Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
• In a medium bowl, combine the softened salted butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat with an electric mixer or whisk until well combined and slightly lightened in color, about 1 minute.
• Add the egg and vanilla extract to the bowl and mix until fully incorporated.
• Add the quick/instant oats and sprinkle the baking soda over the mixture. Stir until the oats and baking soda are evenly mixed in and no dry oats remain.
• Fold in the M&M’s and chocolate chips with a spatula or wooden spoon. Reserve a few M&M’s if you want to sprinkle extra on top.
• Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan and press it into an even layer. Sprinkle the reserved M&M’s on top and press them lightly into the surface.
• Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned and the center still looks pale and slightly underdone. Do not overbake.
• Remove the pan from the oven and set it on a cooling rack. Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 45 minutes so they firm up.
• Use the parchment to lift the block from the pan (or run a knife around the edges), transfer to a cutting board, and slice into bars. Serve.