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Monster Cookie Bars Recipe

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4.3 from 1 review

These thick and chewy Monster Cookie Bars combine the classic flavors of peanut butter, chocolate chips, and M&Ms in a convenient bar form. With no chilling or scooping needed, this recipe is an easy and fun twist on traditional monster cookies, perfect for dessert lovers craving a sweet, satisfying treat.

  • Author: Zara
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 24 bars
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Wet Ingredients

  • 14 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature (196 g)
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (132 g)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature (100 g)
  • 2 large egg yolks, room temperature (36 g)
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Sugars

  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed (100 g)
  • 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed (100 g)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 g)

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (260 g)
  • 1 3/4 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned oats) (180 g)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt

Add-ins

  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (85 g)
  • 1/2 cup chopped chocolate bar (78 g)
  • 1/3 cup mini M&Ms (75 g)
  • 1/3 cup regular M&Ms (78 g)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pan: Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease the sides and bottom with nonstick spray or butter to prevent sticking. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
  2. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the room temperature unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, light brown sugar, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This typically takes a few minutes and helps create a tender texture in the bars.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, ensuring the batter is smooth and consistent.
  4. Fold in Dry Ingredients and Mix-ins: Gently fold in the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, baking soda, salt, semi-sweet chocolate chips, chopped chocolate bar pieces, mini M&Ms, and regular M&Ms. Be careful not to overmix; combine just until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
  5. Spread the Dough: Evenly press the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan. Optionally, sprinkle additional chocolate chips, chopped chocolate, and M&Ms on top for a decorative and extra chocolaty finish.
  6. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 35 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out just barely moist to ensure the bars are chewy, not dry.
  7. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into 24 bars. This cooling step helps the bars set for clean slicing and enhances texture. Enjoy your delicious Monster Cookie Bars!

Notes

  • For best results, measure the flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off rather than scooping directly, to avoid too much flour and a dry texture.
  • Using room temperature ingredients ensures even mixing and better texture.
  • You can customize the mix-ins with other chocolate candies or nuts as desired.
  • Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.

Find it online: https://zaracooking.com/monster-cookie-bars-recipe/