Monster Cookie Bars Recipe

Introduction

Monster Cookie Bars are a deliciously chewy and colorful treat packed with oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and M&M’s. These bars combine classic cookie flavors into one easy-to-make and shareable dessert. Perfect for anytime snacking or parties!

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 baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Step 2: Preheat the 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 the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Step 4: Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the bowl, mixing well 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: Transfer the dough into the prepared pan, pressing and packing it down loosely to fill the pan evenly.
8. Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops turn golden brown.
9. Step 9: Remove from the oven and allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting out and cutting into squares.
10. Step 10: Enjoy your Monster Cookie Bars with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!

Tips & Variations

• For extra chewiness, use old-fashioned rolled oats instead of quick oats.
• Swap out M&M’s for your favorite candy or add chopped nuts for added crunch.
• If you prefer a stronger peanut butter flavor, increase the peanut butter to 1/3 cup.
• Press the dough firmly into the pan to ensure the bars hold together when cut.

Storage

Store the 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 briefly in the microwave for a soft, warm treat.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?

Yes, crunchy peanut butter works fine and adds a bit of texture to the bars, making them even more enjoyable.

Can I freeze these cookie bars?

Absolutely. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Monster Cookie Bars Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.7 from 128 reviews

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

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious and chewy Monster Cookie Bars loaded with peanut butter, oats, chocolate chips, and colorful M&M’s. Perfectly soft and chewy with a delightful crunch from the oats and a burst of sweetness from the chocolate and candy, these bars are an indulgent treat for cookie lovers and easy to make in a 9×9 inch pan.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 the pan: Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside to prevent sticking and ease removal of the cookie bars.
2. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (180°C) and allow it to fully heat while you make the dough.
3. Cream the fats and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring the sugars begin to dissolve for a tender texture.
4. Add eggs and vanilla: Incorporate the eggs and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture, mixing until fully combined to form a cohesive batter.
5. Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
6. Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a sticky dough forms. Do not overmix to keep the bars tender.
7. Add chocolate chips and M&M’s: Fold the semi sweet chocolate chips and M&M’s gently into the dough ensuring an even distribution throughout.
8. Transfer dough to pan: Pour the sticky dough into the prepared pan and loosely press it evenly, but avoid packing too tightly to maintain chewiness.
9. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
10. Cool the bars: Remove from oven and allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan. This helps them set and makes cutting easier.
11. Serve and store: Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper, cut into squares, and enjoy. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days to maintain freshness.

Notes

• To ensure the cookie bars remain chewy, do not overbake.
• You can substitute the M&M’s for your favorite candy or nuts according to preference.
• Use natural peanut butter without added oils for a healthier option.
• Make sure the butter and peanut butter are softened to room temperature for easier creaming.
• Chilling the dough before baking is optional but may help with shaping and texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: monster cookie bars, peanut butter cookie bars, chewy cookie bars, chocolate chip bars, M&M cookie bars, easy cookie bars, dessert bars