This Peanut Butter Treats (Wholesome Goodness) recipe originated in a tattered and torn cook book. Unfortunately, just the recipes survived so there is no way to accredit this recipe to a particular cookbook or author. From the layout of the cookbook, I think it might be a grouping of recipes from a church in the Tampa Bay, Florida region.
Normally, a somewhat healthy recipe is a rarity from a church cookbook. This Peanut Butter Treat (filled with Wholesome Goodness ingredients) is an exception. It is sweetened with honey (use some locally collected honey, if available) and the Peanut Butter chips. The recipe uses sunflower seeds, rolled oats and dried cranberries which amps up the wholesome factor.
As wholesome as these are, you might desire something more cookie-like. If so, try these crunchy pecan cookies. These treat are more akin to a granola bar. If you desire something more traditional, go for the cookie recipe. Speaking of traditional, check out this recipe for granola bars from Just A Taste(r).
Peanut Butter Treats (Wholesome Goodness)
A recipe from the mid-1980's reminiscent of a granola bar cookie.
- 1 Large Egg
- 1 Cup Honey (I used local honey)
- 3/4 Cup Canola Oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 3 Cups Rolled Oats (Quick-Cooking)
- 1 Cup Whole Wheat Flour
- 3/4 Cup Toasted Wheat Germ
- 1 Cup Peanut Butter Flavored Chips
- 1/2 Cup Sunflower Seeds (Roasted)
- 1/2 Cup Dried Cranberries
- 1/4 Cup Water
Preheat oven to 350°F.
In a medium bowl, combine egg, honey, oil, water, salt, and vanilla.
In a mixing bowl, stir together oats, flour, and wheat germ.
Add liquid ingredients mixture to the dry ingredients mixture and mix well.
Stir in peanut butter chips, sunflower seeds, and dried cranberries.
Using a 1/4 cup measure, drop dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet approximately 2-inches apart.
Use the bottom on a water glass or the measuring cup to flatten each mound to about 3-inches in diameter.
Bake in preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until light brown.
Remove from baking sheet and cool completely on a wire rack.
Notes to Nibble on Peanut Butter Treats (mix up the Wholesome Goodness):
- If possible, use locally sourced honey.
- The dried cranberries are just a preference. Use any dried fruit – raisins, cherries, or blueberries. You get the idea.
- Add a little cinnamon or chai spice for a little more depth of flavor.
- Use peanut butter candy pieces in place of the peanut butter chips for a little more sweetness.
- If you like a little more crunch, increase the bake time.
- If the dough is difficult to work with, stick the dough in the refrigerator or freezer to stiffen the dough.
- Let the cookie sheets cool between baking batches. Warm cookie sheets can start baking the dough before they hit the oven.
- These cookies freeze well. Simply place in a ziplock bag and place in the freezer. Place them in a lunch bag and they willl be thawed and ready to eat by launch.