These Monster Cookie No Bake Bars are a dreamy mix of chewy oats, creamy peanut butter, and rich chocolate, all in one irresistible treat. With just 15 minutes of prep and a quick chill, you’ll have a dessert that’s packed with gooey textures and bold flavors. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without turning on the oven!
Each bite delivers a delightful crunch from the oats, a smooth melt of chocolate, and a hint of salty-sweet peanut butter. Whether you’re craving a quick snack or a crowd-pleasing dessert, these bars are easy, indulgent, and utterly delicious. Plus, they’re ready in just over two hours—ideal for last-minute cravings or impromptu gatherings!
Gather Your Ingredients
- ½ cup salted butter (softened for easier mixing)
- ½ cup honey (or substitute with maple syrup for a different flavor profile)
- ¼ cup brown sugar (packed)
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter (can use crunchy for added texture)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (microwaved for 1 minute, stirring halfway through to kill bacteria)
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1¾ cup rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick oats work)
- 1 cup M&Ms candies (use your favorite colors!)
- For Chocolate Drizzle:
- ½ cup milk chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy cream
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix the Base: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the butter, honey, brown sugar, peanut butter, all-purpose flour, and vanilla. Beat on high speed for 30 seconds until well blended.
- Add Oats: Gradually add the rolled oats to the mixture, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated.
- Fold in M&Ms: Gently fold in the M&M’s candies using a spatula or mix on low speed until evenly distributed.
- Prepare Chocolate Drizzle: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk chocolate chips and heavy cream. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, then stir. Repeat microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
- Assemble the Bars: Line a 9×9 square pan (or a 9-inch round cake pan) with parchment paper. Press the dough evenly into the pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Drizzle Chocolate: Drizzle the melted chocolate mixture over the dough, using a spoon or piping bag for decorative patterns.
- Chill and Set: Place the pan in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours, or until the chocolate drizzle has fully solidified.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once set, cut into bars and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
Creative Topping Ideas for Your Monster Cookie Bars
Take your Monster Cookie No Bake Bars to the next level with fun and flavorful toppings! Try sprinkling crushed pretzels for a salty-sweet crunch, or drizzle with caramel sauce alongside the chocolate drizzle. For a festive touch, add colorful sprinkles or extra M&M’s candies on top before chilling. If you’re a fan of nuts, chopped peanuts or almonds would add a delicious texture contrast.
How to Store and Keep Your Bars Fresh
Store your Monster Cookie No Bake Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or enjoy straight from the freezer for a cool, chewy treat!
Quick Tips for Perfect No Bake Bars Every Time
To save time, use a food processor to quickly mix the dough ingredients. If your dough feels too sticky, chill it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before pressing it into the pan. For a smoother chocolate drizzle, use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. And don’t forget to line your pan with parchment paper—it makes removing and slicing the bars a breeze!
Fun Recipe Variations to Try
Switch things up by using dark chocolate chips or white chocolate drizzle instead of milk chocolate. For a nut-free version, swap peanut butter with sunflower seed butter. You can also replace M&M’s with other mix-ins like mini marshmallows, dried fruit, or even crushed cookies. Experiment with different flavors to make this recipe your own!
Common Questions Answered
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats? Yes, quick oats will work, but the texture will be slightly softer. Can I skip microwaving the flour? While microwaving kills bacteria, you can skip this step if you’re comfortable using raw flour. What if I don’t have heavy cream? Substitute with half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Just heat it gently to avoid curdling.
Monster Cookie No Bake Bars Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup salted butter
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup all-purpose flour microwaved for 1 minute, stirring halfway through to kill bacteria
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla
- 1¾ cup rolled oats
- 1 cup M&Ms candies
Chocolate Drizzle
- ½ cup milk chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- In the bowl of a standup mixer, beat the butter, honey, sugar, peanut butter, all-purpose flour, and vanilla on high speed for 30 seconds. Add the rolled oats and mix until combined. Add the M&M’s candies and mix until combined.
- Put the milk chocolate chips and heavy cream in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high for 30 seconds. Stir. Microwave on high for another 30 seconds. Stir. Repeat until the chocolate sauce is melted and smooth.
- Press the dough into a 9×9 Square pan or 9-inch round cake pan lined with parchment paper. Drizzle the chocolate drizzle over the dough.
- Place the confection in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours or until the chocolate drizzle has solidified.