins
Cook Time: 45 minutes mins
Total Time: 55 minutes mins
An easy recipe for crunchy granola loaded with chocolate chips.
4.44 (23 ratings)
Print Pin Rate
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup (0.02 ml) pure maple syrup
- ⅓ cup (73.33 g) light brown sugar
- 4 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon (0.5 teaspoon) salt
- ½ cup (109 ml) vegetable oil
- 5 cups (405 g) old-fashioned rolled oats
- 2 cups (360 g) chocolate chips
Instructions
Adjust oven rack to upper-middle position and preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract and salt. Whisk in the vegetable oil to combine. Add the oats and chocolate chips and fold the mixture together with a rubber spatula until all of the oats and chocolate chips are thoroughly coated.
Turn the oat mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread into a thin, even layer. Using a stiff metal spatula, compress the oat mixture until very compact.
Bake until the top is lightly browned, 40 to 45 minutes, rotating the sheet halfway through baking. Remove the granola from the oven and let cool on a wire rack to room temperature, about 1 hour. Break the cooled granola into pieces as large or as small as you like. The granola can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
Nutritional values are based on one cup
Calories: 544kcal, Carbohydrates: 74g, Protein: 7g, Fat: 24g, Saturated Fat: 16g, Cholesterol: 6mg, Sodium: 162mg, Potassium: 200mg, Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 40g, Vitamin A: 90IU, Vitamin C: 0.2mg, Calcium: 90mg, Iron: 2.5mg
Did you make this recipe?
Leave a review below, then snap a picture and tag @thebrowneyedbaker on Instagram so I can see it!
Author: Michelle
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Originally published May 29, 2014 — (last updated October 19, 2019)
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58 Comments on “Chocolate Chip Granola”
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Matt — Reply
more than 50% of the recipe is made up by chocolate, sugar and fat, you much be joking.
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Caroline — Reply
LOVE this granola!
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kelly marie shaver — Reply
is this chewy or crunchy
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Brett — Reply
Hello dear,
Thank you so much for sharing the recipe for Chocolate Chip Granola. I love the videos also which are showing after the post. I have to say your website design is mind-blowing and it got my whole attension.
I will try this recipe sure :)
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Jennifer — Reply
I just made this and it turned out great!! I know ovens vary so really watch the cooking time. Mine started to burn at 25 mins. Wish I would’ve taken it out sooner because it’s a tad overdone. It literally tasted like crushed up chocolate chip cookies. I added flaxseed and chia seeds for a little nutritional boost.
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Lonna — Reply
This looks amazing but I am curious to know how strong the maple flavor is. I don’t care for maple-flavored anything so I’m a little worried about trying this recipe.
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Michelle — Reply
Hi Lonna, It is not a strong maple flavor at all, just adds some sweetness.
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Renea — Reply
Have you tried protein powder in it? I currently use Nature Valley Protein granola, but I was looking to make my own.
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Michelle — Reply
Hi Renea, I have never tried adding protein powder.
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Dori — Reply
Just made your chocolate chip granola recipe this weekend, and WOW!! Is it ever good! We are all loving it over here. And I am looking forward to custom making some individualized granola “blends” too (depending on my mood!) by taking a portion of the chocolate chip granola and then adding in coconut flakes, dried fruit, etc. as desired. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful recipe! Can’t WAIT to make it again.
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Utsav Srinet — Reply
Delicious! These cookies looks beautiful! A great variation on the traditional chocolate chip or oatmeal chocolate chip cookie. Thanks for sharing :)
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Kristin Conover — Reply
I was inpatient, and our grocery store doesn’t open till noon on Sundays, so I used honey in place of maple syrup. I saw the comment you made about watching it carefully when substituting honey, so I checked it every 5-10 min. It definitely didnt need to bake as long with honey as it does with maple syrup. It turned out great. I used granola recups to make cereal for kids. This was their favorite one so far. Excited to get some maple syrup and try it out exactly like you do. Thanks for the recipe!
