If you have a sweet tooth that loves a little crunch and a lot of flavor, the Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Granola Cookie Bars Recipe is about to become your new best friend. These bars combine the rich creaminess of peanut butter, the wholesome goodness of granola and oats, and the irresistible pop of chocolate chips into one delightful treat. Perfect for breakfast on the go, an afternoon snack, or a homemade dessert, this recipe blends simple pantry staples into an unforgettable bite. Trust me, once you try this recipe, your snack game will never be the same.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe is a star on its own, yet they all work together to create a perfect harmony of texture, taste, and color. From the nutty oats to the melty chocolate chips, these essentials are easy to find and essential to achieve the classic flavor and satisfying crunch that define these bars.
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats: The base that gives these bars their hearty texture and keeps them wholesome.
- ½ cup peanut butter (unsweetened): Adds creamy richness and a nutty depth without overpowering sweetness.
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup: A natural sweetener that binds and brings a gentle, sticky sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors with a warm, aromatic touch.
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon: Adds a subtle spice that brightens the overall flavor.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bars rise slightly and gives a tender crumb.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies all the flavors.
- ½ cup granola: Boosts the crunch factor and adds a bit of texture variety.
- ½ cup chocolate chips: The star sweet surprise in every bite that melts delightfully as you enjoy them.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Granola Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your bars won’t stick, making cleanup a breeze and allowing you to lift out the bars easily once baked.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a big mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and granola. Stir them well so the flavors distribute evenly and the baking soda is perfectly blended for that light texture.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract until silky smooth. This wet mixture is the glue that holds the bars together, infusing moisture and flavor throughout.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Pour the creamy peanut butter blend into your bowl of dry ingredients, then gently stir until everything is just combined. The mixture will be sticky but pliable, ready to be shaped.
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chocolate chips so they get evenly scattered without melting or clumping. These gems are what make the bars truly special and super indulgent.
Step 6: Press and Bake
Using a spatula or your hands, press the mixture firmly and evenly into your prepared baking dish. This makes sure they hold together and bake uniformly. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until the edges turn a lovely golden brown and the center feels set.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Once out of the oven, let your bars cool completely in the pan. Cooling is essential to let them solidify enough for clean slicing and the perfect chewy texture everyone loves.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Granola Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Though these bars are delicious on their own, adding a sprinkle of crushed peanuts or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate can elevate their appearance and add even more peanutty goodness or chocolate decadence.
Side Dishes
Pairing these bars with a fresh fruit salad or a dollop of Greek yogurt can balance the richness with refreshing, creamy, or tangy notes – perfect for a balanced snack or light dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap individual bars in parchment and tie with twine for cute gift packs, or stack and serve with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee for a cozy, comforting treat. You can even crumble these bars over ice cream or breakfast bowls for a crunchy topping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Granola Cookie Bars Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps them perfectly chewy with just the right amount of softness.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these bars later, freezing is a fantastic option. Wrap individual bars well in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or box. They can last for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature or in the fridge.
Reheating
For that fresh-baked warmth, microwave a bar for about 15 seconds or warm it in a low oven for a few minutes. The chocolate chips will melt slightly again, bringing back that crave-worthy gooeyness.
FAQs
Can I substitute the peanut butter with another nut butter?
Absolutely! Almond butter or cashew butter work wonderfully in this recipe, offering a slightly different yet equally delicious flavor profile. Just make sure to use smooth varieties to maintain the right texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, simply use maple syrup instead of honey, and confirm your chocolate chips are dairy-free. This swaps keep the bars just as tasty without any animal products.
Can I add other mix-ins to these bars?
Definitely! Chopped nuts, dried fruits, or even seeds can be stirred in for added texture and flavor twists. Just keep the total volume in mind to maintain the right consistency.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The edges should turn golden brown and the center should look set but not dry. Pressing lightly, you shouldn’t feel any wet batter. Resist the urge to overbake to keep them chewy and soft.
What’s the best way to slice these bars?
Wait until the bars have completely cooled to room temperature. Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry for clean, neat slices without crumbling.
Final Thoughts
Making the Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Granola Cookie Bars Recipe is like creating a little jar of happiness in every bite. They are perfect for satisfying sweet cravings, packing a lunchbox with love, or sharing with friends. This recipe is simple, flexible, and incredibly delicious, so why not give it a go today? Your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Granola Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and chewy Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Granola Cookie Bars that combine the nutty flavors of peanut butter with the sweetness of chocolate chips and honey. These bars are perfect for a quick snack or breakfast on the go and come together easily with wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
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 to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and granola. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute all the dry ingredients.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Mix Wet and Dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until everything is combined uniformly.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips, making sure they are evenly spread throughout the mixture.
- Press Into Pan: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and press it down evenly with a spatula or your hands to form a compact layer.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the center is set but still chewy.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares to ensure they hold their shape.
Notes
- Use parchment paper to easily lift the bars out of the pan without sticking.
- Substitute maple syrup for honey to make it vegan-friendly.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate to extend freshness.
- To add extra crunch, consider mixing in chopped nuts or seeds.
- For softer bars, reduce baking time by 2 minutes and check for doneness.
