Hi Everyone,
Wow, Sunday already, where did the time go? Can you believe that some kids are back to school and others will be starting soon? Summer just goes way to quick. Speaking of school, today on #SundaySupper we had to create a dish that you can pack for lunch or take a meal to go. I was debating what to make for this one, since my Husband and I take lunch everyday, but our lunches are pretty boring. Mine is a typical salad with a piece of fruit. My Husband is a salami sandwich with cheese. He eats the same sandwich everyday, for years. How boring is that? Anyway, I decide on making healthy, good for you Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Granola Cookies. Let me tell you, this recipe did not come easy.
Let me explain how these cookies came about. I received an e-mail from Cooking Light that were these beautiful granola wedges. After this e-mail sat in my in box for two months I decided to make them. I read the reviews and people said they tasted good but stuck to the pan. So with that in mind I sprayed a ton of cooking spray in my pie dish. Made the granola wedges,with a few modifications, you know I had to healthify it and you know what, they didn’t stick. When I let them cool, they were super soft. I decided to put them in the refrigerator to harden up a bit and the next morning I was putting them in my Husbands lunch and they stuck like crazy to the pan. I ended up giving my Husband granola bits. He said they tasted great but it was a bag of crumbs. I know! So I tried to make them again in cookie form and they fell flat. I posted the picture on Instagram. I decided to change the whole recipe and finally it worked and that is how I came up with Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Granola Cookies. I guess the third times a charm. Here’s a picture of the granola wedges I made.
These granola cookies are perfect for lunches, snacks and fans of peanut butter and chocolate. Ummm, who isn’t a fan of peanut butter and chocolate? These cookies taste like peanut butter granola bars but in cookie form. They are healthy, made with natural sugar, vegan and even gluten-free. They are the perfect snack and the cookies are a nice fat size.
They are so easy to make, just one bowl does it all. To cut out the fat out of the cookies, I used applesauce instead of butter. I also used maple syrup and stevia to sweetened up the cookies, after all a cookie needs to be sweet otherwise it is boring. For some crunch I added some honey roasted peanuts. I just love these cookies.
- ½ cup apple sauce, unsweetened
- ¼ cup peanut butter
- 2 tbsp. maple syrup
- 1 tsp. stevia (2 pkts)
- ½ tsp. vanilla extract
- ½ tsp. salt
- 2 tbsp. almondflour
- 1 cup old fashion oats(I used gluten free)
- 2 tbsp. honey roasted peanuts, chopped small
- ¼ cup mini semisweet chocolate chips
- Preheat oven to 350°
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
- In a medium bowl; add applesauce, peanut butter, maple syrup, stevia, vanilla extract, and salt; mix well. Stir in almond flour, oats, peanuts and chocolate chips; mix until everything is incorporated.
- The batter will be wet, with a cookie scoop, scoop a heaping 2 tablespoon size of batter onto prepared cookie sheet. Since the cookies won't rise you can place them close together, about an inch apart.
- Bake for 10 - 13 minutes until the cookies are slightly golden. Let them slightly harden on cookie sheet and place on a cookie rack to cool.
I am really happy that these cookies turned out and I am glad I didn’t give up on making them.
You have to be sure to check out the #SundaySupper groups recipes, especially if you’re looking for ideas for lunch. I’m always looking for new ideas.
Have a great rest of the weekend!