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Suzie — Reply
I love this recipe, Thank you for sharing!
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Kim — Reply
If you are having difficulties with the chocolate or if you prefer more control over the clumping, when I make my granola, I usually don’t add the chocolate until the granola is completely done in the oven and is cooling. If you want an even coating of chocolate, add when still very hot and keep stirring – the melted chocolate will evenly distribute itself over everything and it will break up the clumps. For chocolate clusters wait until at least half cooled or a little further and only toss or stir occasionally – you want the chocolate to melt a little to form clumps, but don’t stir so much that you break up the clumps. For loose chocolate chips, just add once everything is fully cooled. I like aiming for chocolate clusters personally as I like to use small seeds and bran flakes and it helps prevent some of those smaller bits from falling to the bottom of the batch.
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Louise — Reply
Well, I just want to say that I love this recipe and use it all the time! There is actually a pan baking in the oven right now! I always use olive oil and it is fine. Also, I make all kinds of variations and my favorite so far is with white chocolate chips and multi colored sprinkles! No store bought granola for us!
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Rachel — Reply
I tried this recipe and found the chocolate to taste a bit burnt. Everything else seemed to go perfectly, except for a burnt flavor. Any reason why this happened and how to prevent it?
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Patrizia — Reply
How much does 1 cup of rolled oats weigh? Some blogger say 80 grams, other 90, still other 100 grams. Do you know how much oats do I have to use for this recipe? I’m italian and sometimes it’s difficult to recreate american recipes. I hope you will answer. Hugs from Rome
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Michelle — Reply
Hi Patrizia, 1 cup of rolled oats weighs 99 grams. Some may be listing weights for quick oats or steel cut oats, which would have a different weight than traditional rolled oats. Hope that helps!
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Avra-Sha Faohla — Reply
Just made this earlier today; it’s great! It’s a simple recipe, it’s got just enough sweetener to taste delicious without feeling like you’re overdoing it, and it breaks apart into beautiful clusters. I baked it for just 25 minutes in a convection oven and it came out perfect! I put it away in a bag in my pantry for future days, but I keep coming back and snacking on it. :D
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Annie — Reply
Made this today! Oh my goodness. Can’t. Stop. Eating!!!!
Thanks for the great recipe! -
Ashley — Reply
Made this today! What a great and relatively easy recipe..simple, yet delicious!
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Laura Dembowski — Reply
Like crumbled up oatmeal cookies? Sign me up! I’ll have to try this with carob chips.
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Phoebe Lapine @FeedMePhoebe — Reply
What a great on-the-go snack- such a delicious and healthy way to satisfy an afternoon sugar craving. :)
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Annie @ Annie's Noms — Reply
This looks delicious, I simply love granola, but find so many in the shops are full of nuts, thanks so much for sharing a nut-free recipe, means I can still enjoy granola even though I’m allergic to nuts!! :D
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Leslie — Reply
OMG this was so good! I added some coconut and pecans and this was really, really good!
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Jess — Reply
Is it weird that i want to mix it with Ice Cream?
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Penny — Reply
Hello,
Any thoughts on how to modify this for a granola bar instead of granola cereal? Perhaps par-slicing into bars when removed from the oven, letting everything cool and then break into bars? I’m not sure what the best process would be but I look forward to your advice!
Kind regards,
Penny-
Michelle — Reply
Hi Penny, I would actually recommend these chocolate chip granola bars: https://www.browneyedbaker.com/2012/02/28/chewy-chocolate-chip-granola-bars/. This granola is too crispy to stay in bar form.
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miss messy — Reply
Oh wow, all chocolate should have granola, or do I mean all granola should have chocolate? ha both! This would make a great breakfast!
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Heather @ My Overflowing Cup — Reply
I’m down with chocolate any time! I think homemade granola always tastes better than any you can buy. Thanks for sharing the recipe and your beautiful pics.
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Jaclyn — Reply
Every granola needs a little chocolate in it right? I love homemade granola and this granola looks perfect!
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Stephanie — Reply
I want to add peanut butter. Any suggestions?
