Description
These Monster Cookie Bars combine the best elements of classic monster cookies into a thick, chewy bar packed with peanut butter, oats, chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and colorful M&M candies. Perfect for a crowd-pleasing dessert or snack, these bars are easy to prepare with simple ingredients and bake to a golden finish with a soft, slightly chewy texture.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter (salted or unsalted)
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Dry Ingredients
- 4 1/2 cups oatmeal (instant or old fashioned rolled oats)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
Add-ins
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (like Ghirardelli 60% chocolate baking chips)
- 1 cup mini M&M candies (or regular plain M&M’s)
- 1 cup peanut butter chips
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 15-inch baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside to ensure easy removal and cleanup.
- Cream wet ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter, eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, creamy peanut butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined, creating the base of your batter.
- Mix dry ingredients and combine. In a separate bowl, whisk together the oatmeal, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add this oatmeal mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined.
- Add chocolate chips and candies. Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, mini M&Ms, and peanut butter chips evenly throughout the thick batter to distribute the flavors and colors.
- Spread the batter. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Lightly spray your hands with non-stick cooking spray and press the batter evenly into the corners and sides of the pan for uniform thickness.
- Bake the bars. Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 24 minutes, taking care not to overbake—bars should be set but still soft in the center for a chewy texture.
- Cool and cut. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 24 squares to prevent crumbling and to maintain shape. Enjoy your monster cookie bars!
Notes
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and less cleanup.
- Do not overbake; the bars will firm up as they cool.
- You can substitute crunchy peanut butter for smooth for added texture.
- For a nut-free version, consider using sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter and omit peanut butter chips.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 24 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