Toodles,
Jennifer
Here is what the gang is packing up in their brown bags. These recipes will be posted on Sunday:
Sandwiches, Wraps and Entrees:
- Baked Ham and Cheese Rolls from Big Bear’s Wife
- Balsamic Butter Beans with Smoked Sausage and Spinach from Eat, Move, Shine
- British Bento Lunch Box from Ninja Baking
- Carrot Cake and Zucchini Bread “Sushi” from Cupcakes & Kale Chips
- Greek-style Spinach Hand Pies from Kimchi MOM
- Homemade Uncrustables from Treats & Trinkets
- Indian Spiced Chicken Meatball Wraps from Soni’s Food
- Madam Wong’s Pizza Rolls from Food Lust People Love
- Malibu Chicken Tortilla Pinwheels from Home Cooking Memories
- Peanut Butter & Jelly Rolls from Killer Bunnies, Inc
- Pizzadillas from La Cocina de Leslie
- Popcorn Chicken Bento from The Urban Mrs
- Potato Mushroom and Cheese Focaccia from Family Foodie
- Sausage Roll Ups from The Food Army Wife
- Scotch Eggs from My Cute Bride
- Stawberry and Chicken Pasta Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette from Table for Seven
- Turkey, Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomato Wraps from La Bella Vita Cucina
Munchies, Salads and Sides:
- Almond Citrus Salad from No One Likes Crumbley Cookies
- Banana Bread Muffins from Curious Cuisiniere
- Best Basic Hummus from Supper for a Steal
- Blueberries & Cream Granola from The Messy Baker
- Blueberry Egg Bagels from What Smells So Good?
- Cheese Cracker Recipe from Growing Up Gabel
- Creamy Orzo & Peas {Dairyfree} from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
- Mini Griddle Cakes from Noshing with the Nolands
- Quinoa and Green Bean Salad with Tibetan Dressing from Healthy. Delicious.
Sweet Treats:
- Biscoff White Chocolate Blondies from Cookin’ Mimi
- Caramel and Rolo Rice Krispie Treats from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Cinnamon Zucchini Brownies from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Cocoa Crispy Sunbutter Bars from Alida’s Kitchen
- Cookie Butter Granola Bites from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- “Free” Brownies from Jane’s Adventure in Dinner
- Honey Oat Bars from Magnolia Days
- No Bake Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Cookies from Pies and Plots
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Granola Cookies from Peanut Butter and Peppers
- And remember that we have a #SundaySupper chat at 7 PM each on Sunday evening. We tweet throughout the day using the hashtag #SundaySupper, then we all gather to share ideas, recipes and answer questions from 7-8 PM ET. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest Board for more fabulous recipes and food photos.
Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? You can sign up here: Sunday Supper Movement
theninjabaker says
You’re right, Jennifer. Who doesn’t love a chocolate and pb combo? Especially when so many other yummies like oats and maple syrup are involved.
Bless you for persevering and creating the perfectly sweet but healthy snack =)
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Ahhhm thank you Ninja Baker! I love you Bento Lunch Box you made!!
Liz says
Mmmmm…these look terrific, Jen! I love how you tweaked them to make them perfect for a lunch box! I’ll take a dozen 🙂
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
lol, thank you Liz!! 🙂 Thank you for hosting this weeks #SundaySupper!!
Marie @ Little Kitchie says
I’d take one of these for breakfast right now! Looks delicious!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
They make a nice breakfast, along with a cup of coffee! 🙂
Hezzi-D says
Perfect little bites for a lunchbox treat! They sound great!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Thank you Hezzi!
Olivia says
Yum! Those look like a perfect snack(:
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Thank you Olivia!! I have been snacking away on them!
Conni @FoodieArmyWife says
Yum!!! These look delicious!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Thank you Conni!
Lane @ Supper for a Steal says
These look delicious. I can see myself snacking on a few of these for a little sweetness after lunch. Or for breakfast, I would probably eat these for breakfast.
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
I have been eating them for breakfast and for an afternoon snack!! They are perfectly filling!!
Cindys Recipes and Writings says
All that goodness rolled into little treats. Sounds perfect, Jen!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Thank you Cindy!
Kim@Treats & Trinkets says
Sometimes the best recipes come from fails. I’m sure these are much better than the originals!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
They are better then the original. They contain more peanut butter! lol
Roz says
Hi Jennifer! Nice to meet you and discover your lovely blog thru #SS! I just love granola and how you added it to treats that can be packed into a lunchbox/ bag!
