These Monster Cookie Bars are a delightful blend of textures and flavors that you can’t resist! After several rounds of testing, I’ve found the perfect balance for these chewy, buttery bars filled with chocolate and colorful M&M’s. Picture a warm kitchen filled with the aroma of baked treats—who wouldn’t want a piece? If you enjoy peanut butter in desserts, you might also like my Honey Glazed Chicken.
About Monster Cookie Bars
Monster Cookie Bars are a wonderful dessert that combines the classic flavors of oatmeal cookies with a unique twist. Tested numerous times with family and friends, I discovered that these bars quickly became the go-to treat for gatherings and movie nights. Their buttery, creamy filling and chewy texture make them irresistible! Plus, they are budget-friendly and can easily feed a crowd—perfect for those cozy evenings.
- Quick prep time—ready in just an hour!
- Perfect for kids and adults alike—seriously, who doesn’t love a cookie bar?
- The blend of colors from the M&M’s adds a fun touch to any occasion.
- This American classic is a great way to use up leftover ingredients in your pantry.
Key Ingredients & Their Roles
- Quick Oats: Provide a chewy texture. Rolled oats can be used as a substitute, but the texture will differ.
- Baking Soda: Leavening agent that helps the bars rise slightly, ensuring a soft middle.
- Peanut Butter: Adds richness and flavor; creamy works best, but crunchy can add texture.
- M&M’s: For color and sweetness; feel free to mix them up with nuts for a different twist.
How to Make Monster Cookie Bars
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups quick oats, 1 1/2 cups flour, 1 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until well mixed.
- In another bowl, stir together 1 cup melted butter, 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter, and 1 egg. Pour this into the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly.
- Gently fold in 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 cup M&M’s, savoring the colorful look as you go.
- Press all but 1 1/2 cups of this mixture into your prepared pan, setting the remaining mixture aside for later.
- In a separate bowl, combine 1 can of sweetened condensed milk with another 1/3 cup of peanut butter, drizzling this luxurious blend over the crust and spreading it evenly.
- Finish by sprinkling the reserved oatmeal mixture on top and pressing down lightly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown; the center may still jiggle a bit—trust that it will firm up as it cools! Don’t over-bake for the best texture!
- Allow the bars to cool for 30 minutes before cutting into squares; this will make it easier to slice!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- When mixing the wet ingredients, make sure the butter is melted but not hot; this helps create a smooth consistency without cooking the egg.
- A common mistake is over-baking the bars; keep an eye on them as cooking times can vary based on your oven.
- For a seasonal twist, consider adding chopped nuts or dried cranberries for additional texture.
- Easily double the recipe for larger gatherings by using two pans!
Storage & Make-Ahead Guide
These bars can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days, or they can be frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, use a microwave for about 20 seconds for a warm treat. After experimenting with storage, I found they taste even better after a day in the fridge, as the flavors meld beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these delightful Monster Cookie Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert, or serve them with a side of fresh fruit for a lighter contrast. Check out my recipes for Vegetarian Lasagna and Baked Ziti with Sausage for a complete meal experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I know when my Monster Cookie Bars are done? Look for a light golden color and a lightly jiggly center; they’ll firm up as they cool.
- Can I use natural peanut butter? Yes, but it may affect the consistency; try to choose a creamy brand for best results.
- Are these bars suitable for freezing? Absolutely! They freeze well and are perfect for make-ahead treats.
- What’s the best way to cut the bars? Use a sharp knife and clean cuts after they have cooled to avoid crumbling.
- Can I add more chocolate or different candies? Yes! Feel free to customize the mix-ins to your liking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a scrumptious dessert that brings joy to any occasion, these Monster Cookie Bars are your answer. I love enjoying them with a cup of hot tea while cozying up with loved ones. I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out—share your results!
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Honey Glazed Chicken – a sweet and savory option that pairs well with cookie bars.
- Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast – a deliciously festive recipe for seasonal gatherings.
- Brownie Bites Stuffed with Nutella – another indulgent dessert that shares a similar flavor profile.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies – a classic that everyone loves, great alongside cookie bars.
- No-Bake Christmas Peppermint Pie – a refreshing contrast that brings different textures to your dessert spread.
Monster Cookie Bars
Ingredients
- 2.5 cup quick oats
- 1.5 cup flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup melted butter
- 0.33 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup M&M candies mini or regular sized
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 0.33 cup creamy peanut butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 and grease a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray or line with parchment paper.
- Combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt and mix well.
- Stir in the melted butter, peanut butter, and egg.
- Stir in the chocolate chips and M&M’s.
- Press all but 1 1/2 cups of the oatmeal mixture into a greased 9×13 pan.
- Stir together the sweetened condensed milk and peanut butter and drizzle over the bottom crust. Spread gently to evenly coat.
- Sprinkle the remaining oatmeal mixture on top and lightly press down.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a light golden brown. The middle should be slightly wiggly!
- Let the bars cool for 30 minutes before cutting into squares.