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Chewy Monster Cookie Bars Recipe Easy Homemade M&Ms Treat

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These chewy monster cookie bars with M&Ms are quick and easy to make, featuring a perfect balance of chewy texture and slight crispness with colorful candy bursts. They are a crowd-pleasing treat ideal for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (310 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¼ cups (250 g) packed brown sugar
  • ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (160 g) quick oats
  • ½ cup (125 g) creamy peanut butter
  • 1 cup (175 g) M&Ms (milk chocolate or peanut)
  • ½ cup (90 g) mini chocolate chips
  • ½ cup (40 g) unsweetened coconut flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until combined.
  3. In a separate medium bowl, beat the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes on medium speed.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until incorporated.
  6. Gently fold in the quick oats, peanut butter, M&Ms, mini chocolate chips, and coconut flakes if using.
  7. Scrape the dough into the prepared pan and press it evenly with a spatula or your hands.
  8. Bake for 25-28 minutes until the top is golden brown and edges are slightly crisp but the center remains soft and chewy. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs.
  9. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
  10. Cut into 12-16 bars depending on preferred size and serve.

Notes

Use softened but not melted butter to maintain chewiness. Do not overmix after adding flour to avoid toughness. Quick oats provide the best texture. Let bars cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Variations include using gluten-free flour, dairy-free substitutes, or swapping M&Ms for dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.

Nutrition

Keywords: monster cookie bars, chewy cookie bars, M&Ms cookie bars, easy cookie bars, homemade cookie bars, peanut butter cookie bars, quick dessert

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