These Monster Cookie Bars are a fun, easy, and delicious treat! With the perfect combination of peanut butter, chocolate chips, M&Ms, and oats, they’re chewy, gooey, and packed with flavor. Plus, no rolling dough required—just mix, press, and bake!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy, but use a no-stir kind for smooth mixing)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (necessary because you’re using unsalted butter)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
- 1 cup M&Ms (plus extra for topping if desired)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper, then lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy removal later. - Cream Butter and Peanut Butter:
In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and peanut butter together until smooth and creamy. This is where the magic starts! - Add Sugars:
Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar into the bowl, then mix until everything is well combined and creamy. You should have a fluffy, light mixture. - Add Wet Ingredients:
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and beat until smooth. - Mix Dry Ingredients:
Add the baking soda and salt to the dough and mix until combined. Gradually add the flour and oats, mixing slowly until incorporated. - Stir in Mix-ins:
Once the dough comes together, stir in the chocolate chips and M&Ms. You can reserve a handful of M&Ms to press on top of the bars later for a pretty decoration. - Press the Dough:
Transfer the cookie dough into the prepared pan. Use your hands or the back of a spoon to evenly press the dough into the pan. If you reserved extra M&Ms, sprinkle them on top for a fun and colorful finish. - Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (or with just a few crumbs). Don’t overbake; they should still be soft in the middle for the perfect chewy texture. - Cool and Slice:
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 15-20 minutes before cutting them into squares. This helps them set so they won’t fall apart when you cut them.
Tips & Notes:
- Oats: For the best texture, use old-fashioned rolled oats. Quick oats will make the bars softer but less chewy.
- No-Stir Peanut Butter: It’s best to use a no-stir peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) for smoother consistency. Natural peanut butter can separate and be harder to mix evenly.
- Extra Toppings: For even more texture, you can add butterscotch chips, white chocolate chips, or peanut butter chips.
- Storage: Store your Monster Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months—just wrap them well!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
A: Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter for extra texture! It’ll still taste great and give you some peanut crunch in each bite.
Q: Can I add other mix-ins?
A: Definitely! These bars are super customizable. Feel free to add chopped nuts, mini marshmallows, or any candy you like. Just be sure not to add too many mix-ins, as it could affect the texture.
Q: How can I make these bars more chewy?
A: For chewier bars, avoid overbaking them. Take them out when the edges are golden but the center is still a bit soft. They’ll firm up as they cool.
Q: Can I make these in advance?
A: Yes! These bars keep well for several days, and they actually taste even better after a day or two when the flavors have had time to meld. You can also freeze them for later enjoyment.
Final Thoughts:
These Monster Cookie Bars are everything you love about cookies but in an easy-to-make, shareable bar form. They’re packed with peanut butter, chocolate, oats, and colorful M&Ms, making them a guaranteed hit at any get-together or as a sweet treat for the family. So go ahead, bake a batch, and enjoy every chewy, delicious bite! 🍪🥜