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If you love snacks that bring together the irresistible duo of peanut butter and chocolate with a satisfying crunch, then you are in for a treat with the Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Granola Cookie Bars Recipe. These bars deliver the perfect balance of chewy oats, nutty peanut butter, sweet honey, and melty chocolate chips, creating an energizing and delicious snack that feels like a little bite of homemade happiness. Whether you want something to pack for a hike, a quick breakfast on the go, or an anytime treat, these bars are a simple, wholesome delight that everyone will rave about.

Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Granola Cookie Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is all you need to whip up these bars, and each one brings its own magic. From the hearty oats that give texture and heartiness, to the luscious peanut butter that adds richness and depth, every bite is packed with delicious layers.

Rolled oats (1 ½ cups): Provides a chewy, wholesome base, perfect for structure and fiber.
Peanut butter (½ cup, unsweetened): Adds creaminess and savory depth without excess sweetness.
Honey or maple syrup (¼ cup): Acts as a natural sweetener to balance the flavors.
Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle warmth.
Cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Brings a gentle spiced note that harmonizes with peanut butter.
Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Helps with lightness and a slight rise during baking.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Boosts and balances the sweetness and nuttiness.
Granola (½ cup): Adds extra crunch and texture with a hint of sweetness.
Chocolate chips (½ cup): The star of the show, melting into pockets of pure joy in every bite.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Granola Cookie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your bars won’t stick and will come out cleanly, making slicing and serving a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and granola. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps evenly distribute the flavors and textures, laying the perfect foundation for your bars.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, stir together the peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract until perfectly smooth. This blend adds the creamy, sweet, and aromatic component essential to the bars’ moist texture.

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Pour your smooth wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and fold gently until everything is well coated. This is when the oats soak up the peanut butter goodness, creating that chewy yet tender crumb.

Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Gently incorporate the chocolate chips into the batter, making sure they’re evenly distributed so every bite is dotted with delicious melty chocolate surprises.

Step 6: Press and Bake

Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish, pressing it down firmly and evenly with a spatula or clean hands. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until the edges turn golden and the center is set but not dry.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting out with the parchment paper to slice into nine squares. Cooling ensures they hold together perfectly and deliver that satisfying chew with every bite.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Granola Cookie Bars Recipe

Garnishes

While these bars are delightful on their own, adding a sprinkling of flaky sea salt or a few extra chocolate chips on top right after baking adds an extra layer of gourmet flair. Fresh berries or a light drizzle of melted peanut butter can bring freshness and richness to the plate.

Side Dishes

Pair these bars with a chilled glass of milk or your favorite dairy-free alternative for a comforting snack. They also make a perfect partner to a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon pick-me-up, or alongside a bowl of fresh fruit to mix sweet, crunchy, and fruity elements.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, arrange these bars on a rustic wooden board with bowls of chopped nuts, extra chocolate chips, and nut butter for guests to customize their bites. Wrapping individual bars in parchment and tying with twine makes for an irresistible homemade gift or lunchbox treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps their chewy texture intact and the flavors fresh, making them ultra-convenient for grab-and-go snacking.

Freezing

Want to keep these bars even longer? Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze beautifully for up to two months without losing their wonderful texture or flavor.

Reheating

To enjoy a warm, gooey bar, simply microwave your frozen or refrigerated bar for 15 to 20 seconds. This melts the chocolate chips back to their irresistible, molten state and revives the soft, chewy texture perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add an extra layer of texture and nutty bites inside the bars, making them even more interesting to eat.

Is it possible to substitute the honey or maple syrup?

Yes, you can try agave nectar or date syrup, but keep in mind that the flavor profile and sweetness might vary slightly. These bars rely on a bit of natural sweetness to balance the peanut butter and oats.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Definitely! Just be sure to use certified gluten-free rolled oats and granola to keep the bars safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

How can I make these bars nut-free?

If peanut butter is off-limits, try substituting sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter. These alternatives maintain a creamy texture and keep the snack just as delicious.

What’s the best way to cut the bars without them crumbling?

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing. Using a sharp knife, gently score first and then cut through with clean strokes to keep the bars intact and neat.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try this Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Granola Cookie Bars Recipe, it’s going to become your go-to snack for every occasion—easy to make, packed with wholesome goodness, and downright addictive. Whether you’re sharing with family, packing for a trip, or simply craving that perfect balance of sweet and nutty, these bars deliver every time. So, roll up your sleeves, get baking, and enjoy these little squares of joy—you deserve it!

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