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Chewy Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

brown butter chocolate chip granola bars - featured image

These chewy granola bars feature a rich, toasty brown butter flavor combined with melty chocolate chips, offering a homemade snack that’s indulgent yet simple and perfect for on-the-go.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (about 180g)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (113g), browned
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (100g)
  • 1/4 cup honey (85g)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips (135g)
  • 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans or walnuts (optional, 75g)

Instructions

  1. Brown the butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir constantly as it foams, then turns golden brown with small browned bits forming at the bottom, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for 3-4 minutes.
  2. Mix wet ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled brown butter with brown sugar and honey. Stir until sugar dissolves somewhat and mixture looks smooth. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
  3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl or directly, stir together oats, baking soda, salt, and nuts if using (toasted for extra flavor).
  4. Bring it all together: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated and sticky but not soupy.
  5. Add chocolate chips: Fold in the mini chocolate chips gently, avoiding melting them in the warm mixture.
  6. Press into pan: Line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang. Transfer the mixture and press firmly and evenly into the pan using a spatula or lightly greased hands.
  7. Chill and set: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until bars are firm. For quicker setting, freeze for 45 minutes then let sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before slicing.
  8. Slice and serve: Cut into 12 bars using a sharp knife. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Notes

Use medium heat and stir constantly when browning butter to avoid burning. Press mixture firmly into pan to prevent crumbling. Mini chocolate chips distribute better than regular size. For gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats. For dairy-free, substitute butter with browned coconut oil and honey with maple syrup for vegan version. Bars can be frozen up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown butter, granola bars, chocolate chip, chewy snack, homemade snack, easy recipe, no bake, healthy snack