Are you ready to indulge in a wholesome treat that’s both delicious and nutritious? Say hello to our Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie Granola Bars! These delightful bars are not just a snack; they're a perfect blend of chewy oats, creamy peanut butter, and rich chocolate chips that will satisfy your cravings without the guilt. Whether you're looking for a quick breakfast on the go, a post-workout refuel, or a sweet pick-me-up during your busy day, these granola bars are the answer. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a batch that will have everyone asking for seconds. Trust us, once you try these, you'll never reach for store-bought bars again!
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, brown sugar, and chopped nuts (if using), stirring to distribute ingredients evenly.
- In a separate microwave-safe bowl, combine peanut butter and honey. Microwave for 30-45 seconds, stirring until smooth and well-blended.
- Add vanilla extract to the warm peanut butter and honey mixture, stirring to incorporate thoroughly.
- Pour the liquid mixture over the dry ingredients, mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon until all oats are completely coated and mixture is uniform.
- Fold in chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan, pressing firmly and evenly with the back of a spatula or clean hands to create a compact layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until edges are golden brown and center is set.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour at room temperature.
- Using the overhanging parchment paper, lift the entire block of granola bars out of the pan and place on a cutting board.
- Cut into 10 even bars using a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for neat edges.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
Tips
- Customize Your Mix-Ins: Feel free to get creative with your granola bars! You can add dried fruits like cranberries or raisins, seeds like pumpkin or sunflower, or even swap out the chocolate chips for your favorite flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Parchment Paper: Lining your baking pan with parchment paper not only makes for easy removal but also helps in keeping the bars intact when cutting.
- Press Firmly: When transferring the mixture to the baking pan, make sure to press it down firmly. This ensures that the bars hold together well after baking.
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on your bars as they bake. If they start to brown too quickly, you can cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting. This helps them set properly and makes for cleaner cuts.
- Storage Tips: For optimal freshness, store your granola bars in an airtight container. If you want them to last longer, consider refrigerating them to extend their shelf life.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 0mg
