Ready to unleash your inner cookie monster? These Monster Cookie Bars are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining the chewy goodness of oatmeal cookies with the irresistible flavors of peanut butter and a rainbow of colorful M&Ms. Forget fussy individual cookies – these bars are quick, easy, and perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or satisfying that late-night sweet craving. With back-to-school season in full swing and the holidays just around the corner, these bars are the perfect treat to bake and share!
Monster cookies have always been a family favorite. I’ve been baking them for years, tweaking the recipe to achieve the perfect balance of textures and flavors. After countless batches and a few happy taste-testers (my family!), I’ve perfected this bar version. I’m excited to share my expertise and my best tips for baking these spectacular bars. Get ready to experience cookie nirvana with these incredibly delicious and easy-to-make Monster Cookie Bars!
Ingredients
The magic of Monster Cookie Bars lies in the perfect combination of simple ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each ingredient is important:
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for the best control over the saltiness of your bars. Butter adds richness, tenderness, and contributes to the overall flavor.
- Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: A combination of both creates the perfect texture. Granulated sugar adds sweetness and crispness, while brown sugar adds moisture and a caramel-like flavor. Light or dark brown sugar can be used, adjusting the intensity of the molasses flavor to your liking.
- Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter is best for even distribution and a smooth texture. Choose a brand you enjoy the taste of, as it will significantly impact the final flavor. Natural peanut butter can be used, but be sure to stir it well before measuring, and the bars might be slightly drier.
- Eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together, add moisture, and contribute to the structure of the bars. Use large eggs at room temperature for the best results.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla extract enhances the other flavors and adds a warm, comforting aroma. Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
- Baking Soda: Baking soda helps the bars rise and creates a light, airy texture.
- Salt: Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- Rolled Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats provide a chewy texture and a slightly nutty flavor. Do not use instant oats, as they will not provide the same texture.
- All-Purpose Flour: Flour provides structure and helps bind the ingredients together.
- M&Ms: M&Ms add color, sweetness, and a satisfying crunch. Use regular or peanut M&Ms, or a combination of both! You can also use seasonal M&Ms for a festive touch.
- Chocolate Chips (Optional): Semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate chips can be added for an extra layer of chocolatey goodness.
Ingredient Substitutions:
- Nut-Free Option: Substitute sunflower seed butter for peanut butter.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter, a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tbsp water), and ensure your chocolate chips and M&Ms are vegan-friendly.
Expert Tips for Perfect Monster Cookie Bars
These tips will help you achieve the best results and ensure your Monster Cookie Bars are a smashing success:
- Cream the Butter and Sugars Well: This step is crucial for creating a light and airy batter. Cream the butter and sugars together for at least 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough bars. Mix until just combined.
- Press the M&Ms Gently: Gently press the M&Ms into the top of the bars before baking to prevent them from falling out.
- Don’t Overbake: Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly bars. Bake until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs attached.
- Cool Completely Before Cutting: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting. This will help them firm up and prevent them from crumbling.
- Use a Parchment Paper Sling: Line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make it easy to lift the bars out of the pan after baking.
From my experience, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking helps prevent excessive spreading. Also, I recommend using a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially when baking. A kitchen scale ensures consistency in all your baked goods. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different mix-ins! Pretzels, chopped nuts, or dried fruit would all be delicious additions.
Storage & Substitutions
Proper storage will keep your Monster Cookie Bars fresh and delicious for days.
Storage: Store the baked bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the bars for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Substitutions:
- Sugar: Coconut sugar can be used as a substitute for granulated sugar or brown sugar.
- Flour: Almond flour can be used as a substitute for all-purpose flour, but the bars may be slightly denser.
- Peanut Butter: Any nut butter (almond butter, cashew butter) or seed butter (sunflower seed butter) can be used as a substitute for peanut butter.
- M&Ms: Chocolate chips, chopped nuts, sprinkles, or dried fruit can be used as substitutes for M&Ms.
For a fun variation, try adding a layer of frosting on top of the cooled bars. Cream cheese frosting or chocolate ganache would be delicious!
FAQ About Monster Cookie Bars
Can I make these Monster Cookie Bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can! You can either bake the bars ahead of time and store them as directed above, or you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Bring the dough to room temperature before baking.
Can I freeze Monster Cookie Bar dough?
Absolutely! Portion out the dough into individual balls or press it into a baking pan. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
What kind of oats should I use for Monster Cookie Bars?
Old-fashioned rolled oats are the best choice for Monster Cookie Bars. They provide a chewy texture and a slightly nutty flavor. Do not use instant oats, as they will not provide the same texture.
Why are my Monster Cookie Bars dry?
Dry Monster Cookie Bars are usually caused by overbaking or using too much flour. Be sure to measure your flour accurately and avoid overbaking the bars. Adding a tablespoon or two of milk to the batter can also help to prevent dryness.
Can I add other mix-ins to these Monster Cookie Bars?
Absolutely! Get creative and add your favorite mix-ins. Chocolate chips, chopped nuts, pretzels, dried fruit, or sprinkles would all be delicious additions.
Can I make these bars without peanut butter?
Yes! You can substitute sunflower seed butter, almond butter, or any other nut or seed butter for the peanut butter. The flavor will be different, but the bars will still be delicious.
How do I prevent my M&Ms from melting in the oven?
To prevent the M&Ms from melting too much, gently press them into the top of the bars after they come out of the oven. The residual heat will help them adhere to the bars without melting completely. You can also use mini M&Ms, which are less likely to melt.
There you have it – the ultimate Monster Cookie Bar recipe that’s sure to become a new family favorite! With their chewy texture, irresistible peanut butter flavor, and colorful M&Ms, these bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They are perfect for after-school snacks, bake sales, or any occasion that calls for a sweet treat. Don’t forget to experiment with different mix-ins to create your own unique version!
Now it’s your turn! Bake up a batch of these Monster Cookie Bars and share the love. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below to let me know how they turned out. And be sure to check out my other delicious cookie recipes, like my Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, and Peanut Butter Blossoms for more baking inspiration. Happy Baking! Follow me on social media for more sweet treat ideas and baking tips. I can’t wait to see your creations!
PrintMonster Cookie Bars Recipe
Chewy monster cookie bars recipe Easy crowdpleasing treat loaded with oats and candy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup M&Ms
- 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the peanut butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda, salt, flour, and rolled oats.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Stir in the M&Ms and chocolate chips (if using).
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Gently press additional M&Ms into the top of the bars.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs attached.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
