These Monster Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic cookie! Perfect for any occasion, these bars combine the rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate in an easy-to-make format. Whether you’re hosting a party, packing lunch boxes, or simply craving a sweet treat, these bars are sure to please. Their chewy texture and colorful M&Ms make them not only delicious but also visually appealing!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These bars come together in just 15 minutes of prep time, making them a convenient dessert option.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of peanut butter, chocolate chips, and M&Ms creates a deliciously rich flavor profile that everyone will love.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as an after-school snack, a party dessert, or even as a fun addition to holiday gatherings.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With their vibrant colors and irresistible taste, these bars are guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, you can whip these up anytime without needing special ingredients.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Monster Cookie Bars, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9 x 13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- 9 x 13-inch baking pan: This size is perfect for evenly baking your cookie bars while giving you the right thickness.
- Mixing bowls: Using large bowls allows you to easily mix all ingredients without spilling.
- Electric mixer or whisk: An electric mixer saves time when creaming butter and sugar together for that perfect texture.
Ingredients
These monster cookie bars have all the peanut buttery, chocolatey, chewy goodness of the traditional cookie, only in super easy bar form.
For the Bars
- ½ cup butter (softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup peanut butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1¾ cup quick cooking oats
- ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup M&Ms
How to Make Monster Cookie Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9 x 13 pan with butter or non-stick spray.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl:
1. Add softened butter and brown sugar.
2. Cream together until light and fluffy using an electric mixer or whisk.
3. Beat in the peanut butter until well combined.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Stir in vanilla extract.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl:
1. Stir together all-purpose flour and baking soda.
2. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients in the large bowl.
3. Mix until just combined.
Step 4: Add Oats and Chips
To your batter:
1. Stir in quick-cooking oats until evenly distributed.
2. Fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips and M&Ms gently.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Press the cookie dough evenly into the greased pan:
1. Optionally, add more M&Ms on top by pressing them slightly into the dough.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 14-16 minutes:
1. Check that edges are lightly browned or use a toothpick; it should come out clean when inserted into the center.
2. Avoid over-baking for chewy results.
Let cool slightly before slicing into bars—although waiting for them to cool completely is tough!
How to Serve Monster Cookie Bars
Monster cookie bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to serve them as a dessert, snack, or even at a party, these bars are versatile and sure to please everyone.
As a Dessert
- With Ice Cream: Top warm monster cookie bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast in temperature and texture.
- Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce: Add an extra layer of indulgence by drizzling chocolate sauce over the bars before serving.
For Kids’ Parties
- Cut into Fun Shapes: Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes out of the bars, making them more appealing for children.
- Decorated with Sprinkles: Enhance their visual appeal by adding colorful sprinkles on top for festive occasions.
Snack Time Treat
- Pack in Lunchboxes: These bars make for an easy and hearty snack that kids will love in their lunchboxes.
- Pair with Milk: Serve the bars with a glass of cold milk for the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
How to Perfect Monster Cookie Bars
To ensure your monster cookie bars turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.
- Use Room Temperature Butter: This helps incorporate air into the mixture, resulting in a lighter bar.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mixing just until combined keeps the texture chewy instead of dense.
- Check for Doneness Early: Since ovens vary, start checking around 14 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Let Cool Before Slicing: Allowing them to cool completely ensures cleaner cuts and better presentation.
Best Side Dishes for Monster Cookie Bars
Monster cookie bars pair well with various side dishes that complement their rich flavors. Here are some great options to consider:
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits can balance the sweetness of the bars.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy side that contrasts beautifully with the cookies.
- Cheese Platter: Offer a selection of cheeses, such as sharp cheddar or creamy brie, to create an interesting flavor combination.
- Nut Mix: A simple mix of roasted nuts adds crunch and saltiness that pairs well with sweet treats.
- Fresh Veggies with Dip: Crisp vegetables like carrots and celery served with ranch dip provide a crunchy contrast.
- Coffee or Tea: A warm beverage can enhance the experience while enjoying these sweet bars.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Monster Cookie Bars can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using cold butter: Cold butter doesn’t cream well with sugar. Always use softened butter for a smooth batter.
- Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough bars. Mix just until combined to keep them chewy and soft.
- Skipping the cooling time: Cutting into the bars too soon can result in a crumbly mess. Allow them to cool completely for easier slicing.
- Not greasing the pan: A greased pan helps prevent sticking. Make sure to coat your baking dish well before adding the batter.
- Ignoring baking time: Overbaking will dry out your bars. Keep an eye on them and remove them once the edges are slightly brown.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Item: Store in an airtight container. This keeps your cookie bars fresh.
- Item: They can last up to 5 days in the fridge without losing texture.
Freezing Monster Cookie Bars
- Item: Cut into squares before freezing for easy serving later.
- Item: Use freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Monster Cookie Bars
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place bars on a baking sheet and warm for about 5-10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual bars for 10-15 seconds at a time until warm. Watch closely to avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Place a bar in a skillet over low heat with a lid on. This method keeps them soft and chewy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I customize my Monster Cookie Bars?
Yes! You can add nuts, dried fruits, or substitute different types of chocolate chips for variety.
How do I know when my Monster Cookie Bars are done?
They should be lightly browned around the edges and a toothpick inserted should come out clean.
What if I don’t have quick cooking oats?
You can use old-fashioned oats, but expect a different texture – they may be chewier.
How long do Monster Cookie Bars last at room temperature?
They can last about 2 days at room temperature if kept in an airtight container.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for delicious results.
Final Thoughts
These Monster Cookie Bars are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. With their rich peanut butter flavor and fun mix-ins, they’re perfect for parties or as an after-school snack. Feel free to customize them according to your taste preferences and enjoy every chewy bite!
Monster Cookie Bars
Indulge in the deliciousness of Monster Cookie Bars, a delightful twist on traditional cookies that combines peanut butter, chocolate chips, and colorful M&Ms into a chewy, visually appealing treat. Perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving something sweet, these bars promise to satisfy.
- Total Time: 15 minute
- Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x
Ingredients
- ½ cup softened butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup peanut butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1¾ cup quick cooking oats
- ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup M&Ms
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in peanut butter, then add eggs one at a time along with vanilla.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour and baking soda. Gradually stir into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in oats, chocolate chips, and M&Ms.
- Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 14-16 minutes until edges are lightly browned.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14-16 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 178
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 115mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Use room temperature butter for better mixing. Do not overmix; this will ensure chewy bars. Check for doneness early to prevent overbaking.
