Homemade Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

Ingredients

• 2 cups quick cooking oats
• 1 cup crispy rice cereal
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons mini chocolate chips (or more)

Instructions

1. Lightly coat an 8-inch square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray, then line with parchment paper; set aside.
2. In a large bowl, stir the oats and rice cereal together; set aside.
3. In a small saucepan, melt the brown sugar, honey, and butter together over medium-high heat until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture begins to bubble. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Pour the melted mixture over the dry ingredients and mix well until everything is moistened. Pour the oat mixture into the prepared pan and press down to ensure that the ingredients are tightly compacted in the pan. Sprinkle the top evenly with the miniature chocolate chips and press down on the top lightly with the back of a spoon.
5. Cool at room temperature and then place in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes, or until the chocolate chips are set before cutting into bars.
6. Wrap in plastic wrap or keep in an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 5 days.