Granola Bar Cookies

I came up with the recipe I am sharing about three weeks.  My boo, Julie and my Ma both tried them and were instantly hooked. Most importantly, my hubby lurves them. I was going for a granola bar alternative that was simple and makes a lot at one time. Here's the recipe. Enjoy!

Granola Bar Cookies

1/2 cup butter or coconut oil, softened

1 1/2 cups brown sugar, muscavado, or sucanat

6 eggs

2 cups peanut butter (natural or regular)

1/2 cup honey

1 tsp vanilla

4 cups regular oats (not minute oats, gluten free oats work great too)

2 tsps baking soda

1 tsp salt

1 cup chocolate chips

1 cup raisins

1 cup shredded coconut

1 cup pecans, chopped

Cream butter or oil in mixer, gradually add sugar and honey beating well, add eggs till blended well, add peanut butter, vanilla , soda, and salt. Stir in oats, chips, raisins, coconut, pecans, mix well. Drop in 2 tablespoonfuls per cookie on lightly greased baking sheet. Bake at 350 for 12-15 minutes till lightly golden. Cool for about 3 minutes on cookie sheets and then transfer to cooling racks. Makes 48 cookies. 

A few tips: these are even better if the dough has been chilled for an hour more. Julie used an ice cream scoop to dole out her cookies. These could definitely be made with quite a bit less sugar, but I would not skimp on the honey. These are also yummy with craisins. Coconut oil makes a thinner cookie if the dough is not chilled.