If you’re craving a snack that’s indulgently crunchy, satisfyingly sweet, and just a little bit nostalgic, this Peanut Butter Granola with Chocolate Chips Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine the warm, comforting aroma of toasted oats mingling with creamy peanut butter, sweet honey, and a hint of cinnamon, all finished off with little bursts of rich dark chocolate chips. This recipe hits every note perfectly, making it an ideal treat whether you’re fueling your morning, craving an afternoon pick-me-up, or just need something to snack on while binge-watching your favorite show. Trust me, once you make this, it will become a staple in your pantry and a joy to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the key to making this Peanut Butter Granola with Chocolate Chips Recipe shine. Each component has a job to enhance texture, flavor, or color, creating that perfect harmony you’ll love from the very first bite.
- 4 cups small flake rolled oats: The base that gives granola its iconic crunchy yet chewy texture.
- 1 cup shredded coconut: Adds a subtle tropical sweetness and extra chewiness to the mix.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Provides a warm spice note that makes the granola irresistible.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter: Brings rich, nutty creaminess that binds the granola clusters together.
- ½ cup runny honey: Natural sweetness that also helps the granola clump into satisfying bites.
- 2 tablespoons oil: Keeps everything moist and helps with that perfect toasty finish.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Adds depth and a sweet fragrance that complements the peanut butter.
- ½ cup mini dark chocolate chips: The magical finishing touch for bursts of bittersweet chocolate throughout.
How to Make Peanut Butter Granola with Chocolate Chips Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Oats
First things first, preheat your oven to 320 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread the oats evenly on a rimmed baking sheet and toast them for 10 minutes. This step is crucial as it unlocks the nutty flavor of the oats and gives your granola that crisp, golden-brown foundation.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
While your oats are getting that perfect toast, whisk together the shredded coconut, cinnamon, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Once the oats are ready and cooled just a bit, add them to the bowl and toss everything gently to combine. This blend is where the aromatic spices start their magic.
Step 3: Warm the Wet Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, combine the creamy peanut butter, runny honey, oil, and vanilla extract. Warm the mixture over medium-low heat just until everything is melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat—if it starts to seize or get lumpy, it won’t mix evenly into the oats.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour your warm peanut butter mixture into the dry ingredients and stir thoroughly to coat everything evenly. If you notice the mixture looks a bit too dry because the oats have soaked up a lot of liquid, feel free to add another tablespoon of oil to reach that perfect sticky texture that forms clusters.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Divide the granola batter evenly over two lined and rimmed baking sheets, spreading it out nicely. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the granola turns a lovely golden brown. Keep a close eye during baking to prevent burning, and give the trays a little shake or stir halfway for even toasting if you like.
Step 6: Add the Chocolate Chips
Once your granola is straight from the oven, sprinkle those mini dark chocolate chips right on top. Resist the urge to stir! Let the granola cool completely so the chocolate chips harden and create those delightful pockets of chocolate that make this recipe extra special.
Step 7: Store Your Granola
When your Peanut Butter Granola with Chocolate Chips Recipe has cooled, break it into clusters of your preferred size. Store it in an airtight container to keep all the layers of flavor fresh and crunchy for up to a week.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Granola with Chocolate Chips Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh berries or a dollop of Greek yogurt on top pairs beautifully with this granola. For a fun twist, dust with a little cinnamon or a few extra mini chocolate chips to elevate the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This granola shines served alongside a smoothie bowl or a creamy vanilla milkshake, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors. You can also enjoy it with sliced bananas or fresh apples for a wholesome snack combo.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering your granola in a mason jar with yogurt and fruit for a pretty parfait, or mix it into homemade ice cream for crunch and sweetness. It’s also fantastic sprinkled over pancakes or waffles to add texture and a peanut buttery kick.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover granola keeps wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Make sure it’s completely cooled before storing to maintain its crispness and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Peanut Butter Granola with Chocolate Chips Recipe fresh for longer, freezing is a great option. Store it in a freezer-safe airtight container or ziplock bag, and it will stay good for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
While granola is delicious straight from the container, you can lightly toast it in a warm oven or on the stovetop for a few minutes to refresh the crunch and warm up the peanut butter flavors. Avoid microwaving as it can make the oats chewy rather than crisp.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter?
Absolutely! Natural peanut butter works well but may require a bit more stirring during warming as the oils tend to separate. Just ensure it’s smooth before mixing with the dry ingredients.
Is it possible to make this recipe nut-free?
You can substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter to keep the rich, creamy binding without the nuts, making it safe for those with allergies.
What’s the best kind of oats to use for this granola?
Small flake rolled oats are perfect because they toast evenly and hold their shape nicely. Avoid instant oats as they may turn mushy during baking.
Can I add other mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit?
Definitely! Chopped nuts, seeds, or dried fruit are excellent additions. Just add dried ingredients after baking to avoid burning or unwanted texture changes.
How do I prevent the granola from burning in the oven?
Keeping an eye on it is key. Bake at a moderate temperature like 320°F and stir or rotate the pans halfway through baking. Removing it as soon as it turns golden brown will keep it perfectly toasted without bitterness.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Granola with Chocolate Chips Recipe is truly a delightful treat that’s simple enough for a weekday snack but special enough to impress anyone you share it with. Each crunchy cluster packed with creamy peanut butter and bursts of chocolate brings comfort and joy in every mouthful. I can’t wait for you to make it and experience just how easily this recipe becomes a cherished favorite in your kitchen.
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Peanut Butter Granola with Chocolate Chips Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings (¼ cup each)
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Peanut Butter Granola with Chocolate Chips is a deliciously crunchy and slightly sweet snack perfect for breakfast or an anytime treat. Toasted oats and shredded coconut are combined with a warm mixture of peanut butter, honey, oil, and vanilla, then baked to golden perfection and finished with mini dark chocolate chips for a touch of indulgence.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups small flake rolled oats
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup runny honey
- 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or canola recommended)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Additional
- ½ cup mini dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Toast the oats: Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C). Spread the rolled oats evenly on a rimmed baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 10 minutes to bring out their nutty flavor.
- Mix the dry ingredients: While the oats are toasting, combine shredded coconut, ground cinnamon, and salt in a large mixing bowl. When the oats are toasted, add them to the bowl and gently mix everything together.
- Warm the wet ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the creamy peanut butter, honey, oil, and vanilla extract. Warm the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, making sure not to overheat to prevent the mixture from seizing or becoming lumpy.
- Combine wet and dry: Pour the warmed peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir everything thoroughly until all the oats and coconut are coated. If the mixture seems dry and the oats soak up too much liquid, add another tablespoon of oil to achieve the desired consistency.
- Bake: Line two rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper. Spread the granola mixture evenly on the sheets and bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Check regularly to avoid burning, and rotate sheets if needed.
- Add the chocolate: Immediately after baking, sprinkle the mini dark chocolate chips evenly over the hot granola without stirring. Let the granola cool completely so the chocolate hardens and sets on top.
- Store: Once cooled, break the granola into clusters of your preferred size. Store them in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain freshness and crunch.
Notes
- Use runny honey for easy mixing; if your honey is too thick, warm it slightly.
- To make clusters, press the granola mixture lightly with a spatula before baking but avoid compressing too much to keep it crunchy.
- You can substitute the oil with melted coconut oil for a subtle coconut flavor.
- If you prefer, swap dark chocolate chips for semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips.
- For gluten-free granola, ensure that the oats are certified gluten-free.
