Delicious cookie flavor without turning on the oven. These Chewy Oatmeal Cookie Granola Bars are simple to make, contain no refined sugars and are completely guilt-free!
Last week brought unseasonably warm weather — bright sun and humid, summer-like heat in early spring when I usually expect snow and cozy sweaters. I loved it, but it also reminded me that shorts season is coming and winter indulgences mean it’s time to make healthier choices.
That’s where these Chewy Oatmeal Cookie Granola Bars come in.
They capture the soft, cinnamon-and-vanilla flavor of oatmeal raisin cookies in a gluten-free, dairy-free, no-refined-sugar, optionally vegan, no-bake bar. They’re versatile, wholesome and perfect for breakfast or a satisfying snack.
What I love most is how easy they are to make. The ingredients are straightforward and require very little prep. Start by combining oats, oat flour, shredded coconut, raisins and cinnamon in a large bowl. If you don’t have oat flour on hand, you can make it quickly by pulsing rolled oats in a blender or food processor for about 30 seconds — instant oat flour without an extra trip to the store.
Next, melt almond butter, coconut oil and honey (or agave for a vegan option) in a microwave-safe bowl. Peanut butter can be used instead of almond butter, but it has a stronger flavor that can overpower the cinnamon and vanilla. If you choose peanut butter, the bars will taste more peanut-forward, which is still delicious but slightly different from an oatmeal-raisin profile.
Stir vanilla into the warmed nut-butter mixture, then combine it with the dry ingredients until everything is evenly coated. Press the mixture firmly into a lined 8×8-inch pan so the layer is compact and uniform. Chill in the freezer for about 30 minutes to set, then slice into bars.
The result is chewy, cookie-flavored granola bars you can feel good about eating — great for breakfast, a post-workout snack or an afternoon pick-me-up. They store well at room temperature in an airtight container, making them convenient for busy days.
Chewy Oatmeal Cookie Granola Bars
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Ingredients
- 1 and 1/2 cups oats
- 1/2 cups ground oats
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/3 cup honey or agave
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
Instructions
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Line an 8×8-inch square pan with parchment or wax paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
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In a large bowl, combine the oats, ground oats, shredded coconut, raisins and cinnamon. Set aside.
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In a medium microwave-safe bowl, warm the almond butter (or peanut butter), honey or agave, and coconut oil for about 1 minute. Stir until smooth, then mix in the vanilla. Pour this mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until the oats are evenly coated.
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Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan, pressing it firmly and evenly into the bottom so the layer is compact. Place the pan in the freezer for 30 minutes to set.
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Remove from the freezer and cut into bars with a sharp knife. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Nutrition
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