In a medium saucepan, place the creamy peanut butter and honey (or maple syrup) over low heat. Stir gently until both ingredients melt together smoothly, creating a rich mixture. Once combined, remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, add the rolled oats, coconut flour, salt, and crushed nuts. If you are including chocolate chips, set them aside for later incorporation.
Pour the warm peanut butter mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Add the vanilla extract. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, mix all the ingredients vigorously until everything is well incorporated and the mixture has a thick, dough-like texture.
If you chose to use chocolate chips, gently fold them into the mixture now, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Prepare an 8x8 inch square pan by lining it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to make removal easier. Transfer the peanut butter mixture into the pan, pressing it down firmly with your spatula to create an even layer. Smooth the top to achieve a nice finish.
Place the pan in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2 hours, or until the mixture is firm to the touch. After chilling, remove the bars from the pan using the parchment overhang, and cut them into 12 even squares or rectangles.
To store, place the bars in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For extended freshness, you can also freeze them for future snacking.
Notes
For a convenient snack on the go, wrap each bar individually in parchment paper or place them in small, resealable bags.