Chewy Monster Cookie Bars
These chewy monster cookie bars combine chocolate chips, peanut butter, and oats for a quick, easy, and satisfying homemade snack with a nostalgic monster cookie flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (180 g) rolled oats
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150 g) packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup (180 g) peanut butter, creamy or chunky
- 1 cup (175 g) chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
- 1/2 cup (90 g) colorful candy-coated chocolates
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together rolled oats, flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Add peanut butter and mix until fully combined; the batter will be thick and sticky.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Stir in chocolate chips and candy-coated chocolates evenly throughout the batter.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and press gently with a spatula.
- Bake for 22-25 minutes until edges are golden brown and center is set but still soft.
- Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Use softened butter, not melted, to prevent spreading and maintain chewiness. Avoid overmixing to keep bars tender. Let bars cool completely before slicing to avoid crumbling. Tent with foil if browning too fast. For gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats and flour blend. Peanut butter can be swapped for almond or sunflower seed butter for allergies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Protein: 5
Keywords: monster cookie bars, chewy cookie bars, peanut butter bars, chocolate chip bars, easy snack recipe, homemade snack