If you love the winning combination of chocolate and peanut butter but crave something a little heartier with a wholesome twist, these Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Granola Cookie Bars are about to become your new favorite treat. Each bar strikes the perfect balance: chewy, studded with melty chocolate, and packed with nutty peanut butter flavor, yet secretly better-for-you thanks to nourishing oats and just the right touch of sweetness. Whether you’re meal-prepping snacks for the week or seeking a comforting dessert, these bars check every box—plus, they only take about half an hour to make from start to finish!

Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Granola Cookie Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines because of its simple, pantry-friendly list of ingredients. Each component brings something special to the table, from irresistible peanut butter creaminess to the delightful bite of oats and chocolate chips. Here’s what you’ll need and why.

Creamy Peanut Butter: For a rich, nutty base that binds everything together and delivers classic flavor in every bite.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness with a subtle floral or caramel note; both choices keep the bars moist.
Coconut Oil (melted): Gives the bars tenderness and a hint of tropical aroma—just be sure it’s melted for easy blending.
Large Egg: Acts as the main binder to help hold your bars in perfect chewy squares.
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors with sweet warmth that complements both chocolate and peanut butter.
Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: The backbone of these granola cookie bars, adding a hearty texture and satisfying chew.
White Whole Wheat Flour or All-Purpose Flour: Adds structure; white whole wheat keeps things wholesome, while all-purpose gives classic softness.
Baking Soda: Lifts the bars slightly, preventing them from being too dense.
Salt: Just the right pinch to enhance all the sweet and nutty notes.
Mini Chocolate Chips: Scattered throughout for melty pools of chocolate with every bite.
Chopped Peanuts or Walnuts (optional): For extra crunch and nutty flavor—feel free to mix it up or leave these out for a smoother bar.

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 to ensure it’s ready to go when your batter is mixed. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting a couple inches hang over the sides for easy removal later. This step guarantees your Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Granola Cookie Bars will lift out beautifully, with no sticking and minimal cleanup!

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), melted coconut oil, egg, and vanilla extract. Make sure everything comes together into a smooth, glossy mixture—this is the flavorful, moisture-packed base that binds your bars and gives them that luxurious texture.

Step 3: Stir in Dry Ingredients

Add the rolled oats, flour (white whole wheat or all-purpose), baking soda, and salt to the bowl. Stir just until combined—overmixing can make the bars a little tough, so once the streaks of flour are gone, you’re good to move on!

Step 4: Fold in the Mix-Ins

Now comes the fun part: gently fold in the mini chocolate chips for that irresistible melty chocolate in every bite, and toss in the nuts if you’re using them. These extras make every Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Granola Cookie Bar bursting with texture and surprise.

Step 5: Press and Bake

Transfer the batter into your prepared pan and use a spatula or your hands to press it into an even layer right up to the edges. Pop the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center is just set—don’t overbake, as you want the bars to stay soft and chewy.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This is key for neat, bakery-worthy slices! Once cooled, grab the parchment edges to lift them out, then slice into perfect squares. Your Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Granola Cookie Bars are ready to serve!

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Granola Cookie Bars

Garnishes

While these bars are delicious straight from the pan, a finishing flourish can make them even more special. Try a light dusting of flaky sea salt on top for a gourmet vibe, or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate if you want to double down on chocolatey goodness. For extra eye appeal, press a few extra chocolate chips into the top right after baking!

Side Dishes

Pair a Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Granola Cookie Bar with a cold glass of milk for that nostalgic after-school-snack feel, or serve alongside Greek yogurt and fresh berries for a balanced breakfast or snack board. They also shine next to a hot cup of coffee or tea during a cozy afternoon break.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re sharing these for a party or potluck, cut the bars into hearts or fun shapes using cookie cutters. Stack them in a pretty tin for gifting, or layer parchment between bars to build an impressive homemade snack tower. For a grab-and-go treat, wrap individual bars in wax paper tied with colorful string.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Granola Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. They’ll stay soft and chewy, making them perfect for make-ahead snack prep or lunchbox treats. For ultimate freshness, make sure the bars are completely cooled before sealing.

Freezing

If you want to stock up, these bars freeze beautifully! Simply place the sliced bars in a freezer-safe container, layering parchment between each so they don’t stick. Freeze for up to three months, then thaw individual bars at room temperature when a craving strikes.

Reheating

For melty chocolate chips and that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, pop a bar into the microwave for about 10 seconds. Alternatively, wrap one in foil and warm it briefly in a low oven. This little step transforms your stored bars right back to just-baked bliss.

FAQs

Can I make these Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Granola Cookie Bars gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and make sure to use certified gluten-free oats. The texture will be just as lovely, with all the same flavor.

Is there a vegan option for this recipe?

Absolutely. Swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flax mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let it sit for 5 minutes), use maple syrup instead of honey, and check that your chocolate chips are dairy-free. The bars will come out deliciously chewy and plant-based.

What’s the best way to avoid the bars sticking to the pan?

Lining your pan with parchment paper is the secret to guaranteed easy removal. Make sure to leave a couple of inches hanging over the sides so you can lift the entire slab out before slicing.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes, doubling is easy! Use a 9×13-inch pan and add a few extra minutes to the baking time—start checking at 22 minutes and bake until the edges are golden and the center is set.

Are there other mix-ins I can try?

Definitely! Chopped dried fruit like cranberries or raisins, shredded coconut, or even a handful of sunflower seeds can all be stirred in for new flavor and texture twists. The base of these Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Granola Cookie Bars is super versatile.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to fall in love with a chewy, chocolate-laced treat that’s as satisfying as it is simple, these Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Granola Cookie Bars are a must-bake. Grab your pantry staples, invite some friends, and savor a batch fresh from the oven—you’ll be hooked after the very first bite!

Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Granola Cookie Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 12 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in these delectable Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Granola Cookie Bars that are perfect for a quick snack or a sweet treat. Packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavor, these bars are a delightful combination of chewy oats, creamy peanut butter, and rich chocolate chips.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookie Bars:

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup coconut oil (melted)
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup white whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
1/4 cup chopped peanuts or walnuts (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine peanut butter, honey, melted coconut oil, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Add Dry Ingredients: Mix in oats, flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined.
Fold in Mix-Ins: Gently fold in chocolate chips and chopped nuts if using.
Bake: Press mixture into pan and bake for 18–22 minutes until set.
Cool and Slice: Cool completely, then slice into bars.