So, I have never been a fan of oatmeal, it’s always been a little mushy-mushy for me. However, these days, I’ve been eating it a lot lately because I know oats are super good for you and it’s a hot, easy breakfast to make on these chilly Michigan mornings. Since I’ve been forcing myself to embrace oatmeal, I usually have it with a little maple syrup and maybe a few pecans or walnuts mixed in, for a bit of sweetness and texture. The other day, though, I was out of my usual mix-ins and opted for a spoonful of peanut butter…and it was so good! So, it got me thinking that peanut butter might just be a great addition to my favorite granola.
And, surprise, it totes was.
I mean, you can’t really go wrong with nutty, creamy peanut butter, crunchy oats, and little chocolate chips. Can you? I don’t think so.
[recipe]
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Granola
I use both honey and maple in this recipe, though you could use just one sweetener if you like. The coconut oil can be subbed for olive oil, if you prefer. Also, chia seeds can be substituted with flax and the mini chips can be replace with whatever chip or chopped bar you like.
3 1/2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
2 tablespoons chia seeds
scant 1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/3 cup coconut oil
1 cup mini chocolate chips
Preheat your oven to 325˚F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
Pour the oats, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon into a bowl.
On the stovetop in a saucepan heat the maple syrup, honey, peanut butter and coconut oil until the peanut butter and oil are melted and the mixture is nicely combined. Pour the peanut butter mixture into the oat mixture and stir to coat evenly. Scrape the mixture onto the baking sheet and spread in an even layer. Bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring every 10-15 minutes so the peanut butter does not burn, until golden and crisp. Remove from the oven and cool completely before mixing in the mini chocolate chips. Store in an airtight container for well over a week. [/recipe]
Laura (Blogging Over Thyme)
This granola looks perfect! I’ve never been a huge granola person either–sort of one of those take it or leave it type things for me. But with peanut butter and chocolate chips?!? Hand it over!
cindy
Yes! thanks, Laura!
Nicole
I’ve always wanted to try peanut butter in my granola and mini chocolate chips are always a great option. Looks so good! I really love that pretty milk bottle, too 🙂
cindy
I bet you’d love it! thanks, Nicole!
Maggie @ A Bitchin' Kitchen
This looks soooo much better than the storebought granola I typically chow down on. Can’t go wrong with the PB+chocolate combo!
cindy
it’s always a win! thanks, Maggie.
Erika
I can totes get down with some pb coco chip granola action.. Love it!
cindy
thanks, girl!
Adrianna from A Cozy Kitchen
This granola looks bomb. I love cereal in the morning and homemade granola is my favorite thing to eat because it’s less sweet than store bought. And only recently have I become open to eating mushy oatmeal!
cindy
yes! I like sweet but not TOO sweet. I think we’re growing up and embracing the mushy oatmeal.
Billy
I looooove peanut butter in my oatmeal! Also if you put a couple drops of coconut extract in there it tastes just like a hostess crumb donut. Oatmeal hacks! I need to try this business ASAP because I’m about due for a good granola.
cindy
UM…I’mma try that coconut extract trick!
Amanda @ Once Upon a Recipe
Yet another fantastic granola recipe for me to try! This girl cannot get enough granola.
cindy
Never enough variations!
Amy | Club Narwhal
Cindy, I am SO on board with this whole entire thing! Though, I’m totally that person who would dump a cup of dark chocolate chunks into this granola and call it a healthy breakfast 🙂 Love those itty bitty chips–so much more controlled than my impulse.
cindy
oh, I definitely considered it!
Abby@TheFrostedVegan
I was just contemplating giving granola as a homemade Christmas gift this year, and I think I found the winner! : )
cindy
this would be perfect for gifting, Abby! I actually send a jar to a friend today.
Lauren @ Climbing Grier Mountain
I totally feel ya! It took me forever to get on the oatmeal for breakfast band wagon. If I could eat chorizo and eggs every morning I would be a happy girl. But I’m thinking this peanut butter and chocolate chip granola will keep me from jumping off.
cindy
yes! chorizo and eggs are the perfect breakfast…but, I guess granola will do.
Averie @ Averie Cooks
Great looking granola & you can’t go wrong with PB!
cindy
PB love!!
Dixya @ Food, Pleasure, and Health
recipe – pinned. I love different options you have provided for oil and sweeteners.
cindy
thanks! I love an option or two.
Teri
I love that your granola has coconut oil incorporated in it. I can’t wait to make this for my daughter.
cindy
thank you, Teri! I love to use coconut oil for granola.
Rachel @ Bakerita
Mmm I love granola, I love peanut butter, and I love chocolate. Perfection! I’m majorly tempted to use my dark chocolate peanut butter for this…heavenly.
cindy
that would be AMAZING!
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar
I LOVE this! Totally want this asap!
cindy
Thanks Katrina!
Ana Fernandez
When you hear peanut butter and chocolate in the same sentence you know your granola is going to be great. Love your recipe!
cindy
it’s always a good idea…thanks, Ana!
Tieghan
I kind of know what you mean. I have always liked granola and oatmeal, but pancakes, fried eggs, chorizo hashes, crepes and waffles always win!! But chocolate and peanut together sound like an awesome breakfast and probably a little healthier too, but there is still chocolate! YES!
cindy
I love chorizo and eggs for breakfast…but it’s totally not the best for everyday…dang!
Sarah | The Sugar Hit
You peanut butter cup’d granola. And for that I tip my cap to you, madam.
cindy
why, thank you miss!
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl
I have never been able to quite make homemade granola come out perfect so I’m very jealous on how yours looks!
cindy
I think it might be my obsessive stirring. Thanks!!
Elizabeth @ SugarHero.com
No, you definitely can’t go wrong with peanut butter and chocolate chips! Breakfast of champions, this is!
cindy
TRUTH! Thanks, Elizabeth!
Laura Dembowski
I eat oatmeal or granola pretty much everyday. Peanut butter definitely makes oatmeal better and I bet it is awesome in granola!
cindy
Thanks, Laura!
Kasey
Are we on the same wavelength or what? Oats + peanut butter = deliciousness. This granola is 100% getting added to my playbook.
cindy
We ARE! Great minds 😉