Chocolate Breakfast Cookie Bars

There’s nothing quite like a sweet treat to start your day, and that’s why I absolutely adore these Chocolate Breakfast Cookie Bars. This recipe came about during a lazy Saturday morning when I was craving something decadent yet easy to whip up. I rummaged through my pantry and found a delightful mix of ingredients just waiting to be transformed into something extraordinary. The aroma of baking chocolate and peanut butter filled my kitchen, and it was pure bliss. These bars have quickly become a favorite in my household, perfect for breakfast or a midday snack. I love how they combine the comforting flavors of cookies with the wholesome goodness of oats and cereal. Whether enjoyed on the go or as a special treat for the family, these bars are sure to please everyone!

Ingredient List for Chocolate Breakfast Cookie Bars

Every ingredient in these Chocolate Breakfast Cookie Bars has its own role to play, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. From the rich taste of unsalted butter to the natural sweetness of granulated sugar, these ingredients work together to form a delightful treat. The use of all-purpose flour and unsweetened cocoa powder gives the bars a sturdy base, while chocolate chips and peanut butter add that irresistible sweetness we all crave. Let’s dive into the ingredient list!

• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened) – This creamy ingredient adds richness and moisture to the bars, ensuring a fudgy texture.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar – Sweetness is essential, and this sugar balances the flavors perfectly.
• ½ cup packed dark brown sugar – The molasses in this sugar provides depth and a hint of caramel flavor.
• 1 large egg – The egg binds the ingredients together and contributes to the chewy texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A splash of vanilla rounds out the sweetness with its warm, aromatic flavor.
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour – This is the backbone of the bars, providing structure and stability.
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder – This ingredient adds a rich chocolate flavor without extra sweetness.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda – This leavening agent helps the bars rise slightly, leading to a lighter texture.
• ¼ teaspoon salt – A pinch of salt enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• 2 cups old-fashioned oats – These oats provide chewiness and make the bars heartier.
• 1 cup Cheerios – Adding a crunchy texture, these cereals make the bars even more enjoyable.
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips – Who can resist chocolate? These chips provide melty spots of indulgence in every bite.
• ½ cup smooth peanut butter (warmed up to a drizzling consistency) – This sticky, creamy ingredient brings the bars together with its nutty flavor.

How to Make Chocolate Breakfast Cookie Bars

Making these Chocolate Breakfast Cookie Bars is a rewarding experience that’s simple and quick. Follow these step-by-step instructions to achieve the best results. It’s always exciting to see how the ingredients transform into a delicious treat!

1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Ensure there are no lumps, and set aside. This step is crucial as it helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent.
2. In a large mixing bowl, place the unsalted butter and both granulated sugar and dark brown sugar. Use a stand mixer to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3 to 4 minutes. The fluffy texture will ensure that your bars rise well during baking.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage; you want it just incorporated.
4. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture tender.
5. Carefully fold in the old-fashioned oats, Cheerios, and chocolate chips using a spatula. This is where the magic happens, as you can see the delightful mix of textures and flavors coming together.
6. Once mixed, cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 to 3 hours, or preferably overnight. Chilling the dough is essential as it firms it up, resulting in better bars.
7. When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Ensure it’s fully heated for even baking.
8. Line a 13″ x 9″ baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. This will prevent the bars from sticking and make clean-up a breeze.
9. Scrape the chilled dough into the prepared pan or use an ice cream scoop to portion it out. Smooth the top with an offset spatula for a nice, even layer.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 16 to 19 minutes. The edges should appear set and dry, while the center can remain slightly underdone. The bars will continue to bake as they cool.
11. Once baked, let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This step allows the flavors to develop further.
12. For the finishing touch, drizzle warmed peanut butter over the cooled bars and let it sit for about 15 minutes until set. Finally, cut into bars and serve!

Customization Ideas

One of the best things about these Chocolate Breakfast Cookie Bars is how easily you can customize them to fit your flavor preferences. Here are some fun ideas!

• Mix-In Variations: Try adding different mix-ins like chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even coconut flakes for unique flavor combinations.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 ratio for best results.
• Protein Boost: For a protein-packed version, consider adding a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the dry ingredients.
• Nut Butter Swap: Feel free to swap out peanut butter for almond butter or sunflower seed butter if you have nut allergies.
• Sweetener Alternatives: You can experiment with honey, maple syrup, or other natural sweeteners if you prefer less refined sugars.
• Serving Style: Serve these bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a delicious dessert twist!

Best Served With

• Morning Boost: Enjoy these bars as a quick breakfast option alongside a cup of coffee or tea. They provide the perfect mix of energy and flavor to kickstart your day!
• Lunch Box Treat: Pack these bars in lunch boxes as a delightful snack for kids and adults alike. They make an excellent addition to any lunch and are easy to grab on the go.
• After-School Snack: These bars are a perfect pick-me-up after a long day at school or work. Pair them with a glass of milk for a wholesome treat.
• Picnic Perfect: Bring these along on picnics or road trips. They travel well and are a hit at potlucks or family gatherings!
• Seasonal Pairing: In fall, serve them warm with a scoop of cinnamon ice cream. In summer, try them with fresh fruit on the side.
• Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. They’ll last for several days, and you can even freeze them for later enjoyment!

FAQ

Conclusion

The Chocolate Breakfast Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that brings together the best of both worlds: nutrition and indulgence. With their rich chocolate flavor and hearty ingredients, they’re perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and savor the deliciousness for yourself. You won’t regret it—these bars just might become a staple in your kitchen!

Chocolate Breakfast Cookie Bars

The ultimate breakfast treat! These Chocolate Breakfast Cookie Bars are rich, chewy, and loaded with chocolate flavor. Perfect for a quick breakfast or a sweet snack, they're a must-try for anyone who loves a delicious twist on traditional cookies. Make them today!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 18 minutes mins

Total Time 28 minutes mins

Servings: 12 bars

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Calories: 200

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• ½ cup unsalted butter softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup Cheerios
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup smooth peanut butter warmed up to a drizzling consistency

Equipment

• Oven
• Baking Sheet
• Frying Pan
• Whisk
• Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, place the unsalted butter and both granulated sugar and dark brown sugar. Cream until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture and mix just until combined.
4. With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients and mix just until combined.
5. Fold in the old-fashioned oats, Cheerios, and chocolate chips.
6. Cover the dough and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours.
7. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
8. Line a 13" x 9" baking pan with parchment paper.
9. Scrape the dough into the prepared pan and smooth it out with an offset spatula.
10. Bake for 16 to 19 minutes, until the edges appear set and dry.
11. Let cool completely in the pan.
12. Drizzle warm peanut butter over the cooled bars and let sit for 15 minutes until set. Cut into bars.

Notes

• Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
• Freezing: Freeze for longer storage; thaw before serving.
• Variations: Try adding different mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit.
• Baking Tip: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
• Chilling: Don’t skip chilling the dough for better texture.

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Meet Isla Banks

We eat with our eyes first, so I strive to make every dish look as bountiful as it tastes. I work on every stage of the process, from sourcing the freshest ingredients to styling the final shot. I tested this recipe repeatedly to provide you with the visual inspiration and reliability you need to cook with confidence.