Monster Cookie Bars

You definitely need to try these sweet, nutty, and chocolatey treats! This monster cookie recipe is the ultimate indulgence for people who have a sweet tooth! With this recipe, you can make tasty monster cookies in the form of cookie bars! It will supply you with two dozen portions, perfect for bringing to parties and sharing with loved ones.

If you’ve never had Monster cookies before, let me explain what they are. Monster cookies have a peanut butter cookie base and a variety of mix-ins. Although variations can range, they usually have M&M candies, oats, and chocolate chips! Talk about a delicious combination. I stuck with these mix-ins to keep it classic.

The combination of peanut butter and chocolate tastes great on its own, and when you add colorful M&M’s, the cookies become even better. The oats also add a nice gritty texture, resulting in a pleasant mouthfeel. I went light on the oats, but you can always add more! Either way, I promise these are the best monster cookies you’ll ever eat!

This is certainly a family favorite. Your little ones will love the bright and whimsical M&M’s in the cookies. And you’ll love how easy this recipe is to make from scratch. Get ready to make the most decadent peanut butter cookie bars loaded with all the goodies!

Recipe Overview

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Number of Servings: 2 dozen
• Time to Cook: 30-40 minutes
  

Ingredients in Monster Cookie Bars

This monster cookie recipe requires simple ingredients. Here is what you need:

• ¾ cup Unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ⅔ cup Granulated sugar
• 1 cup Peanut butter
• 2 Eggs
• 2 tsp Vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cup All-purpose flour
• 1 ¼ tsp Baking powder
• ½ tsp Salt
• 1 cup M&M’s
• ⅔ cup Quick oats
• ½ cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions for making Monster Cookie Bars (Step by Step)

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, mix the softened butter until smooth. Add the sugar and whip until light and fluffy.
3. Add the peanut butter, combine it, then add the eggs and vanilla, mixing to combine again. Scrape down the sides of the bowl in between new additions.
4. Add the dry ingredients and mix until incorporated. Then, add the chips and oats. Mix to combine, then gently fold in the M&M candies by hand.
5. Transfer the mixture to a 9 x 13 pan lined with parchment paper. Spread into an even layer, then bake the cookie bars for 25 minutes. Check on them. They will likely need some more time. Cover them with foil and bake them for 10 minutes more or until they are thoroughly baked.
6. To check if they are done, insert a knife into the center to ensure it is no longer wet. The edges will be golden brown, and the top should be puffy. Allow to cool before cutting the bars. I cut them 6 x 4 to make 24 bars! However, you can cut however many squares you want.

Variations and Substitutions

• Chocolate Chip Type: If you don’t have semi-sweet chocolate chips, you can use dark chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips.
• Add or alter the mix-ins: There are different variations of monster cookies that you can try out. For instance, you can make monster cookie bars with pretzel pieces, butterscotch chips, or raisins. Feel free to get creative and come up with new combinations!
• Cut the cookie bars into triangles! First, you can cut them into rectangles and then cut them in half diagonally.
• For a fun change, use different-colored M&Ms instead of the standard-colored ones. With the different-themed candies, you can get festive for holidays!
• Melt some additional chocolate chips and drizzle lines of chocolate over the cookie bars to upgrade their presentation.

Tips and Tricks for Making The Best Cookie Bars

• Your mixer will crush the M&M’s, which is why I suggest gently mixing them in by hand. Add them last!
• The dough only needs to be mixed with the paddle until the flour, oats, and chocolate chips are blended in. If you keep whipping it after that, the overmixing can make the cookie bars crumble and fall apart after they bake.
• Every oven is different, and different pan materials can affect how the bars bake, so make sure to check them at the 25-minute mark as suggested.
• Don’t over-bake them: they will dry out after they cool, so be careful. You want them to be crispy on the edge and chewy in the center!
• Storage: Store the baked cookie bars at room temperature, covered. They will last about 5 days. You can also freeze them for 2 months.

Related Recipes

Valentine’s M&M cookies

Monster Edible Cookie Dough

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies