Sure, milk and cereal is a classic.

Especially Cheerios. There’s nothing more classic than a big ole bowl of original Cheerios with banana slices and a handful of blueberries.

But sometimes, you just have to take a step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Get out there, be unique. Be creative. Be adventurous.

And eat milk and granola for breakfast instead!

This granola is without a doubt the best thing to start your day off with. It contains plenty of whole grains and healthy fats, which will keep you feeling full long after breakfast.

(Fun fact: fats take longer for the body to digest, and they also pack twice as much energy as protein or carbohydrates! So by incorporating healthy fats into your breakfast, you’re going to avoid that mid-morning hunger pang, which may tempt you into eating those donuts or pastries so conveniently provided at work.)

Anyway, this granola is also insanely easy to make– so easy that after making it once, you’ll never go back to buying pre-made granola again! Because unlike store-bought granola, you will actually know what goes into this granola, and will be able to control the level of sweetness it has. Further, this granola is extremely customizable. If you prefer your oatmeal cookies with chocolate chips instead of raisins then no worries, just swap them out in this recipe! Not a huge fan of peanut butter? Use your favorite nut butter instead! Prefer more honey and less molasses? Go ahead and use honey!

Plus, who doesn’t love the scent of cinnamon and vanilla filling their kitchen as granola bakes away in the oven?

Crazy people, that’s who.

So step out of your milk-and-cereal comfort zone today… and enjoy a big bowl of oatmeal cookie granola instead!

Oatmeal Cookie Granola

• 3 1/4 c old fashioned or rolled oats
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• pinch of salt
• 1/2 c nut butter of choice
• 2 tbs molasses
• 2 tbs agave (or honey)
• 1/4 c melted coconut oil
• 1/2 c raisins
• 1/4 c cashews (optional)

Preheat oven to 250°F. Add all ingredients (except raisins) to a large bowl. Stir until fully combined. Line a cookie sheet with tin foil and spread the granola across it. Press the granola down in one thin, even layer (about 1/2 cm thick). Bake for 45 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove and let cool. Scrape into a bowl and break up the larger pieces lightly with your hands. Add raisins and stir. Store in a mason jar or other container. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information (from myfitnesspal.com)

Calories: 136

Fat: 7g

Carbs: 17g

Protein: 3g

(Yields about 5c granola, or 20 1/4 c servings)

Nutrition information calculated using peanut butter. If you choose to use another nut butter, it will vary slightly. Nutrition information not calculated including cashews. If you choose to include, it will read as follows: