Print

Chewy Homemade Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

chewy homemade chocolate chip granola bars - featured image
Print Recipe

These chewy homemade chocolate chip granola bars are easy to make, perfect for snacks, and loved by kids and adults alike. They offer a satisfying chewy texture with melty chocolate chips and simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (180g)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (65g) (can substitute with almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed (70g)
  • 1/4 cup honey (85g) (use maple syrup for vegan option)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (56g)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips (135g) (recommend Ghirardelli or Enjoy Life)
  • Optional mix-ins: chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans), dried fruit (raisins, cranberries)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal. (5 minutes)
  2. Toast the oats: Spread the oats on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway through until light golden and aromatic. (10 minutes)
  3. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the toasted oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Stir until evenly mixed. (3 minutes)
  4. Melt wet ingredients: In a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan, melt the butter with honey until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract. (3 minutes)
  5. Combine wet and dry: Pour the honey-butter mixture over the oat mixture. Stir quickly but thoroughly until everything is coated and sticky. (3 minutes)
  6. Add chocolate chips: Let the mixture cool for a minute or two, then fold in the mini chocolate chips evenly. (2 minutes)
  7. Press mixture into pan: Transfer everything to your prepared pan. Use a spatula or lightly greased hands to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan. Pack it down tightly. (5 minutes)
  8. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, until edges are golden brown but center is still slightly soft. (15-18 minutes)
  9. Cool completely: Remove from oven and set on a wire rack. Let the bars cool fully in the pan (about 1 hour) before lifting out using the parchment paper overhang. (60 minutes)
  10. Slice and enjoy: Use a sharp knife to cut into bars or squares. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. (2 minutes)

Notes

Toast oats for deeper flavor and nuttiness. Use parchment paper with overhang for easy removal. Press mixture firmly before baking to prevent crumbling. Watch baking time closely to keep bars chewy, not crunchy. Refrigerate bars for 15 minutes before slicing if they crumble.

Nutrition

Keywords: granola bars, chocolate chip, chewy granola bars, homemade snacks, easy granola bars, healthy snacks, lunchbox snacks

Find it online: https://oracooks.com/chewy-homemade-chocolate-chip-granola-bars-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-snacks/