Monster Cookie Bars Recipe

Introduction

Monster Cookie Bars are a deliciously chewy treat packed with oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and colorful M&M’s. These bars combine all the best cookie flavors into one easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for sharing or snacking anytime.

The image shows several thick, square cookie bars arranged close together on a surface with a white marbled texture. Each bar has a rough top layer made of golden baked dough with a crumbly texture. Below this top layer is a rich layer filled with melted dark brown chocolate chips and colorful candy-coated chocolates in red, green, yellow, orange, and blue scattered on and inside the bars. The bars look soft and gooey inside with a crunchy top, and some flakes of coarse salt are sprinkled on top, adding texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup (111g) salted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup (62g) peanut butter
  • 1 cup (246g) brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup (58g) granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (304g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (100g) rolled oats
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup (200g) semi sweet chocolate chips
  • 3/4 cup (150g) M&M’s

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
  4. Step 4: Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
  5. Step 5: Stir in the flour, rolled oats, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until a sticky dough forms.
  6. Step 6: Fold in the chocolate chips and M&M’s evenly throughout the dough.
  7. Step 7: Pour the dough into the prepared pan and gently press it down to spread and pack it evenly.
  8. Step 8: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
  9. Step 9: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting out using the parchment paper and cutting into squares.
  10. Step 10: Enjoy your Monster Cookie Bars fresh or as a sweet treat anytime!

Tips & Variations

  • For extra chewiness, substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
  • Try swapping M&M’s with chopped nuts or dried fruit for a different texture and flavor.
  • To add a festive touch, use seasonal colored candies instead of regular M&M’s.
  • Make sure the butter and peanut butter are softened to make creaming easier and the texture smoother.

Storage

Store Monster Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 to 4 days. To keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Reheat gently in the microwave for a few seconds if you prefer them warm.

How to Serve

A close-up view of square dessert bars arranged on a white marbled surface, each bar showing three distinct layers: the bottom layer is a dark, rich chocolate base, the middle layer is studded with melted chocolate chips and colorful candy-coated chocolates in red, green, blue, yellow, and orange, and the top layer is a crumbly, golden oat cookie crust with scattered flakes of coarse salt. The bars are cut unevenly, showing the gooey texture of the chocolate and the crunchy top, with bright candy pieces adding vibrant pops of color throughout. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze Monster Cookie Bars?

Yes, you can freeze these bars. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?

Yes, crunchy peanut butter can be used and will add a bit of extra texture to the bars. Just make sure to cream it well with the butter and sugars for even mixing.

Print
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Monster Cookie Bars Recipe


  • Author: Zoe
  • Total Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Yield: 16 bars 1x

Description

These Monster Cookie Bars are a deliciously chewy and indulgent treat packed with peanut butter, oats, chocolate chips, and colorful M&M’s. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with a delightful combination of textures and flavors in every bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup (111g) salted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup (62g) peanut butter
  • 1 cup (246g) brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup (58g) granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups (304g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (100g) rolled oats
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Add-ins

  • 1 cup (200g) semi sweet chocolate chips
  • 3/4 cup (150g) M&M’s

Instructions

  1. Prepare Baking Pan: Line a 9×9 inch pan with parchment paper and set it aside for easy removal of the bars.
  2. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (180°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy, which ensures a light and fluffy texture.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until mixture is well combined, adding moisture and flavor.
  5. Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture. Mix until a sticky dough forms, incorporating all components evenly.
  6. Mix in Chocolate Chips and M&M’s: Fold in the semi sweet chocolate chips and M&M’s to distribute them throughout the dough, providing bursts of chocolate and color.
  7. Transfer to Pan: Pour the dough into the prepared pan and loosely press and pack it down to create an even layer.
  8. Bake: Place in preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the tops turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.
  9. Cool Completely: Allow the cookie bars to cool in the pan completely to set properly before removing and slicing.
  10. Serve and Store: Cut into bars, enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days to maintain freshness.

Notes

  • Using parchment paper makes it easy to remove the bars from the pan without sticking.
  • Do not overbake; the bars will firm up as they cool, so take them out when slightly golden.
  • You can substitute M&M’s with other candies or nuts for variation.
  • Store bars in an airtight container to keep them chewy and fresh for several days.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: monster cookie bars, peanut butter cookie bars, chocolate chip cookie bars, easy cookie bars, baked cookie bars

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