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Monster Cookie Bars Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 128 reviews
  • Author: Marina
  • Total Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Yield: 16 bars 1x

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

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

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Find it online: https://marinamontclair.com/monster-cookie-bars-recipe/