These no-bake Peanut Butter Cookies and Cream Granola Bars are a family favorite in our house. Creamy peanut butter, chocolate sandwich cookies, and colorful candy pieces come together in an easy homemade granola bar that kids love for lunches, after-school snacks, or a quick sweet treat.
We used to buy box after box of granola bars, but making them at home lets me control the flavors and use up partial bags of candy or cookies that are tucked away in the pantry. With three growing kids, homemade bars save money and reduce waste, and they can be tailored to everyone’s tastes.
When time is short I reach for the no-bake version. It only takes about 20 minutes to prepare, and there’s no oven involved, which makes these bars a go-to for busy mornings or quick weekend batches. They also make great items for school bake sales or potluck events because they travel well and are popular with kids and adults alike.
For this batch my kids requested Oreo cookie pieces and Reese’s Pieces candies, but the recipe is forgiving — swap mix-ins to match what you have on hand. Use chocolate chips, white chocolate, M&Ms, chopped nuts, dried fruit, or leftover candy. Granola bars are a perfect way to combine small amounts from multiple packages into something everyone will enjoy.
I like to individually wrap the bars for convenience. Using small glassine bags, a chalkboard label, and a bit of baker’s twine makes them look special and keeps them fresh on the counter. The kids can grab a wrapped bar for lunch or a snack without having to search for a bag, and the presentation is perfect for gifting or selling at a bake sale.
The texture of these bars is satisfyingly chewy with crunchy cereal, oat base, and chunks of cookies and candy throughout. Pressing the mixture firmly into the pan helps the bars hold together; topping them with a few extra candies before the mixture sets creates an attractive finish.
Our family approved these bars enthusiastically. They’re likely to become a regular in our snack rotation — easy to make, customizable, and kid-tested.
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Recipe
Peanut Butter Cookies and Cream Granola Bars
16 granola bars
20 minutes
20 minutes
These simple no-bake bars combine quick oats, crispy rice cereal, creamy peanut butter, and candy for a chewy, kid-friendly snack.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups quick oats
- 2 cups crispy rice cereal
- ½ cup miniature chocolate chips
- ½ cup + 3 Tablespoons chocolate peanut butter candies (such as Reese’s Pieces)
- 10 chocolate cream-filled cookies, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Stir together the oats, crispy rice cereal, ½ cup of the chocolate peanut butter candies, chocolate chips, and chopped cookie pieces. Set aside.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter, light corn syrup, and brown sugar. Heat on HIGH for 1–2 minutes until the mixture is warm and pourable. Stir in the vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the oat mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Spoon the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch pan. Place a sheet of parchment paper over the mixture and press down firmly to compact it.
- Sprinkle the remaining candies across the top and press them gently into the bars. Let the pan sit at room temperature for about an hour to cool and set.
- Cut into 16 even bars and store in a sealed container at room temperature.
Notes
*Recipe slightly adapted from a classic chewy granola bar method.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 16
Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 309
Total Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 179mg
Carbohydrates: 46g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 31g
Protein: 6g
Nutrition facts are estimates and not guaranteed. For personalized dietary advice, consult a registered dietitian.
