Description
Monster Cookie Bars are thick, chewy dessert bars packed with oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and candy-coated chocolates. Baked in one pan, they offer all the fun of classic monster cookies with less work and big flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup candy-coated chocolates (such as M&M’s), divided
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together oats, flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in peanut butter and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until fully incorporated.
- Stir in chocolate chips and 3/4 cup of the candy-coated chocolates.
- Spread dough evenly in the prepared pan and press remaining candies lightly on top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until edges are golden and center is just set.
- Cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.
Notes
- Use sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
- Add marshmallows, toffee bits, or chopped nuts for variation.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Bars can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Use holiday-colored candies for themed events.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
