Chewy Granola Bars

*Grocery Cart Challenge Recipe Swap Friday*

I took this recipe and tweaked it a bit!

~Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars~

3 cups rolled oats*

1 1/2 cups Rice Krispies*
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt*
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2/3 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup honey

1/8 cup molasses*

3/4 cup coconut (sweetened and shredded)*
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips*

Preheat oven to 325 f and grease a 9"X13" pan.

Combine all ingredients, except chocolate chips in large mixing bowl. (If using a Kitchen Aid mixer, use the dough hook attachment since it will do the least damage to the rice cereal.)

After everything is well incorporated and moistened stir in the chocolate chips.

PRESS mixture into pan with the back of greased spatula. (Very important step! If you do not press it in you will wind up with crumbly granola cereal!)

Bake at 325 for 18 to 22 minutes.

Let cool for about 20 minutes.

Lay sheet of wax paper over the top of pan and press down on mixture again.

Loosen sides, flip out onto wax paper covered surface.

Cool an additional 30 minutes, or until they are room temperature.

Cut into bars with pizza cutter or greased knife.

Enjoy!