Monster Cookie Bars

Monster cookies have been a family favorite for many years.  After Halloween this year, I wanted to make some cookie bars loaded with Reese's Pieces, a couple varieties of M&M's, chopped peanut butter cups, chocolate chips and chocolate chunks.  I wanted a sturdy enough batter to handle all the mix-ins, and for it to have a peanut butter/oat flavor.  While our favorite Monster Cookie recipe doesn't have flour, these bars do, which I think helps them hold up to lots of mix-ins.  

The bars pictured above have peanut M&M's, dark chocolate M&M's, chocolate chips and chocolate chunks.  They bake up pretty thick, so can be cut into smaller squares for each serving.  They are delicious while still warm, but I really like them after they've chilled in the fridge overnight.

Monster Cookie Bars

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled

2 cups old-fashioned oats

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon coarse salt

1 cup butter, softened

1 cup creamy peanut butter

1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar

1/2 cup sugar

2 large eggs

1 tablespoon vanilla

Mix-ins of choice (chocolate chips/chunks, M&M's, Reeses pieces, chopped peanut butter cups, etc.)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line a metal 9x13 pan with parchment.  

2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, oats, baking soda, and salt.  Set aside.

3. Cream together the butter, peanut butter, and sugars for about 2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.  Add eggs and vanilla and mix for 1 more minute.

4. Add dry ingredients and mix until just combined; don't over mix.

5. Stir in desired mix-ins.  I don't measure these, but just add until it looks good.  Save some mix-ins to sprinkle on top.

6. Spread the mixture into the prepared pan.  Top with additional mix-ins so it looks pretty on top!

7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bars are lightly golden brown and set.  Don't overbake or they will dry out.  Cool in pan.  

Source: adapted slightly from twopeasandtheirpod.com