On The Menu: Monster Cookie Bars

I originally made this recipe after craving some Monster Cookies (these cookies are serious good) but not wanting to spend the time waiting for cookie sheet after cookie sheet to come out of the oven. Maybe it is because of the fun, colorful M&Ms but these cookie bars are a real crowd-pleaser. They are dense, soft, chewy, and super rich. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make. I lost count of how many batches of these bars I made during the holidays to give away as gifts and everyone loved them.

Ingredients:
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
3 large eggs
1 1/2 cups peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 1/2 cups oats (old fashion or quick cooking)
1 cup M&Ms (regular, mini, or peanut butter) plus a few more for the top
1 cup chocolate chips

Directions:
1. Pre-heat the oven to 350°F and line a 13x9-inch metal baking pan with greased parchment paper with a 2-inch overhang on each short side of the pan.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the sugar, brown sugar and butter until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
3. Add the eggs to the bowl, one at a time, beating between each addition then add the the peanut butter, vanilla extract, baking soda and salt and mix until well combined.
4. Add the oats and mix just until combined. Stir in the M&Ms and chocolate chips.
5. Transfer the cookie dough into the prepared pan, pressing it into an even layer. Sprinkle a few extra M&Ms on top to make it pretty.
6. Bake for about 30 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Remove the pan from the oven and allow the cookie to cool in the pan.
8. Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the cookie out of the pan and onto a cutting board. Slice the cookie into 24 bars and serve.

via: recipe originally from here