Description

These Monster Cookie Bars combine the best of classic cookie flavors with a chewy, bar-shaped twist. Packed with peanut butter, oats, chocolate chips, and colorful M&M’s, these bars are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with a rich and delightful texture. Easy to prepare and baked until golden brown, they make an ideal treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

1/2 cup (111g) salted butter, softened
1/4 cup (62g) peanut butter
1 cup (246g) brown sugar
1/4 cup (58g) granulated sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract

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

Prepare the pan: Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper and set it aside to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal later.
Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (180°C) to allow it to reach the perfect temperature for baking the cookie bars evenly.
Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened salted butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring even texture in your bars.
Add eggs and vanilla: Incorporate the eggs and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture, beating until everything is well combined.
Mix dry ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into 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 to evenly distribute the colorful and chocolatey bits throughout the dough.
Transfer dough to pan: Pour the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan, pressing and packing it down loosely to create an even layer.
Bake the bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool and cut: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper, then cut into squares or bars as desired.
Serve and store: Enjoy immediately or store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days to keep them fresh.

Notes

Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugars.
Do not overbake; the bars should be golden but still moist inside.
You can substitute M&M’s with other colorful candies or nuts for variation.
For easier removal, let the bars cool completely before slicing.
Store the bars in an airtight container to maintain freshness and chewiness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Monster cookie bars, peanut butter cookie bars, chocolate chip bars, oatmeal cookie bars, easy cookie bars, M&M cookie bars