Cinnamon Roll Granola Recipe: Sweet, Crunchy, and Irresistibly Cozy

If you’re craving the warm flavour of a cinnamon roll with the crunch of granola, this cinnamon roll granola is your new go-to. It’s the perfect make-ahead breakfast or snack, packed with cozy spices, crunchy clusters, toasted pecans, and a light vanilla glaze that gives it all the cinnamon roll charm.

At Tasty Plated, Chef Rachael focuses on recipes that feel like a hug in a bowl. Her take on this granola blends comfort and nutrition with the signature flavour of your favorite bakery treat. Make a batch, store it for the week, and enjoy it over yogurt, in parfaits, or simply by the handful.

• What Is Cinnamon Roll Granola?

Cinnamon roll granola is a hybrid between two comfort food favourites. It combines the hearty texture of homemade granola with the flavour notes of a classic cinnamon roll. That means toasty oats, warm cinnamon, vanilla glaze, and even brown sugar clusters that mimic the sticky swirl of a baked roll.

This granola has:

• A deep, buttery cinnamon flavour

• Light sweetness from maple and coconut sugar

• Toasted pecans for crunch

• A quick vanilla glaze for the perfect finish

• Why It’s a Perfect Make-Ahead Breakfast or Snack

Unlike real cinnamon rolls, which require proofing, baking, and frosting, this granola is quick to make and lasts all week. It’s ideal for meal prep and works in almost any setting.

Here’s why it’s a win:

• Bakes in under 30 minutes

• Naturally sweetened with maple or coconut sugar

• Stores for 1 to 2 weeks in a jar or airtight bag

• Customizable with nuts, seeds, or dried fruit

• Perfect for kids, guests, or gifting

The scent alone will make your kitchen smell like a bakery, and the crunchy clusters are hard to resist.

• Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses mostly pantry staples. Choose high-quality oats and pure maple syrup for best results.

Dry Ingredients:

• 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

• 1 cup chopped pecans

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup melted coconut oil or unsalted butter

• ⅓ cup maple syrup

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar or coconut sugar

• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract

Glaze (Optional but Recommended):

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 1 to 2 tablespoons milk

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• How to Make Cinnamon Roll Granola Step-by-Step

Making homemade granola is easier than it seems. It all comes down to even coating, low heat, and cooling time.

Instructions:

1. Preheat and prep
Heat oven to 325°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment.

2. Mix dry ingredients
In a large bowl, combine oats, pecans, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

3. Combine wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together melted oil, maple syrup, sugar, and vanilla.

4. Stir and spread
Pour wet mixture over dry ingredients. Mix until fully coated, then spread evenly on the baking sheet.

5. Bake and rotate
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring halfway. Granola is done when golden and crisp.

6. Cool and glaze
Let it cool completely. Mix glaze ingredients and drizzle over the top.

7. Store
Transfer to jars or airtight containers and store at room temperature.

• Chef Rachael’s Flavor Secrets at Tasty Plated

For Chef Rachael, cinnamon roll granola is all about layers of flavour and the right texture. She balances the crunch with sweetness and always finishes with something aromatic.

Her favorite tricks:

• Use Vietnamese cinnamon for deeper flavour

• Add a pinch of cardamom or cloves for warmth

• Use half butter, half oil for richness

• Bake low and slow for even browning

• Finish with a vanilla glaze drizzle once cool

“Granola should be crisp, clustered, and craveable. I treat this one like dessert, with just enough sweetness and spice.”
— Chef Rachael

• Table: Cinnamon Roll Granola vs Classic Granola vs Cereal

Cinnamon roll granola stands out for its comfort-food flavour and bakery-style finish.

• How to Store, Serve, and Customize It

Storage Tips:

• Let granola cool completely before storing

• Use glass jars or airtight containers

• Keep at room temp for 1 to 2 weeks

• Freeze for up to 3 months

Serving Ideas:

• Layer with Greek yogurt and apples

• Sprinkle on top of baked apples or oatmeal

• Serve as a snack mix with dried fruit

• Pour in a bowl with almond milk or oat milk

Flavor Variations:

• Add raisins or chopped dates after baking

• Mix in white chocolate chips for dessert-style granola

• Use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans

• For crunchier clusters, press the mixture firmly before baking

• FAQs About Cinnamon Roll Granola

1. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use certified gluten-free oats to ensure it’s safe.

2. Is it very sweet?
It’s lightly sweetened, but you can reduce the sugar or skip the glaze if you prefer.

3. Can I skip the glaze?
Yes, though the glaze adds that true cinnamon roll finish.

4. What’s the best way to make it chunky?
Press the granola firmly into the pan and avoid stirring until halfway through baking.

5. Can I use quick oats?
Old-fashioned oats are best. Quick oats can turn mushy and won’t cluster well.

6. How long does it stay fresh?
Up to 2 weeks stored in an airtight container. Freeze for longer shelf life.

• Final Crunch: A Cozy Classic Reimagined in Every Bite

This cinnamon roll granola brings everything you love about cinnamon rolls into a crunchy, craveable breakfast or snack. It’s easy to bake, endlessly customizable, and filled with warm, nostalgic flavour in every bite.

With Chef Rachael’s guidance and Tasty Plated’s twist on wholesome comfort, this granola is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

Make a batch today, and enjoy cozy crunch all week long.