Healthy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie Bars
There’s something incredibly comforting about cookie bars, especially when they’re packed with wholesome ingredients like peanut butter and oats. These Healthy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie Bars are not only easy to make but also satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising on nutrition. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert, this recipe features simple ingredients that combine seamlessly for a chewy, delicious treat. Plus, they come together in just one bowl, making clean-up a breeze!
Why It’s My Go-To
These Healthy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie Bars have become a staple in my kitchen for many reasons. First, they are incredibly versatile—feel free to customize them with your favorite mix-ins like dried fruits or nuts. Secondly, they’re a fantastic way to sneak in some energy-boosting oats and protein-rich peanut butter into your diet. And let’s not forget about the chocolate chips! Who can resist a little chocolatey goodness? Whether you’re fueling up for a busy day or enjoying a little afternoon treat, these bars hit the spot.
Ingredient Checklist
- 2 eggs: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
- 1 cup peanut butter: Adds creaminess and rich flavor.
- ¾ cup pure maple syrup: Naturally sweetens the bars.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional): Enhances flavor.
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats: Provides texture and heartiness.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the bars rise.
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional): Adds warmth and spice.
- ½ tsp sea salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
- 1 cup chocolate chips (optional): For a delicious chocolatey touch.
What’s in the Gear List
- Mixing bowl: For combining all the ingredients.
- Spatula: To mix and spread the batter evenly.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To accurately measure ingredients.
- Baking dish (9×9 inches): Where the cookie bars will bake.
- Parchment paper: For easy removal of bars from the baking dish.
Healthy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie Bars Made Stepwise
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later. Lightly grease the parchment with a bit of cooking spray or coconut oil.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 eggs, 1 cup of peanut butter, ¾ cup of pure maple syrup, and 1 tsp of vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
To the wet mixture, add 1 ½ cups of rolled oats, 1 tsp of baking soda, ½ tsp of ground cinnamon, and ½ tsp of sea salt. Stir until everything is just combined. If you’re using chocolate chips, fold them into the mixture now.
Step 5: Spread the Mixture
Pour the cookie bar mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, making sure it reaches all corners of the dish.
Step 6: Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the dish and place them on a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, slice into squares or rectangles.
Warm & Cool Weather Spins
- Warm Weather: Add chopped fresh fruits like bananas or strawberries for a refreshing twist.
- Cool Weather: Mix in dried fruits such as cranberries or apricots for a cozy, chewy texture.
- Seasonal Variations: In fall, add pumpkin puree and spices for a pumpkin spice version.
- Nut Butter Swap: Substitute peanut butter with almond or cashew butter for a different flavor profile.
Cook’s Notes
These Healthy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie Bars are incredibly forgiving. You can easily adjust the sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup based on your preference. If you want a nuttier flavor, try using crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy. For additional texture, consider adding chopped nuts or seeds.
- Make sure to use rolled oats, as quick oats may not provide the same chewy texture.
- The bars can be made vegan by substituting eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg).
- Feel free to experiment with spices; nutmeg or ginger can provide a delightful twist!
Storage & Reheat Guide
Store your Healthy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or enjoy them cold straight from the fridge!
FAQ
Can I use a different sweetener instead of maple syrup?
Yes! You can substitute honey, agave nectar, or coconut sugar if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the flavor might change slightly.
Are these bars gluten-free?
Yes, if you use certified gluten-free oats, these Healthy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie Bars can be gluten-free.
Can I make these bars nut-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or a soy nut butter to make them nut-free.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Try adding a handful of shredded coconut, a sprinkle of chia seeds, or even some cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist!
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Ready to Cook?
With just a handful of ingredients and a simple process, these Healthy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie Bars are a must-try! They’re perfect for any occasion and can be easily tailored to fit your taste preferences. I hope you enjoy baking these as much as I do. Get ready to indulge in a delicious treat that’s both satisfying and nourishing!
Healthy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars bake evenly.
- Line a 9x9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later. Lightly grease the parchment with a bit of cooking spray or coconut oil.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 eggs, 1 cup of peanut butter, ¾ cup of pure maple syrup, and 1 tsp of vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- To the wet mixture, add 1 ½ cups of rolled oats, 1 tsp of baking soda, ½ tsp of ground cinnamon, and ½ tsp of sea salt. Stir until everything is just combined. If you’re using chocolate chips, fold them into the mixture now.
- Pour the cookie bar mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, making sure it reaches all corners of the dish.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the dish and place them on a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, slice into squares or rectangles.
Notes
- Make sure to use rolled oats, as quick oats may not provide the same chewy texture.
- The bars can be made vegan by substituting eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg).
- Feel free to experiment with spices; nutmeg or ginger can provide a delightful twist!
