Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Granola Cookie Bars Recipe
There’s something extraordinarily comforting about a batch of Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Granola Cookie Bars cooling on your kitchen counter. This treat marries the chewy satisfaction of granola, the creamy indulgence of peanut butter, and the nostalgic joy of chocolate chip cookies all in one irresistibly snackable bar. Whether you need a nutritious boost after a workout, a lunchbox surprise, or a sweet nibble with your afternoon coffee, these cookie bars check every box. Not overly sweet but full of flavor and texture, they quickly become that recipe you hand out every time friends and family try them.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s marvel for a moment at how a handful of pantry staples can assemble into such a memorable treat! Each ingredient for Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Granola Cookie Bars is purposefully chosen to elevate taste and texture—from the creaminess of peanut butter to the hearty crunch of granola. Here’s what you’ll need and why you’ll love it in your bars:
- Peanut Butter (1 cup, creamy): The peanut butter brings creamy richness and binds everything together, plus that unmistakable nutty flavor that anchors this treat.
- Honey or Maple Syrup (½ cup): Sweetens the bars just the right amount while providing moisture and an extra layer of flavor depth.
- Melted Coconut Oil or Unsalted Butter (⅓ cup): Locks in moisture, helps the bars hold together, and ensures a tender bite.
- Large Egg (1): Binds the mixture and gives the bars that perfect chewy cookie texture; swap in a flax egg to make these vegan!
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the sweet notes and adds warmth to every bite.
- Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats (1 ½ cups): Bring hearty texture and a boost of whole-grain goodness.
- Whole Wheat or All-Purpose Flour (¾ cup): Gives the bars structure while keeping them tender; choose whole wheat for a nuttier flavor and more fiber.
- Baking Soda (½ teaspoon): Offers just enough lift for a soft but sturdy bar.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Brightens up and balances all the flavors, especially the sweetness.
- Mini Chocolate Chips (½ cup): The stars of the show, bringing gooey, melty bits of chocolate throughout.
- Chopped Nuts or Seeds (½ cup, optional): A delightful crunch and extra nutrition if you’re in the mood for a nutty twist.
- Granola (½ cup, any variety): Infuses extra texture and flavor—choose one you love for the best results!
How to Make Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Granola Cookie Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving extra hanging over the sides for easy removal. This simple prep step saves you from any sticky pan situations and ensures your cookie bars pop out perfectly every time.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), melted coconut oil (or butter), egg, and vanilla extract. Take a moment to blend until everything is completely smooth and glossy—the fragrance alone should put a smile on your face!
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle the oats, flour, baking soda, and salt directly into your wet mix. Stir gently but thoroughly until you have a thick, cohesive dough. This is the moment the hearty, comforting texture of the bars really starts to form.
Step 4: Fold in the Magic
With the dough now ready, fold in your mini chocolate chips, granola, and the optional chopped nuts or seeds. Be gentle—just enough to evenly distribute all those delightful mix-ins through the batter. Every bar will have its own charming swirl of goodies.
Step 5: Pan and Press
Scoop the dough into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or clean hands to press the mixture evenly into the pan, paying special attention to the corners. The key here is to really compact the dough—it helps the bars slice cleanly later and preserves those layers of flavor!
Step 6: Bake to Golden Brown
Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are just golden and the center feels set but not dry. Every oven runs a bit differently, so check at 20 minutes and add a minute or two if needed for that perfect finish.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Let the bars cool completely—yes, this is the hardest part, but it’s so worth the wait! This step ensures those lovely clean cuts and keeps the bars from falling apart. Lift the slab out using the parchment, then slice into 12 squares or rectangles.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Granola Cookie Bars
Garnishes
Dust a touch of powdered sugar, add a few extra chocolate chips on top, or sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt for a bakery-style finish. These little details take the already-tasty Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Granola Cookie Bars to café-worthy heights.
Side Dishes
Pair a bar with your favorite yogurt for a heartier breakfast, tuck one alongside a bowl of fresh berries, or simply serve with a cup of hot coffee, tea, or a tall glass of cold milk. The balance of sweet, salty, and creamy in these bars means they complement just about any snack or breakfast spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Layer bars in a pretty jar for an edible gift, slice smaller pieces for a homemade snack tray, or wrap them individually in parchment with twine for lunchbox charm. For a party dessert, try drizzling with a thin melt of chocolate and letting guests serve themselves—it’s an instant crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Granola Cookie Bars are completely cool, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For peak freshness and chewiest texture, pop them in the fridge—they’ll last up to a week and stay nice and sturdy.
Freezing
Set aside a stash for future cravings by freezing the bars! Simply wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or parchment, then stash in a zip-top freezer bag. They keep beautifully for up to three months—just let one thaw at room temperature when a craving strikes.
Reheating
If you like your bars a little warm and gooey, a quick zap in the microwave (about 10 seconds per bar) wakes up all the chocolate goodness. You can also reheat in the toaster oven on low for a just-baked aroma that’s hard to resist.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Definitely! Crunchy peanut butter adds little bits of nutty texture, giving the bars an extra layer of crunch. Just keep in mind the finished bars will be slightly more crumbly, but absolutely delicious.
Are these Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Granola Cookie Bars gluten-free?
You can easily make them gluten-free by swapping in a gluten-free flour blend and ensuring your oats and granola are certified gluten-free. The resulting bars are just as tasty and perfect for sharing with gluten-sensitive friends!
How do I make these bars vegan?
Simply replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, allowed to gel for a few minutes). Use maple syrup instead of honey and choose dairy-free chocolate chips and coconut oil—now you’ve got vegan-friendly bars!
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Double all the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time, so keep an eye on the edges and center for doneness. These are perfect for parties, bake sales, or to keep on hand for a busy week.
Why press the dough firmly into the pan?
Pressing the dough firmly creates compact, even bars that hold their shape after baking. It helps the bars slice neatly and prevents them from crumbling, resulting in that classic bar-cookie texture everyone loves.
Final Thoughts
If you’re hunting for a snack or dessert that feels both homey and a little indulgent, these Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Granola Cookie Bars fit the bill perfectly. There’s nothing quite like sharing a homemade treat that brings smiles with every bite. I can’t wait for you to try them—don’t be surprised when they become a new favorite in your kitchen, too!
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Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Granola Cookie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delicious Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Granola Cookie Bars that are perfect as a snack or dessert. Packed with wholesome ingredients, these bars are easy to make and even easier to enjoy!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup honey or maple syrup
- ⅓ cup melted coconut oil or unsalted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- ¾ cup whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Mix-ins:
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped nuts or seeds (optional)
- ½ cup granola (any variety)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, honey, melted coconut oil, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add dry ingredients: Add the oats, flour, baking soda, and salt, stirring until well combined.
- Fold in mix-ins: Fold in the chocolate chips, granola, and optional nuts or seeds.
- Bake: Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan and press firmly into the corners. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool and slice: Cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.
Notes
- For a vegan version, use flax egg and dairy-free chocolate chips.
- These bars store well in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