Ciao,
Roz
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Nice to meet you Roz! Thank you for the compliment! 🙂
Laura @ Gluten Free Pantry says
These look like the perfect delicious cookie to pack into my kids lunch boxes this coming week!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Thank you Laura! I loved them in my lunch! 🙂
Sophia @ NY Foodgasm says
I am down for some of these, they look sooooooo good! I love that they have peanut butter in them!!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Thanks Sophia! I love that they have PB in them too! I have been on a major PB kick again!
Laura Dembowski says
I would not be able to stop popping these cookies into my mouth! I’m glad you figured out a way to make the recipe work!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Trust me it is hard not to eat just one! Even the batter tastes good! 🙂
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says
Every Friday I make treats for friends, so these are definitely going on the upcoming schedule to cause smiles! Thanks!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Ahhh, thank you Pamela! Let me know how they turn out!
Bea says
Oh, such beautiful little treats! They look perfect 🙂
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Thank you Bea! 🙂
Soni says
These look like the perfect little bites in a lunchbox!My kids would love them for sure 🙂
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
They do make for a nice little snack, and filling too! I have been eating them for breakfast!
Stacy says
Third time is indeed the charm. I love the peanut butter and chocolate combination, Jennifer. So glad you persevered! I am curious about the gluten-free oatmeal though. I didn’t realize oats had gluten. I have so much to learn! Thank you.
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
I think tradtional oats are made with wheat. I buy my roleld oats that are gluten free at Trader Joe’s and I know Bob Mills makes them too.
Diana @EatMoveShine says
What a perfectly delicious snack! I love that you used maple syrup too… YUM!!!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Thanks Diana! The maple syrup gives them really nice flavor.
Shannon R @Killer Bunnies, Inc says
Aw, they are so adorable. I’m so making these. Nice and healthy too!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Thanks Shannon!! They make a nice little treat!
Renee Dobbs (@reneedobbs) says
I love peanut butter and chocolate and life would not be right without either one. Glad you figured out how to do these cookies and share them. They are something I know I would enjoy eating and with no guilt too.
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
lol Renee! I so agree with you! Chocolate and Peanut Butter, yum!
Sarah says
I hate when cookbook and magazine recipes don’t turn out as planned! Your revamp is awesome though – I’m craving these!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Thanks Sarah! I was pretty disappointed on how the original recipe turned out. The picture looked like they were thick, but when I spread them in the pie dish, it was pretty thin. Glad I didn’t give up!
Tara says
Yummy, those look delicious!! Love everything in them!! Thanks for sharing!!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Thanks Tara! 🙂
cookingactress says
Sometimes things not turning out quite right turns into something eeeeven betterrr 😀
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
I agree! I guess third time is a charm! 🙂
Alida says
Healthy cookies with peanut butter and chocolate? Yes please! Do you think I could sub regular flour for the almond flour? Sadly, I’m allergic to almonds.
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Hi Alida! I don’t see why you couldn’t sub regular flour for almond flour. Give it a try and let me know how it works out!
Camille says
They turned out great! I love an oat based cookie.
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Thank you!!! 🙂 I am pretty happy with these cookies!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Oh yum! Me and my little chocolate and peanut butter lover would go crazy for these!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
You have to love chocolate and peanut butter together!! One of my favorite combos!
Sarah | Curious Cuisiniere says
These look great! Way to not give up and come out with something amazing!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Thank you so much Sarah!
Jennie @themessybakerblog says
I’d say that you perfected the recipe. These little balls are packed with all of the flavors I love. Plus, they’re healthy. I love a guilt-free snack.
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Thanks Jennie!! 🙂
Amy Kim (@kimchi_mom) says
Sounds good! I could totally go for one right now with a cup of joe!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
All this talk, I can go for one, but I ate them all.
Jane's Adventures in Dinner says
Hmmm, since they are granola I wonder if I could get away with having these for my breakfast? C:
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Of course you can! 🙂 I did!
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
They look hearty and full of texture – and they’re healthy! Can’t beat it!
Melanie @ Just Some Salt and Pepper says
I think I’d really enjoy these to put in my lunch for school!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
The cookies make such a great snack! 🙂 Healthy too! It will give you energy and fill you up to get you through your school day!