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Louise — Reply
This looks great!
I have a couple of questions.
1) What can I use in place of vegetable oil? I never use vegetables oils, only EVOO.
2) Can I use this recipe just like cereal, in a bowl with milk?Thank you Michelle!
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Michelle — Reply
Hi Louise, I do not recommend replacing the vegetable oil. It has a two-pronged effect – it provides moistness so the oats don’t become brittle, and it also allows the granola to crisp up, giving it a crunchy texture. Some people do eat granola with some milk, if you like it, go for it!
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Louise —
So, I made this using olive oil and also added a little oranfe zest. It is fine! You do not taste the olive oil at all. I gave some to my little one with milk and she really liked it! Without milk is great too! Thanks Michelle!
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Leilani — Reply
I’ve been looking for a good granola recipe forever! If I wanted my granola to be loose, should I not pack it into the pan? Thanks!
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Michelle — Reply
Hi Leilani, I would still pack it into the pan, as this helps create a crunchy granola. You can then break it up into pieces as small as you’d like.
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Christina — Reply
Is there any ingredient you can substitute the maple syrup with? Is it possible to use honey instead? I don’t like maple syrup and even if I’d like it, it’s hard to get where I live. I would love to try this recipe :)
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Michelle — Reply
Hi Christina, I have tried this recipe with honey in place of the maple syrup. I personally prefer the maple, and I found that the honey caused the granola to brown quite a bit more. If you try it, I would reduce the baking time and keep an eye on it.
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Laura (Tutti Dolci) — Reply
Granola should always have chocolate in it, love!
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Aspiring Foodie — Reply
I love the combination of granola & chocolate!
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Kelli — Reply
Hi Michelle, I love your recipes. Quick question, is the vegetable oil required? I am new to the granola and have only tried one other recipe which was great. Wondering what effect it will have if I just leave out the vegetable oil?
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Michelle — Reply
Hi Kelli, Yes, the vegetable oil is an important ingredient. It provides moistness while giving the granola a crispness that is not too dry.
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Kelli —
Thanks, that is great to know.
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Valerie — Reply
I made this substituting coconut oil for veggie oil and I used dairy free chocolate chips. Holy crap that’s good!
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Emily — Reply
This looks perfect to bring on summer bike rides or hiking! Thanks! :)
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Jessica @ A Kitchen Addiction — Reply
We love homemade granola, and throwing in chocolate chips is aways a plus!
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marcie — Reply
I’m certainly not anti-chocolate for breakfast, and would love a bowl in the morning or a large handful for snacking! :)
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How to Philosophize with Cake — Reply
That looks delicious! I love making homemade granola, will have to try this variation soon! :)
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Sally — Reply
Sounds tasty! I’m going to add chocolate chips to my granola recipe, but I think I’ll add them after the granola is baked. And maybe I’ll keep the nuts.
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Lisa — Reply
Yay for this recipe and that I already have all the ingredients in my house!
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Kate @ The Endorphin Junkie — Reply
I love granola, so I will be making this ASAP! Nature Valley granola is one of my favorites. Costco used to sell it in bulk but doesn’t any more (and yes…I need food in bulk…haha).
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Mir — Reply
Wow, I’m kind of the opposite. I need chocolate for breakfast to get my day started right!
So this granola is right up my alley, of course. It looks fantastic. Nothing is better than chocolate chips in granola! -
Averie @ Averie Cooks — Reply
Homemade granola and granola bars are the best! Nothing you’d buy in the store could ever compete! pinned!
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Matt Robinson — Reply
This is how granola should always be, so great!! And my boys would never turn it down.
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Gayle — Reply
Even better- peanut butter granola! I make a version of this: http://www.davidlebovitz.com/2014/03/peanut-butter-and-chocolate-chip-granola-recipe/
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Debra — Reply
This looks good but is it a hard treat or is it on the soft side. I do not like the hard treats. Thank you :)
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Emma — Reply
It’s going to be hard.
The oats will be crunchy post-baking.
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