Homemade Granola Bars

 My son loves these granola bars (and the other kids do too).  We really like chocolate chips in ours.  This recipe has the ability to make the mix ins be what your family likes.  I got the recipe from Kitchen Stewardship. It has been a great use for the 20 lb bag of oats I bought at the beginning of COVID-19 shut down. 🤣

1 C butter, softened

1 C honey

4 1/2 C rolled oats

1 1/2 C whole wheat flour

1 t vanilla

1 t baking soda

Mix ins ideas (up to 2 C total):

• mini semi sweet chocolate chips (we only do 3/4 C at most)
• chopped nuts
• dried fruit
• sunflower seeds
• coconut

1. Preheat oven to 325 F. Lightly coat 9x13 pan with cooking spray or your choice of non-stick.

2. In mixer, cream together butter and honey.  

3. Add oats, flour, and baking soda. Mix until well combined

4. Stir in mix ins (by hand or on lowest setting of mixer).  

5. Press mixture hard into prepared pan. 

6. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden on the edges. 

7. Allow to cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting into bars.  Let it cool completely before removing from pan.  Store at room temperature or freeze. 

Note: For a melted chocolate topping, place 1/4 C chocolate chips on top of granola bars pressed into pan.  About 5-10 minutes into the baking time, spread the melting chocolate chips on the top with a spatula.