Peanut Butter Chocolate Monster Cookie Bars: A Decadent Delight

These Peanut Butter Chocolate Monster Cookie Bars are the ultimate treat! Imagine the chewy texture of a monster cookie, loaded with oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and M&Ms, all transformed into easy-to-slice bars. These bars are perfect for parties, potlucks, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. They are incredibly easy to make and require no chilling time, making them a quick and delightful dessert option.

## Why You’ll Love These Monster Cookie Bars

* **Easy to Make:** No complicated steps or techniques required. Just mix, press, and bake!
* **Packed with Flavor:** The combination of peanut butter, chocolate, oats, and M&Ms creates a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more.
* **Perfect for Sharing:** These bars are easy to cut and transport, making them ideal for parties and gatherings.
* **Customizable:** Feel free to swap out ingredients to suit your preferences. Use different types of chocolate chips, nuts, or candies.
* **No Chilling Required:** Unlike some cookie recipes, these bars can be baked immediately after mixing, saving you time.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a detailed list of everything you’ll need to create these irresistible Peanut Butter Chocolate Monster Cookie Bars:

* **Butter:** 1 cup (2 sticks), unsalted, softened. Softened butter is crucial for creating a soft and chewy texture. Make sure it’s not melted! If you forget to take it out ahead of time, you can microwave it in 5-second intervals, checking frequently until it’s just softened, but not melted.
* **Granulated Sugar:** 1 cup. Granulated sugar adds sweetness and contributes to the crispy edges of the bars.
* **Brown Sugar:** 1 cup, packed. Brown sugar adds moisture and a chewy texture, as well as a caramel-like flavor.
* **Creamy Peanut Butter:** 1 cup. Use your favorite brand of creamy peanut butter. Avoid natural peanut butter, as it tends to separate and can make the bars greasy. If you only have natural peanut butter, stir it very well until fully combined and be aware that the texture may be slightly different.
* **Eggs:** 2 large. Eggs bind the ingredients together and add richness to the bars. Make sure they are at room temperature for best results.
* **Vanilla Extract:** 2 teaspoons. Vanilla extract enhances the other flavors and adds a warm, comforting aroma.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 1 1/2 cups. All-purpose flour provides structure to the bars. Measure it carefully using the spoon and level method to avoid adding too much flour.
* **Baking Soda:** 1 teaspoon. Baking soda helps the bars rise and creates a light and airy texture.
* **Salt:** 1/2 teaspoon. Salt enhances the sweetness of the other ingredients and balances the flavors.
* **Rolled Oats:** 3 cups. Rolled oats add a chewy texture and a nutty flavor to the bars. Use old-fashioned rolled oats, not quick-cooking oats, as quick-cooking oats will make the bars too dense.
* **Chocolate Chips:** 1 cup. Use your favorite type of chocolate chips, such as semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate. You can even use a combination of different types.
* **M&Ms:** 1 cup. M&Ms add color, crunch, and extra chocolatey goodness to the bars. Use regular M&Ms, peanut M&Ms, or your favorite variety.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **9×13 inch Baking Pan:** This is the ideal size for making these bars. Ensure it’s light in color for even baking.
* **Parchment Paper:** To line the baking pan. This makes it easy to remove the bars after baking and prevents them from sticking.
* **Mixing Bowls:** You’ll need a large mixing bowl for the wet ingredients and a separate bowl for the dry ingredients.
* **Electric Mixer:** A stand mixer or hand mixer will make it easier to cream the butter and sugar.
* **Rubber Spatula:** For scraping down the sides of the bowl and folding in the oats, chocolate chips, and M&Ms.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measurements of the ingredients.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect Peanut Butter Chocolate Monster Cookie Bars:

**1. Prepare the Pan:**

* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the bars bake evenly.
* Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leave some overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out after baking. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

**2. Cream Butter and Sugars:**

* In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a soft and tender texture. Use an electric mixer (stand mixer or hand mixer) for best results. Beat for about 3-5 minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy.

**3. Add Peanut Butter, Eggs, and Vanilla:**

* Add the creamy peanut butter to the creamed butter and sugar mixture and beat until well combined. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
* Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well incorporated.

**4. Combine Dry Ingredients:**

* In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures that the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour.

**5. Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients:**

* Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough bars. Mix until the flour disappears into the wet ingredients.

**6. Stir in Oats, Chocolate Chips, and M&Ms:**

* Fold in the rolled oats, chocolate chips, and M&Ms until evenly distributed throughout the batter. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold in these ingredients, ensuring they are evenly dispersed without overmixing the batter.

**7. Press into Pan:**

* Press the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use your hands or the back of a spoon to flatten the batter into an even layer. You can also spray your hands with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the batter from sticking to your hands.

**8. Bake:**

* Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as this can result in dry bars. The center should be set, but still slightly soft.

**9. Cool and Cut:**

* Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting. This will prevent them from crumbling. Cooling usually takes about 1-2 hours. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the pan in the refrigerator.
* Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares or bars of your desired size. A sharp knife works best for clean cuts.

## Tips for Perfect Monster Cookie Bars

* **Use Softened Butter:** Softened butter is crucial for creating a soft and chewy texture. Make sure it’s not melted. If you forget to take it out ahead of time, you can microwave it in 5-second intervals, checking frequently until it’s just softened, but not melted.
* **Measure Flour Accurately:** Use the spoon and level method to measure the flour. Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and then level it off with a knife. This will prevent you from adding too much flour, which can result in dry bars.
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the batter can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough bars. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking the bars can result in dry bars. Bake until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The center should be set, but still slightly soft.
* **Cool Completely:** Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting. This will prevent them from crumbling.
* **Customize:** Feel free to swap out ingredients to suit your preferences. Use different types of chocolate chips, nuts, or candies.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Different Chocolate Chips:** Use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, or a combination of different types.
* **Nuts:** Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for extra crunch and flavor.
* **Candies:** Use other types of candies, such as chopped peanut butter cups, toffee bits, or sprinkles.
* **Gluten-Free:** Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these bars gluten-free.
* **Dairy-Free:** Use dairy-free butter and chocolate chips to make these bars dairy-free.
* **Vegan:** Use vegan butter, chocolate chips, and egg replacer to make these bars vegan.

## Serving Suggestions

* Serve these bars as a dessert after dinner.
* Pack them in lunchboxes for a sweet treat.
* Bring them to parties and potlucks.
* Enjoy them with a glass of milk or a scoop of ice cream.

## Storage Instructions

* Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
* For longer storage, store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

## Recipe Card

**Peanut Butter Chocolate Monster Cookie Bars**

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 25-30 minutes
**Total Time:** 40-45 minutes
**Yield:** 16-24 bars

**Ingredients:**

* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1 cup packed brown sugar
* 1 cup creamy peanut butter
* 2 large eggs
* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 3 cups rolled oats
* 1 cup chocolate chips
* 1 cup M&Ms

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the peanut butter to the creamed butter and sugar mixture and beat until well combined.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
7. Fold in the rolled oats, chocolate chips, and M&Ms until evenly distributed.
8. Press the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
10. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares or bars of your desired size.

## Nutrition Information (Approximate, per bar)

* Calories: 300-350
* Fat: 15-20g
* Saturated Fat: 8-10g
* Cholesterol: 40-50mg
* Sodium: 150-200mg
* Carbohydrates: 35-45g
* Sugar: 20-25g
* Protein: 5-7g

*Note: Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

## Conclusion

These Peanut Butter Chocolate Monster Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that’s easy to make and perfect for sharing. With their chewy texture, rich flavors, and customizable ingredients, they’re sure to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy these irresistible bars! Happy baking!