Chewy Granola Bites
Chewy granola bites combine sweet, nutty flavors with a chewy texture, perfect for a quick snack or breakfast on the go, appealing to both kids and adults.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup margarine or butter (1 stick), softened ⓘ
- 1/4 cup orange juice ⓘ
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 large egg ⓘ
- 1 cup granola cereal ⓘ
- 1/2 cup dark seedless raisins ⓘ
- 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats ⓘ
Instructions
- About 2 1/2 hours before serving or the day before, in a large bowl, measure flour, sugar, margarine or butter, orange juice, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and egg.
- With a mixer on low speed, beat the ingredients until well blended, occasionally scraping the bowl with a rubber spatula.
- With a spoon, stir in the granola cereal, raisins, and oats.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Drop the dough by rounded tablespoons, about 2 inches apart, onto greased cookie sheets.
- With fingers, smooth the mounds slightly.
- Bake the cookies for 15 to 20 minutes until lightly browned.
- Remove the cookies with a pancake turner to wire racks to cool.
- Store the cookies in a tightly covered container.
Tips & Substitutions
For chewier granola bites, consider using brown sugar instead of white for added moisture and flavor. You can substitute the margarine with coconut oil for a dairy-free option. If you prefer, add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the mixture for extra texture. Make sure to adjust the baking time if you alter the size of the cookie mounds.
Serving Suggestions
These chewy granola bites make a delightful snack on their own or can be enjoyed with a glass of milk or yogurt. They pair beautifully with Nutty Banana Salad for a nutritious breakfast or light lunch. Consider serving them alongside fresh fruit for a balanced treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store the granola bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to two weeks or freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes until soft.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chewy Granola Bites contains roughly 106 calories, with 2g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 4g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the texture might be denser. You may want to add a little extra orange juice to maintain moisture and balance the flavor.
How can I make these granola bites gluten-free?
To make gluten-free granola bites, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. Ensure that your granola and oats are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
What can I add to the recipe for extra flavor?
Consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a handful of chopped dark chocolate for a richer flavor. You can also experiment with other spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a unique twist.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).