Dreamy Monster Cookie Bars Recipe: Chewy Goodness in Every Bite

Whipping up these decadent monster cookie bars will transport you to a nostalgic playground of sweet memories.

Childhood favorites collide in a delightful mashup of flavors and textures.

Colorful candies and rich chocolate chips dance across a hearty oatmeal base that promises pure indulgence.

Comfort and excitement blend perfectly in each irresistible bite.

Peanut butter provides a creamy backbone that anchors these playful treats.

Crispy edges and soft centers create a textural symphony that tempts every dessert lover.

Bake these and watch smiles light up around the table.

FAQs

• Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to use certified gluten-free oats as well.

• How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?

Look for golden brown edges and a set center. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely wet.

• Can I freeze Monster Cookie Bars?

Absolutely! Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

• What if I don't have peanut butter?

You can replace peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a similar texture and richness.

Monster Cookie Bars That Are Loaded With Fun

• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Whip up these monster cookie bars in under 30 minutes, perfect for satisfying sudden sweet cravings with minimal effort.
• Customize Your Delight: Mix and match different chocolate chips, candies, or nuts to create a unique version that matches your taste preferences every single time.
• Kid-Friendly Baking: Engage children in a fun cooking activity where they can help mix ingredients, sprinkle toppings, and enjoy a delicious homemade treat together.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes and simple preparation make this recipe a stress-free baking experience for busy home cooks craving something sweet and indulgent.

Mix for Monster Cookie Bars

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a soft, tender texture for the bars.
• Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Provide sweetness and help create a chewy, caramelized finish.
• Peanut Butter: Delivers a nutty flavor and contributes to the dense, moist texture.

• Eggs: Act as a crucial binding agent and add moisture to the cookie bars.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor and adds depth to the sweet profile.

• Oats: Provide hearty texture and nutty undertone to the cookie bars.
• All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure and helps hold the bars together.
• Baking Soda: Helps the bars rise and creates a soft, tender crumb.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and brings out the other flavors.

• Chocolate Chips, Mini Chocolate Chips: Add chocolate bursts and create a classic cookie experience.
• M&Ms: Bring colorful crunch and extra sweetness to the bars, perfect for visual appeal.

Monster Cookie Bars – How to Mix and Bake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper.

Make sure the paper hangs over the sides for easy removal.

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to go.

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

• Melted butter
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Peanut butter

Whisk these ingredients until they form a smooth, glossy mixture that looks like a delicious caramel.

Step 3: Bind With Eggs

Crack eggs into the sugar mixture and pour in vanilla extract.

Stir vigorously until everything blends into a rich, golden batter that looks super inviting.

Step 4: Build Cookie Foundation

• Rolled oats
• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt

Fold everything together until you have a consistent dough that holds together perfectly.

Step 5: Load Up With Goodies

• Chocolate chips
• M&Ms

Distribute these colorful mix-ins throughout the dough so every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 6: Create Bakery-Style Topping

Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan.

Sprinkle extra M&Ms and mini chocolate chips across the top for a stunning, professional look.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown and the center looks set but still slightly soft.

Step 8: Cool And Slice

Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely.

Use the parchment paper to lift the entire batch out, then slice into generous squares.

Enjoy your monster cookie bars!

Cookie Bar Tips With Monster Size Joy

• Swap out M&Ms for your favorite candy or mix in crushed pretzels for a salty-sweet crunch.
• Use creamy peanut butter for a smoother texture or crunchy for extra nutty flavor.
• Check bars at 18 minutes to ensure a soft, chewy center; edges should be lightly golden.
• Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer preservation.
• Replace wheat flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a celiac-friendly treat.

Monster Cookie Bars Stay Chewy After Cooling

• Store cooled monster cookie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and preventing moisture loss.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining their delicious texture and flavor.
• Thaw frozen bars at room temperature for 30 minutes, or warm briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their soft, gooey consistency.
• Keep bars at room temperature for 1-2 days in a sealed container, ensuring they stay moist and delectable for quick snacking.

Fun Sides For Monster Bars

• Complement Chocolate Milk Pairing: Rich, creamy chocolate milk perfectly matches the sweet and chocolatey monster cookie bars, enhancing the dessert's decadent flavor profile while providing a smooth, cool contrast.
• Brew Cold Brew Coffee Partner: Strong, smooth cold brew coffee cuts through the sweetness of the bars, offering a robust caffeine kick that balances the rich, sugary treat with its deep, slightly bitter undertones.
• Craft Vanilla Bean Milkshake Match: Velvety vanilla bean milkshake amplifies the dessert's nostalgic comfort, creating a dreamy combination that highlights the cookie bars' playful chocolate and peanut butter notes while delivering extra creamy indulgence.
• Serve Salted Caramel Latte Companion: Salted caramel latte provides a sophisticated counterpoint to the monster cookie bars, blending warm caramel complexity with the dessert's sweet-salty elements for a luxurious taste experience.

Monster Cookie Bars Mix-Ups

• Gluten-Free Monster Bars: Replace wheat flour with gluten-free oat flour or almond flour, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Monster Bars: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and select vegan chocolate chips and dairy-free M&M alternatives.
• Healthier Protein Monster Bars: Substitute part of the flour with protein powder, use natural peanut butter, and reduce sugar content by adding mashed bananas or applesauce.
• Nut-Free Monster Bars: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini, and eliminate any nut-based ingredients for those with nut allergies.

Monster Cookie Bars Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Monster cookie bars combine irresistible peanut butter, chocolate chips, and colorful M&Ms in one incredible dessert. Crammed with nostalgic flavors and childhood memories, these bars promise delightful sweetness you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Primary Ingredients:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted

Baking Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Mix-Ins and Extras:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup M&Ms
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by warming the oven to 350°F and lining a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage of the bottom and sides.
2. Create a smooth foundation by whisking melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and peanut butter in a spacious mixing bowl until the mixture transforms into a glossy, uniform consistency.
3. Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract into the buttery mixture, stirring vigorously to achieve a well-blended emulsion that integrates all liquid components seamlessly.
4. Gradually fold in dry ingredients – oats, flour, baking soda, and salt – using gentle, sweeping motions to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender texture.
5. Delicately introduce chocolate chips and M&Ms throughout the dough, distributing them evenly to guarantee a balanced sweet-and-chocolatey experience in every bite.
6. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread the mixture into a uniform layer, then artfully scatter additional M&Ms and mini chocolate chips across the surface for visual appeal.
7. Position the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 22-24 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges and a set center that indicates perfect doneness.
8. Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, which helps them firm up and makes clean, precise cutting easier.
9. Once fully cooled, slice into rectangular bars using a sharp knife, creating consistent portions that showcase the colorful, chocolate-studded interior.

Notes

• Customize chocolate types by swapping M&Ms with different flavors or seasonal varieties for festive twists.
• Swap peanut butter with almond or sunflower seed butter for nut-free or alternative dietary needs.
• Use gluten-free oats and flour blend to make this recipe celiac and gluten-sensitive friendly.
• Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or cutting sugar quantities by 25% without compromising texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 160 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg