Description
Delicious and easy No-Bake Monster Cookies packed with peanut butter, oats, chocolate chips, and colorful M&M’s. These bars are quick to prepare, combining creamy textures with crunchy candies, making them a perfect treat that requires no baking and sets in the refrigerator.
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, allowing some overhang for easy removal later. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until smooth and creamy to incorporate air for a fluffy texture.
- Add peanut butter and dry ingredients: Stir in the creamy peanut butter until well blended. Add the 6 tablespoons of pulsed quick oats, vanilla extract, and salt. Slowly fold in the remaining 1½ cups of quick oats and 8 tablespoons of miniature M&M’s until evenly mixed.
- Press mixture into pan: Transfer the dough mixture into your prepared pan and firmly press it down in an even layer to create the cookie base.
- Prepare chocolate topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until the chocolate melts completely and forms a smooth ganache.
- Top and garnish: Spread the melted chocolate ganache evenly over the cookie base. Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of miniature M&M’s on top for a decorative and crunchy finish.
- Chill to set: Cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the bars are firm and set. Once set, lift the block from the pan using the foil or parchment paper overhang and cut into squares.
Notes
- You can substitute creamy peanut butter with natural or chunky peanut butter for added texture.
- Make sure to pulse the initial oats finely to give a smoother cookie base.
- For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter and coconut cream instead of butter and heavy cream.
- Press the mixture firmly to ensure bars hold together well after chilling.
- Store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Microwave times may vary, so watch the chocolate closely to prevent burning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: No-Bake Monster Cookies, Peanut Butter Cookies, Oatmeal Cookies, No-Bake Dessert, Easy Cookies, M&M Bars
