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Monster Cookie Bars Recipe

Monster Cookie Bars Recipe

5.2 from 25 reviews

These Monster Cookie Bars combine classic cookie flavors with a delightful mix of oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and colorful M&M’s for a chewy, sweet treat that’s perfect for dessert or snacking.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup (111g) salted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup (62g) peanut butter
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

Sugars

  • 1 cup (246g) brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup (58g) granulated sugar

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 ensure easy removal of the cookie bars later.
  2. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (180°C) to preheat while you prepare the dough.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, combine the softened butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring the sugar is fully dissolved for a luscious texture.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract. Continue mixing until the batter is smooth and well combined, creating a cohesive base.
  5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a sticky dough forms.
  6. Fold in Chocolate and M&M’s: Gently mix in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and M&M’s, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough for bursts of flavor.
  7. Transfer to Pan: Pour the dough into the prepared pan and evenly spread it out, pressing lightly to pack it in without over-compressing.
  8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top turns a golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean.
  9. Cool and Serve: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting them out and cutting into squares. This cooling step ensures the bars set properly and hold their shape.
  10. Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days to maintain freshness and chewiness.

Notes

  • For chewy bars, do not overbake; remove from oven once edges are golden.
  • You can substitute M&M’s with other candy or nuts for variation.
  • Oats add texture and fiber, making these bars more wholesome.
  • Ensure butter and peanut butter are softened for easier mixing and better texture.
  • Storing bars in an airtight container helps retain moisture and freshness.

Nutrition

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