Dessert

No-Bake Monster Cookies Recipe

ByZoe Lane November 19, 2025November 19, 2025

Introduction

No-Bake Monster Cookies are a quick and delicious treat packed with peanut butter, oats, and colorful M&M’s. These bars come together easily without an oven, making them perfect for a sweet snack anytime. Rich chocolate topping adds a luscious finish that everyone will love.

A stack of three square bars is shown on a white plate with a white marbled surface in the background. Each bar has two layers: the bottom layer is a golden, crumbly mixture with visible oats and small colorful candy pieces embedded throughout, giving it a rough texture; the top layer is a smooth, thick chocolate coating dark brown in color, adorned with bright candy pieces in red, blue, green, and orange scattered on top. The bars are stacked unevenly, showing the thickness and texture of each layer clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

6 tablespoons butter, softened
6 tablespoons sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
¾ cup creamy peanut butter
6 tablespoons quick cooking oats, pulsed in food processor
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt
1½ cups quick cooking oats, not pulsed
10 tablespoons miniature M&M’s, divided into 8 tablespoons and 2 tablespoons
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
3 tablespoons heavy cream

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare an 8-inch baking dish by lining it with foil or parchment paper. Set aside.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add the peanut butter and mix well.
Step 3: Stir in the pulsed oats, vanilla extract, and salt. Gradually add the whole quick cooking oats and fold in 8 tablespoons of the miniature M&M’s.
Step 4: Press the cookie mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Step 5: In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips with the heavy cream in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Spread the melted chocolate over the pressed cookie mixture. Sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of M&M’s.
Step 6: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm. Once set, cut into squares and serve.

Tips & Variations

Pulse the oats just enough for a finer texture but not into flour for the best chewiness.
Swap the M&M’s for chopped nuts or dried fruit if preferred.
Use crunchy peanut butter for extra texture.
For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with coconut oil and heavy cream with coconut cream.

Storage

Store the no-bake cookie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months. Let thaw in the fridge before serving. These bars are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

A stack of three square bars sits on a white plate with a white marbled texture background. Each bar has two distinct layers: a thick, rough-textured bottom layer of light golden cereal mixed with bits of colorful candy, and a smooth, dark chocolate top layer decorated with round, brightly colored candy pieces in red, blue, green, and orange. The bars show some texture where they are cut, and a few candies are scattered on the plate and around the stack. The overall look is vibrant and inviting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick cooking oats?

Yes, you can substitute old-fashioned oats, but the texture will be chewier and the bars might be slightly less cohesive. Quick oats blend more smoothly with the other ingredients.

Do I have to refrigerate these cookies?

Refrigeration helps the bars set firmly because they contain no flour or eggs. While you can eat them immediately after pressing, chilling ensures they hold together well when cut and served.