Get ready to embark on a delectable journey that combines the irresistible crunch of oats, the creamy richness of peanut butter, and the playful burst of colorful M&M's! These Easy Monster Cookie Bars are not just a dessert; they're a flavor explosion that will have everyone begging for more. Perfect for busy home bakers, kids' parties, or when you need a quick sweet treat that looks like it took hours to make, these bars are about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup oats
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup M&M's
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your Monster Cookie Bars bake evenly and thoroughly.
- Gather all your ingredients: 1 cup of peanut butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, ½ cup of granulated sugar, 2 eggs, 1 tsp of vanilla extract, 1 cup of oats, 1 cup of chocolate chips, and 1 cup of M&M's.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula to mix them together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until everything is well incorporated.
- Gradually add the oats to the mixture, stirring until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and M&M's, ensuring they are evenly mixed into the dough.
- Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. Pour the cookie bar mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the bars to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, cut the Monster Cookie Bars into 16 squares and enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure your eggs and peanut butter are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Don't Overmix: Stir just until ingredients are combined to keep your bars tender and not tough.
- Customize Your Monsters: Feel free to swap M&M's with other candies or add nuts for extra crunch.
- Check for Doneness: The edges should be golden, and a toothpick should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool Completely: Let bars cool entirely to allow them to set and make cutting easier.
- Storage Hack: For maximum freshness, store in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep them soft.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg
