If you’re searching for the ultimate easy sweet treat that satisfies every craving, you need to try these Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Granola Cookie Bars. Imagine all the gooey deliciousness of a cookie, the hearty chew of granola, and the luscious swirls of peanut butter and chocolate—all in one heavenly bar. They’re the kind of snack you’ll want to bake with your kids, share with friends, or tuck into your lunchbox just for yourself. Every bite delivers a fantastic mix of creamy, chewy, nutty, and chocolatey goodness, making these bars an instant classic you’ll want to make on repeat!

Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Granola Cookie Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather just a handful of simple, honest ingredients, and you’re halfway to fabulous Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Granola Cookie Bars. Each ingredient is chosen both for flavor and the magic it brings to the texture, ensuring these bars are soft, chewy, and loaded with all the things you love.

Creamy Peanut Butter: The heart and soul of these bars, providing richness and that must-have peanutty flavor.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness and helps hold all the ingredients together for that perfect bar consistency.
Melted Coconut Oil or Unsalted Butter: Gives a hint of richness and keeps every bite moist; choose coconut oil for a subtle coconut note, or butter for classic comfort.
Large Egg: Binds everything together and lends extra chewiness to the finished bars.
Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla brings irresistible warmth and depth to the flavor.
Old-Fashioned Oats: The granola vibe that gives each bar satisfying texture and wholesome bite.
Whole Wheat or All-Purpose Flour: Either flour keeps things tender but not too cakey—you pick what you have on hand!
Baking Soda: Helps the bars rise just enough for a perfect, soft cookie-like texture.
Salt: Brings out all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
Mini Chocolate Chips: Scattered throughout for melty chocolate in every mouthful, plus a few extra on top to make things pretty.
Chopped Peanuts or Almonds (optional): Go for a little crunch if you’re feeling fancy—totally optional but highly recommended for nut lovers.

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 pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang for easy lifting later. This step saves you from sticky clean-up and makes removing the bars a breeze!

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, melted coconut oil or butter, large egg, and vanilla extract. You’re looking for a silky, nicely blended batter without any streaks of yolk or clumps of peanut butter. Savor that sweet nutty aroma—this is the foundation of your Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Granola Cookie Bars!

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Add the oats, your flour of choice, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Don’t overmix—you want the dough barely holding together, ensuring the final bars come out soft and chewy instead of tough.

Step 4: Fold in the Good Stuff

Now for the best part: Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips and those chopped peanuts or almonds if you’re adding them. This is where your Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Granola Cookie Bars start to look extra irresistible—every bit is loaded with goodies!

Step 5: Press and Top

Scoop the dough into your lined baking pan and press it down firmly and evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top for good measure—because who doesn’t love that melty chocolate layer?

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes. For softer bars, bake on the shorter end; for a little more chew and golden edges, let them go a minute or two more. When they’re golden around the edges and set in the center, they’re ready!

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan; it’s tough to wait, but this step guarantees clean slices and that chewy texture you crave. Lift them out using the parchment slings, then use a sharp knife to cut into 12 perfect bars. Enjoy the sight and smell—these Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Granola Cookie Bars are gorgeous and downright mouthwatering!

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Granola Cookie Bars

Garnishes

Dress your bars up with a simple sprinkle of flaky sea salt as soon as they come out of the oven. For a party-ready presentation, drizzle with melted chocolate or press extra chopped nuts on top while still warm. A little dusting of powdered sugar also gives a bakery-style finish that looks absolutely charming.

Side Dishes

Pair your Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Granola Cookie Bars with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or fresh-cut berries for a pretty and refreshing accompaniment. If you’re leaning more breakfast, serve alongside Greek yogurt for a protein-packed combo that feels totally indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the bars into mini squares for bite-size party treats, or layer them in a parchment-lined jar as a sweet edible gift. You could even crumble them on top of yogurt parfaits or blend into ice cream sundaes—unexpected, but nothing short of delightful!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Granola Cookie Bars airtight at room temperature for up to 4 days. Store them in a container with parchment between layers to prevent sticking, and they’ll stay wonderfully chewy and fresh!

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully! After slicing, layer them with wax paper in a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a treat, let them thaw on the counter or pop in the microwave for a quick snack.

Reheating

If you prefer them warm, zap a bar in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to revive that gooey, just-baked texture. Or, warm in a 300°F oven for a few minutes to get the chocolate chips perfectly melty again. Either method brings your Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Granola Cookie Bars back to peak deliciousness.

FAQs

Can I make these bars completely nut-free?

Absolutely! Swap out the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter, and leave out the chopped nuts. The Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Granola Cookie Bars will still taste amazing, with that lovely chewy texture.

Do I have to use mini chocolate chips?

Mini chips melt more evenly and distribute perfectly in every bite, but regular chocolate chips or chopped chocolate work in a pinch. If you want big pools of chocolate, go for the larger pieces!

Can I double the recipe?

You sure can—just use a 9×13-inch pan and keep an eye on the baking time. It might need a couple more minutes in the oven, but otherwise the process remains the same.

What’s the best way to cut the bars neatly?

For clean, pretty slices, let the bars cool completely in the pan first. Use a sharp knife and wipe it between cuts for smooth edges—no crumbs left behind.

Are Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Granola Cookie Bars good for breakfast?

Yes! Packed with wholesome oats, protein from peanut butter and egg, and just the right touch of sweetness, they make a fantastic on-the-go breakfast or power snack any time of day.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to fall in love with a snack that’s as easy as it is irresistible, you absolutely have to bake these Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Granola Cookie Bars. They’re here for every craving, every celebration, and every lunchbox. Grab your ingredients and enjoy the magic—trust me, you’ll want to make a second batch before the first one’s even gone!