Indulge in Monster Cookie Bars: A Sweet Treat for Any Occasion
If you’re on the lookout for a dessert that combines nostalgia and indulgence, look no further than Monster Cookie Bars. Bursting with the satisfying crunch of oats, the creamy richness of peanut butter, and the colorful charm of M&M’s, these bars are not only visually striking but a delight to the senses. As they bake, your kitchen will fill with the warm aroma of cookies blending with the nutty scent of roasting oats, inviting you to take a gooey bite.
Imagine cutting into one of these soft, chewy bars – the first taste reveals a sweet, slightly salty flavor profile, complemented by a generous mix of chocolate chips melting into your mouth. Each bite greets you with textures that play harmoniously—the chewiness of oats, the crunch of M&M’s, and the softness from peanut butter intertwined throughout. It’s a taste experience that beckons you back for just one more bite.
These Monster Cookie Bars are ideal for cozy mornings when you want to indulge in a sweet breakfast, family gatherings where dessert is a must, or even as an easy treat for last-minute guests. Whether enjoyed warm out of the oven or chilled from the fridge, they are sure to become a favorite!
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 230
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 15g
(Nutritional values are approximate and based on standard ingredients. For exact figures, consult nutrition labels from specific products.)
Why Make This Recipe
The appeal of Monster Cookie Bars lies not only in their delicious flavor but also in their simplicity. Packed with wholesome ingredients, they are easy to whip up and don’t require any complicated techniques. Enjoy the delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen and share these bars at gatherings, or keep them as a handy snack for those sweet cravings. They are perfect for both kids and adults alike and can easily be tailored to fit various tastes!
How to Make Monster Cookie Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup M&M’s
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix together the peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add the baking soda and mix well until fully incorporated.
- Stir in the rolled oats, M&M’s, chocolate chips, and optional nuts until combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Allow to cool in the pan before cutting into bars.
Baking Tips:
- Avoid overmixing after adding the oats to keep the bars soft and chewy.
- Check for doneness by lightly pressing the edges; they should be set but still soft in the center.
How to Serve
These Monster Cookie Bars can be served warm, straight from the oven, or at room temperature. Try pairing them with a glass of cold milk, or enjoy them alongside your favorite tea or coffee. For a touch of decadence, spread some butter or a drizzle of honey on top!
How to Store
These cookie bars are best stored in an airtight container. They will keep well at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature before serving.
Expert Tips
- For ultimate richness, consider using natural peanut butter with no added sugar or salt for more flavor depth.
- Ensure your baking dish is well-greased to prevent sticking.
- Baking times can vary based on your oven; it’s advisable to check them a few minutes before the recommended time.
Delicious Variations
- Vegan Version: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) and use maple syrup instead of sugar.
- Gluten-Free Alternative: Use gluten-free oats and confirm that all additional ingredients (like chocolate chips) are certified gluten-free.
- Cinnamon Swirl: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the batter for a warm spice note.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I substitute almond butter for peanut butter?
Yes, almond butter works well in this recipe but may alter the flavor slightly.
2. My cookie bars seem dry; what went wrong?
Overbaking can often lead to dry bars. Check for doneness before the timer goes off!
3. Can I use frozen ingredients?
Yes, you can use frozen chocolate chips or M&M’s; just mix them in directly from the freezer without thawing.
4. How do I know when they’re fully baked?
Look for golden edges and a slight puff in the center. They will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.
5. Any ideas for leftover bars?
Leftover bars can be crumbled over ice cream for a delightful sundae or chopped and mixed into yogurt for a tasty breakfast.
Conclusion
Inject a bit of sweetness into your day with these delightful Monster Cookie Bars! They’re easy to make, a joy to share, and sure to bring a smile to anyone lucky enough to indulge. Try out the recipe, and don’t forget to let us know how it turned out or share your own creative variations. Happy baking!
Print
Monster Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Monster Cookie Bars combining oats, peanut butter, and colorful M&M’s, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup M&M’s
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix together the peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add the baking soda and mix well until fully incorporated.
- Stir in the rolled oats, M&M’s, chocolate chips, and optional nuts until combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Allow to cool in the pan before cutting into bars.
Notes
Store in an airtight container. Best consumed within 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
