These Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Granola Cookie Bars are the perfect balance of chewy, crunchy, and sweet. Made with wholesome oats, a swirl of peanut butter, and chunks of chocolate chips, they’re a delicious treat that’s great for both a snack and dessert. Simple to make and packed with flavor, these bars will satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping you full and energized.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how these bars combine the goodness of oats, peanut butter, and chocolate into one easy-to-make snack. The chewy texture of the oats, combined with the crunch of granola, gives the bars a satisfying bite. Plus, the hint of cinnamon and the sweetness of the peanut butter and honey or maple syrup bring everything together beautifully. The addition of chocolate chips makes them irresistible—perfect for when I’m craving something sweet but want to keep it wholesome.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups rolled oats
½ cup peanut butter (unsweetened)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup honey or maple syrup
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup granola
½ cup chocolate chips
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, I combine the rolled oats, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and granola. I stir to evenly distribute everything.
In a separate bowl, I stir together the peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
I pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until everything is well combined.
I fold in the chocolate chips, making sure they are evenly mixed into the dough.
Using a spatula or my hands, I press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
I bake the bars for 15–18 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
After baking, I allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into bars.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes
Servings: 9 bars
Variations
Add-ins: I sometimes like to mix in some chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for extra crunch. Dried fruits like cranberries or raisins would also work well.
Swap the sweetener: If I want to change things up, I can substitute honey with maple syrup or even agave nectar.
Make it dairy-free: To make these bars dairy-free, I can opt for dairy-free chocolate chips and ensure that my granola is dairy-free as well.
Protein boost: I could add a scoop of protein powder to the dry ingredients for an extra boost of protein.
Storage/Reheating
I store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If I want to keep them fresh longer, I can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. To reheat, I simply microwave them for a few seconds or warm them in the oven for a couple of minutes for that freshly-baked feel.
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FAQs
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
I check if the edges are golden brown and the center is set. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted into the center.
Can I make these bars without granola?
Yes! If I don’t have granola on hand, I can use extra rolled oats or even add some crushed nuts or seeds for crunch.
Can I freeze these cookie bars?
Absolutely! I freeze them by wrapping them individually or placing them in a sealed container. They’ll last in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Can I use a different nut butter?
Yes, I can substitute peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a different flavor.
Are these bars healthy?
These bars are a healthier option compared to regular cookies, as they are made with whole grains (rolled oats), and they include natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. They also provide a nice amount of protein and healthy fats from the peanut butter.
Conclusion
These Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Granola Cookie Bars are an easy-to-make, satisfying treat that I keep coming back to. They’re great for a snack on the go or a light dessert after dinner. Plus, I love that I can customize them with different add-ins or swap ingredients based on what I have available. Whether I’m packing them in my lunch or serving them to guests, these bars are always a hit.
📖 Recipe:
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Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Granola Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Granola Cookie Bars are a delicious and wholesome treat that combine oats, peanut butter, honey, and chocolate chips. With a chewy and crunchy texture, these bars are perfect for a snack or dessert. Made with simple ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes, they offer a great balance of sweetness and energy, while being easily customizable for various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups rolled oats
½ cup peanut butter (unsweetened)
¼ cup honey or maple syrup
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup granola
½ cup chocolate chips
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and granola. Stir to evenly distribute the ingredients.
-
In a separate bowl, mix together the peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
-
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir to combine.
-
Fold in the chocolate chips.
-
Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish with a spatula or your hands.
-
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
-
Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing them into squares.
Notes
Feel free to substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free chocolate chips and make sure the granola is also dairy-free.
If you’d like a protein boost, add a scoop of protein powder to the dry ingredients.
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9 bars
- Calories: 220 kcal
