Another great lunch box idea is homemade granola bars. This is a just as simple as making rice krispie treats and made in one pot!
Refreshing mint flavor mixed with the chewy oats and chocolate crisp of the cereal, these are a wholesome snack packed with fiber! Best part, you add what you like!
If you are not a fan of the mint, leave it out. Since when is peanut butter chocolate chip granola bars a bad idea? Don’t make a gross face, you can’t even taste the nut butter when mint is heavily added, WIN!
You will want to leave out on the counter to maintain the chewiness, however, you can freeze or refrigerate them just be sure to thaw completely!
A couple of tips:
- Use a wooden spoon. Spray with non-stick spray, you will thank me when everything doesn’t stick!
- Use a folding technique so we don’t crunch all the cereal. I do use cocoa krispies, you can use regular.
This recipe calls for chilled chocolate chips this way the heat won’t melt them all! I use half in mixture and then the other half I gently press down into the top.
Add in your favorite candies or dried fruit (if not using mint). These are a great way to get kids into the kitchen. BIT kids, too;)
Mint Chocolate Chip Granola Bars
Ingredients
- 1/2 brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup nut butter*
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6-9 drop mint extract**
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional)
- 2 cup Cocoa Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
- 1/2 Chilled chocolate chips
Directions
- Line a 9×9 baking pan with parchment. Set aside.
- In a medium sauce pan, melt brown sugar and honey over medium heat just until boiling point. Stir frequently.
- Remove from heat, stir in nut butter, vanilla extract, and mint.
- Fold in coconut then krispies and oats.
- Add half of the chilled chocolate chips.
- Press mixture into one even layer into pan. Sprinkle rest of chips then gently press them down.
- Let cool completely. About 1 hour. Cut and store in air tight container.
- You can leave on counter for 1 week. Place in fridge or freezer. You will need to let sit for 1 hour if chilled before you take a bite. Great for lunch boxes!
*Nut butter means anything peanut butter, almond butter, etc. Even Nutella!
**You can omit the mint completely. Don’t worry about the nut butter and mint together. The mint will over powder the nutty flavor. I add about 9 or 10 drops.
