Description
Monster Mash Cookie Bars are a festive Halloween treat featuring a buttery cookie base loaded with chocolate chips, colorful Halloween M&Ms, and candy eyeballs for a spooky twist. These bars are chewy, sweet, and perfect for parties or a fun seasonal dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup Halloween M&Ms or candy-coated chocolates
- 1/4 cup candy eyeballs
- Optional: sprinkles or chopped candy bars for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make it easier to lift the bars out after baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a mixer or spoon to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, incorporating air for a tender texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined, which helps bind the dough together.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until they are just combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain a tender bite.
- Fold in Candy: Gently fold in the chocolate chips and Halloween M&Ms, reserving a small handful to sprinkle on top for a festive appearance.
- Shape and Decorate: Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Press the remaining candies and candy eyeballs onto the surface along with any optional sprinkles or chopped candy bars.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the center is set but still soft.
- Cool and Cut: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting them out using the parchment paper and cutting into squares for serving.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened, not melted, to achieve the right cookie texture.
- Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to keep the bars tender.
- For extra festive fun, try adding colorful sprinkles or chopped candy bars as toppings.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Halloween cookies, cookie bars, chocolate chip cookie bars, holiday treats, monster mash dessert
