A cozy, spiced pantry staple
This is the kind of recipe you make once and then keep coming back to. It fills your kitchen with warm spice, lives happily in a jar on the counter, and makes everyday breakfasts feel a little more intentional.
This Smoky Mountains Cowboy Chai Granola uses our bold, smoky chai blend to bring depth and warmth to a classic granola base. It is gently sweet, deeply spiced, and incredibly versatile. Sprinkle it on yogurt, pour on warm milk, or snack on it straight from the pan while it cools.
Why You’ll Love This Granola
- Cozy chai flavor with subtle smokiness
- Easy to make and stores well
- Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or gifting
- A delicious way to bake with tea
Ingredients
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts, such as pecans or almonds
- 1/4 cup seeds, such as pumpkin or sunflower
- 2 teaspoons Smoky Mountains Cowboy Chai, finely ground
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 cup coconut oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional add-ins after baking
- Dried apples, raisins, or cranberries
- Coconut flakes
- Dark chocolate chunks
Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the dry ingredients
Preheat your oven to 325°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the oats, nuts, seeds, ground chai tea, and salt.
Step 2. Mix the wet ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup or honey, melted coconut oil or butter, and vanilla extract.
Step 3. Combine and spread
Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated. Spread the granola mixture into an even layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4. Bake
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and fragrant. Keep a close eye during the last few minutes to prevent overbrowning.
Step 5. Cool and finish
Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet. It will crisp up as it cools. Once cooled, stir in any optional add-ins.
How to Enjoy It
- Sprinkle over yogurt with fruit and honey
- Serve with warm milk or oat milk
- Use as a topping for baked pears or apples
- Package in jars for an easy homemade gift
Tips for Baking with Chai
- Grind the tea finely to evenly distribute flavor
- Smoky chai pairs especially well with nuts and maple syrup
- Let granola cool fully before storing to maintain crunch
A Pantry Ritual Worth Repeating
This granola is meant to be part of everyday life. A little scoop here, a handful there, something warm and grounding when mornings feel rushed or quiet.
If you make this Smoky Mountains Cowboy Chai Granola, we would love to see it. Share how you enjoy it or tag us when your kitchen smells like chai.
