Description
No-Bake Monster Cookies are a quick and easy treat combining creamy peanut butter, oats, and colorful M&M’s, topped with a smooth chocolate ganache. Perfect for when you want a delicious dessert without turning on the oven.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Base
- 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
- 8 tablespoons miniature M&M’s
Topping
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons miniature M&M’s
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8-inch baking dish with foil or parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cookie squares later. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This forms the base of the cookie mixture.
- Add Peanut Butter and Dry Ingredients: Mix in the creamy peanut butter thoroughly. Then add the 6 tablespoons of quick oats that have been pulsed finely in a food processor, vanilla extract, and salt. Slowly fold in the remaining 1½ cups of unprocessed quick oats and 8 tablespoons of the miniature M&M’s, ensuring even distribution without overmixing.
- Press Mixture into Pan: Transfer the cookie dough mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or your hands to press it evenly and firmly to create a compact base.
- Melt Chocolate Ganache: In a small bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Top and Decorate: Spread the melted chocolate mixture evenly over the pressed cookie base. Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of miniature M&M’s on top for a colorful finish.
- Chill and Set: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the mixture to firm up and set properly. Once set, cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- For best results, use creamy peanut butter for easier mixing and a smoother texture.
- Press the mixture firmly into the pan to help the bars hold together when sliced.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and texture.
- You can substitute the miniature M&M’s with other small candies or chocolate chips if desired.
- Let the chocolate cool slightly before spreading to prevent melting the oats and M&M’s below.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: no bake, monster cookies, peanut butter cookies, no bake dessert, easy cookies, M&M cookies, chocolate peanut butter bars
