Small-batch Monster Cookie Bars
These Small-batch Monster Cookie Bars are chewy, colorful, and loaded with peanut butter, oats, M&Ms, and chocolate chips. Perfect for a quick, sweet treat without leftovers!
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer
- Spatula
- 8x8-inch baking pan
- Parchment Paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons Salted Butter softened
- 1/2 cup Peanut Butter
- 1/3 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/3 cup Brown Sugar
- 1 large Egg
- 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 1/2 cups Quick/Instant Oats
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/2 cup M&Ms plus more for topping
- 1/3 cup Chocolate Chips
Instructions
Cooking Small-batch Monster Cookie Bars: The Process
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to help lift the bars out easily once baked.
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened salted butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat until the mixture is light and fluffy – about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Mix in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. The batter will look smooth and creamy here.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the quick oats and baking soda. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula to combine everything without overmixing.
- Reserve a handful of M&Ms for topping. Fold the rest along with the chocolate chips into the batter evenly.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the reserved M&Ms on top for a colorful finishing touch. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out, then cut into squares or rectangles. Enjoy immediately or store for later!
Notes
- Do not overbake! Bars will continue to set as they cool, so pull them from the oven when the center is just slightly soft.
- For extra chewiness, try adding a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the wet ingredients.
- Feel free to double the recipe and bake in a 9x13-inch pan for a larger batch.