Chewy Oatmeal Cookie Granola Bars Recipe

Picture this: a cozy Sunday morning, a cup of your favorite brew in hand, and the delightful aroma of homemade granola bars baking in the oven. Who knew that combining oats, honey, and a touch of cinnamon could create such a simple yet irresistible snack? Let me take you on a journey to crunchy, chewy bliss with my go-to recipe that’s packed with nuts, dried fruit, and a sprinkle of chocolate chip magic.

Rephrased Text:
I adore making recipes that strike a harmonious balance between taste and nutrition. And my granola bars?

They are the epitome of that. They have everything you want in a wholesome, portable, and satisfying treat.

They aren’t overly sweet, but just sweet enough, and the flavor spans a lovely, chewy-oatmeal-cookie spectrum. They’re kind of (but not quite) like Nature Valley bars in their sturdy-yet-chewy texture and in the way they inspire thoughts of sunlit, back-to-nature moments.

Chewy Oatmeal Cookie Granola Bars Recipe Ingredients

• Old-fashioned oats: Rich in fiber, providing a chewy texture and heartiness.
• Quick oats: Adds a softer texture, aiding in quicker cooking.
• Unsalted butter: Provides richness and moisture, enhancing flavor.
• Honey: Natural sweetener with antioxidants; offers sticky binding.
• Brown sugar: Deepens sweetness with molasses notes.
• Chopped nuts: Source of healthy fats and protein for crunch.
• Raisins: Natural sweetness and a chewy bite.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice that enhances flavor and aroma.

Chewy Oatmeal Cookie Granola Bars Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup quick oats
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts)
• 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries
• 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips

How to Make this Chewy Oatmeal Cookie Granola Bars Recipe

1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to warm up while you prepare the next steps. Grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and place parchment paper inside. That will make it much easier to get the brownie out after it’s baked!

2. In a big bowl, mix together the old-fashioned oats, quick oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Stir well to combine.

3. In another bowl, whip the warm butter, honey, brown sugar, and vanilla extract smooth and into a well-blended mixture.

4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients. Combine wet ingredients with dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until mixture becomes one. Form a ball with the mixture. The mixture forms a ball. The mixture sticks to itself and holds together.

5. Chop the nuts, and then measure out 12 to 16 nuts for each of the folded-in ingredients. You want something like 1/8 cup of chopped nuts of your choice so that the mixture has a nice crunch. When you add the cherries, roughly chop them if they’re not already in camarascope form. Then mix everything together in a large bowl.

6. Move the oat blend to the pan you’ve baked in, pressing it down very firmly and evenly with your hands or the back of a spatula.

7. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the edges begin to turn golden brown.

8. Take the granola bars out of the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

9. After they have cooled, use the parchment paper to lift the bars from the pan and cut them into individual bars with a sharp knife.

10. Keep the granola bars in a sealed container at room temperature. They’ll be good for a week. For longer storage, freeze them!

Chewy Oatmeal Cookie Granola Bars Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. 9×13 inch baking pan
3. Parchment paper
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Medium mixing bowl
6. Wire whisk
7. Spatula
8. Knife
9. Cutting board
10. Measuring cups
11. Measuring spoons
12. Wire rack

FAQ

• Q: Can I use only one type of oats?Yes, you can use only old-fashioned oats or quick oats, but using both gives the best texture.
• Q: Can I substitute the honey with another sweetener?Yes, using maple syrup or agave nectar in their place is an option. However, it could affect the flavor and consistency of the final product.
• Q: How do I make the bars gluten-free?A: Opt for an all-purpose flour that is gluten-free, and make sure the oats used are gluten-free as well.
• Q: Are there any nut-free alternatives?A: Instead of using chopped nuts, you can use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free option.
• Q: Can I skip the chocolate chips?A: Yes, the chocolate chips aren’t necessary and can be left out or replaced with additional dried fruit or nuts.
• Q: How long do these granola bars last?A: For up to one week, you can keep them at room temperature in an airtight container. For greater freshness and a longer lifespan, keep them in the refrigerator.
• Q: Can I freeze the bars?A: Yes, wrap each bar separately and freeze them for as long as 3 months. Defrost at room temperature before devouring.

Chewy Oatmeal Cookie Granola Bars Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Use the same measure of additional old-fashioned oats, not quick oats.
Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a much better-for-you ingredient.
Substitute honey with maple syrup for a sweet flavor that’s distinctly different.
Substitute coconut sugar for brown sugar, and you will enjoy a light hint of caramel flavor in this twist on a classic sugar cookie.
Instead of using raisins or dried cranberries, try dried cherries for a tart twist.

Pro Tips

1. Toast the Nuts: Before adding the chopped nuts to the mixture, lightly toast them in a dry pan over medium heat until they become fragrant. This enhances their flavor and adds an extra layer of nuttiness to your granola bars.