Monster Cookie Bars Recipe
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.
- Author: Clara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 16 cookie bars 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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
- 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.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (180°C) to preheat while you prepare the dough.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Transfer to Pan: Pour the dough into the prepared pan and evenly spread it out, pressing lightly to pack it in without over-compressing.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approx. 60g)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: monster cookie bars, peanut butter cookie bars, chocolate chip cookie bars, chewy cookie bars, oatmeal cookie bars, M&M cookie bars, easy dessert