Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola Bars

I switched up our granola bars this time around with a generic chocolate rice crispy cereal. I added in a bit of cocoa powder, and these are definitely a keeper!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola Bars
2 Tbsp. butter

1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

2 Tbsp. cocoa powder
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 cups quick oats
1/2 cup chocolate crispy rice cereal
1/4 cup mini Reese's Pieces

Cut out an 8 x 8-inch square of parchment paper. Place the parchment paper in the bottom of an 8 x 8-inch baking pan. In a large sauce pan, add butter, brown sugar, honey, peanut butter and cocoa. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture starts to bubble. Once bubbling, cook for 2 minutes while stirring. Remove from heat, and stir in the vanilla extract.

Stir in the oats and crispy cereal until well coated. Pour into the prepared pan. Press the mixture evenly into the pan. Sprinkle the mini Reese's Pieces over the top, and gently press into the granola bars with your hands.

Place the bars in the refrigerator, and let cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting. Cut into 10 bars. Store the bars in the refrigerator to maintain freshness longer. Makes 10 bars.