Need a quick gift? Cherry Nut Granola Muffins with Reindeer Clips!

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I wanted to come up with something a little different and fun for my coworkers this year.  And of course, I waited until the last minute.  So, I baked up some yummy breakfast muffins using Quaker® Real Medleys® Cherry Almond, and Pecan granola, and packaged them with little handmade reindeer clips. Quick and easy, and it looks like I slaved for hours!  I’d love to share with you my Cherry Nut Granola muffin recipe and my easy reindeer clip tutorial!

cherry nut granola muffins and reindeer clips

They were a huge hit at the office.  Not only are the muffins tasty, and a great better-for-you alternative over all the candy and sweets this time of year, but the cute little reindeer clips can be used year round.  You can easily make a whole batch of muffins and reindeer clips in an evening, and everything for the recipe and the clips can be found at Walmart.  Can’t get much simpler than that!  Want to know how?

cherry nut granola muffins and reindeer clips

Let’s start with the recipe.  I have to tell you that I just love these Cherry Nut Granola muffins!  They are perfect as a breakfast option especially on a busy day when all you have time for is to grab a bite on the way out the door.  They also make a yummy afternoon snack. Creating with cereal is a fun option. I particularly love the variety of Quaker® cereals to choose from:

  • Quaker® Real Medleys®
  • Quaker® Oatmeal Squares
  • Quaker® Simply Granola
  • Quaker® Life

walmart cereal aisle

Any of the Quaker® Real Medleys® granola cereals would work for this recipe, but I chose the Cherry Almond, and Pecan granola for this batch.  These tasty muffins are also are simple to make, which is a requirement in my house.  You see, the craft room is always calling…

cherry nut granola muffins and reindeer clips

Cherry Nut Granola Muffins

2 cups Quaker® Real Medleys® Cherry Almond and Pecan Granola Cereal
1-1/2 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder
2 eggs
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 cup vegetable oil

cherry nut granola muffins and reindeer clips

Set the oven at 350 degrees.  Begin by adding all the dry ingredients to a large mixing bowl.  That would be the granola, flour, baking soda, salt, baking powder and brown sugar.

One note: be sure to check the expiration date on your baking powder.  Did you know that if your baking powder is old, it will not make your baked goods rise?  I discovered this as I usually discover things: the hard way.  I pulled beautiful looking banana bread out of the oven once and it collapsed like a flat tire within minutes.  Looked terrible.  Of course the husband got a huge kick out of it and still tells anyone who will listen.  The culprit was old baking powder.

cherry nut granola muffins and reindeer clips

In a second smaller bowl, mix the eggs, buttermilk, vanilla and oil with a whisk.

cherry nut granola muffins and reindeer clips

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix with a wooden spoon until blended.

cherry nut granola muffins and reindeer clips

Spoon into a greased muffin tin.  (Or you can add paper liners if you prefer).  And bake in a 350 degree oven for about 20 minutes until browned and firm to the touch.

cherry nut granola muffins and reindeer clips

Now let’s decorate!

Reindeer Clips

wooden clothespins
1″ wooden circles
round red beads
colored cardstock in brown and white
16 gauge wire
acrylic paint (brown, blue, red, white, black)
ribbon
hot glue

cherry nut granola muffins and reindeer clips

Paint your clothespins with brown acrylic paint, allow to dry.  Cut out eyes from the white card stock.  Experiment to come up with a shape and size that you like.

Cut out eyes from the white card stock.  Experiment to come up with a shape and size that you like.

Add a touch of brown to white paint, and paint the wooden circles.  While the paint is still wet, add just a touch of red for cheeks and blend with a dry brush.

cherry nut granola muffins and reindeer clips

Cut out ears from the brown card stock as shown.  Add a dot of hot glue to one end and pinch, forming the base of the ear.

cherry nut granola muffins and reindeer clips

Glue the ears and eyes in place and then glue the wooden circle nose in place.

cherry nut granola muffins and reindeer clips

Cut a 4″ piece of wire.  Curl it at each end, and use a large dot of hot glue to glue it in place behind the ears.

cherry nut granola muffins and reindeer clips

Use blue to paint in the eyes.  Add a dot of black for the pupil and a dot of white to give them shine.  Glue on a round red bead for the nose. Glue a bow beneath his chin, and you have a cute reindeer clip!  He is perfect for a tree ornament or can be used year round to hold important things!  You can even add a magnet to the back and he becomes a refrigerator magnet!  A very versatile reindeer!

cherry nut granola muffins and reindeer clips

In our case, I put a couple of the Cherry Nut Granola Muffins in a clear gift bag, tied them with a wire tie, and clipped a reindeer onto each one.  Instant coworker gifts!  And make a few extra to keep at the house just in case someone shows up with gift and you would like to reciprocate!  Everyone loves hand made!

What did you make for your friends and coworkers this year?

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