If you love cookies, then you must try these Chewy Monster Cookie Bars! They’re a fun twist on classic cookies, packed with oats, chocolate, and colorful M&M's. I’ll guide you through each step so you can whip up a batch that's perfectly chewy and delicious. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these easy-to-make treats that are sure to become a favorite. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Chewy Texture: The combination of oats and a little underbaking makes these bars irresistibly chewy, giving them a delightful bite.
- Loaded with Flavor: With a mix of chocolate, peanut butter, and M&M's, each bite is a burst of sweet, nostalgic flavor that kids and adults alike will love.
- Easy to Make: This one-bowl recipe means less mess and more time enjoying these delicious bars with friends and family.
- Great for Sharing: Cut into squares, these bars are perfect for parties, bake sales, or just a fun treat to share with loved ones.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
- 1 Cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 Cup (220g) brown sugar, packed
- ½ Cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 Cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 Cup (90g) rolled oats
- ½ Cup (90g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ Cup (90g) milk chocolate chips
- ½ Cup (90g) peanut butter chips
- ½ Cup (75g) M&M's candies
Each ingredient plays a key role in making chewy monster cookie bars. The butter gives them a rich flavor and soft texture. Brown sugar adds moisture and a slight chew. Granulated sugar helps with sweetness and crispness. Eggs bind everything together and help the bars rise.
Flour is the base for these bars, keeping them sturdy. Baking soda acts as a leavening agent, making them light. Salt brings out the sweetness, balancing flavors.
Rolled oats add texture and heartiness. Chocolate chips bring sweetness and richness. Peanut butter chips give a nutty flavor that pairs well with chocolate. M&M's add color and a fun crunch, making these bars even more enjoyable.
These ingredients combine to create a treat that is chewy, sweet, and utterly delightful. Each bite is a mix of chocolate, peanut butter, and a hint of vanilla. You can’t resist these bars!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Baking Pan
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. Next, grab a 9x13-inch baking pan. You can lightly grease it or line it with parchment paper. Either way, it helps with easy removal later.
Mixing Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of softened butter with 1 cup of brown sugar and ½ cup of granulated sugar. Beat these together until they are light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This mixes air into the batter, making it soft. Then, add 2 large eggs one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Lastly, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Combining Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. This mix gives the bars structure. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Folding in Add-ins
Now comes the fun part! Carefully fold in 1 cup of rolled oats and the chocolate chips. You can use ½ cup each of semi-sweet, milk chocolate, and peanut butter chips. Don’t forget to add ½ cup of M&M's candies too. Make sure everything is evenly distributed.
Baking
Spoon the dough into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Check for doneness by looking for light golden edges. The center should feel soft but set.
Cooling and Cutting
Once baked, take the bars out of the oven. Let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the bars to a wire rack to cool completely. After they cool, cut them into squares or bars as you prefer. Enjoy your chewy monster cookie bars!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Chewy Texture
To make your cookie bars chewy, start by not overmixing the dough. Overmixing makes the bars tough. Mix just until the dry and wet ingredients combine. Next, bake the bars until the edges are golden, but the center is still soft. This slight underbaking gives that chewy bite we love.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap out the butter for coconut oil or margarine if needed. For sugars, try using coconut sugar or a blend of honey and maple syrup. If you're short on some mix-ins, use your favorite candies or nuts. Each mix-in changes the flavor. Peanut butter chips add a nutty taste, while M&M's bring a sweet crunch.
Presentation Tips
For a fun way to serve, use a colorful platter. Place the cookie bars neatly on it. Add extra M&M's on top for a bright look. Drizzling melted chocolate over the bars makes them even more appealing. It adds a rich finish that everyone will love.
Pro Tips
- Use Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is softened at room temperature for optimal mixing, leading to a lighter and fluffier dough.
- Don't Overmix the Dough: Mix until just combined to maintain the chewy texture; overmixing can lead to tougher bars.
- Experiment with Mix-ins: Feel free to swap out the chips and candies with your favorites, like white chocolate or nuts, to customize your bars.
- Let Them Cool: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean, neat squares without crumbling.
Variations
Gluten-Free Version
To make Chewy Monster Cookie Bars gluten-free, swap out all-purpose flour. You can use almond flour or oat flour. Both options work well and keep the bars moist. Another safe choice is a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure it has a mix of different flours for the best texture.
Nut-Free Option
If you have nut allergies, you can easily adjust the recipe. Simply leave out the peanut butter chips. Swap these with more chocolate chips or even dried fruit for sweetness. This way, you keep the fun flavors without the nuts, making it safe for all.
Flavor Variations
Feel free to get creative with the flavors! Instead of just chocolate chips, try using white chocolate or butterscotch chips. You can also add mini marshmallows or crushed pretzels for a sweet and salty twist. The choice of candies is endless. M&M's can be replaced with Skittles for a fruity zing.
Storage Info
Storing Cookie Bars
To keep your chewy monster cookie bars fresh, store them at room temperature. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps moisture in and air out. If you have a lot, stack them with parchment paper between layers.
Refrigeration and Freezing
If you have leftovers, refrigerate them for up to a week. Wrap the bars in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze them. Cut the bars first, then wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag. To thaw, leave them at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes.
Shelf Life
When stored properly, the cookie bars stay fresh for about a week at room temperature. In the fridge, they last about a week. In the freezer, they can stay good for up to three months. Enjoy them at their best by following these tips!
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter. It adds a nice flavor. However, it also increases the salt content. If you do this, reduce the added salt in the recipe. This keeps the balance right. Unsalted butter lets you control the salt better, which is a key part of the taste.
What is the best way to cut cookie bars?
To cut cookie bars neatly, use a sharp knife. Make sure the bars are cool first. For clean cuts, wipe the knife with a damp cloth between cuts. You can also use a pizza cutter for straight lines. This helps with presentation and makes them look great on a plate.
How do I know when the cookie bars are done?
Check the edges for a light golden brown color. The center should look set but soft. A toothpick inserted into the middle should come out with a few moist crumbs. This means they are done but still chewy. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking!
Can I change the type of chips used in the recipe?
Yes, you can switch up the chips. Try white chocolate, butterscotch, or dark chocolate chips. You can even mix different types for fun flavors. This gives each batch a unique taste. Be creative and find your favorites!
Can these cookie bars be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make these bars the day before. Just store them in an airtight container. They stay fresh and tasty. You can also freeze them. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to serve.
In this blog post, we explored a tasty cookie bar recipe packed with a mix of ingredients. We discussed each step for easy baking, from preparing the pan to cooling and cutting the bars. You also learned helpful tips for perfecting texture and storage options. This recipe is fun and simple, with room for your own variations. Enjoy making your cookie bars and sharing them with others. You’ll create delicious treats that everyone will love and talk about. Happy baking!
