Description
These Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Granola Cookie Bars combine the wholesome goodness of rolled oats and granola with the rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate chips. Sweetened naturally with honey or maple syrup and lightly spiced with cinnamon, these bars are a perfect grab-and-go snack or a delicious dessert. Baked to a golden finish, they offer a chewy texture with a hint of crunch and a delightful balance of sweet and nutty flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup granola
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup peanut butter (unsweetened)
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- ½ cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring easy removal of the bars after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and granola. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute all dry components.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl containing the dry ingredients and stir well to ensure everything is fully combined.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips to distribute them evenly throughout the batter without melting.
- Transfer Mixture to Pan: Press the combined mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared baking dish using a spatula or clean hands to create an even, compact layer.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15–18 minutes until the edges become golden and the center is set, indicating the bars have cooked through.
- Cool and Slice: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into 9 equal squares for serving.
Notes
- Use unsweetened peanut butter to control added sugars.
- For a vegan option, substitute honey with maple syrup.
- Make sure bars are completely cool before slicing to prevent crumbling.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate to extend freshness.
- Feel free to swap chocolate chips for nuts or dried fruits for variation.
