Description
No-Bake Monster Cookies are a delightful and easy-to-make treat combining creamy peanut butter, oats, and chocolate, topped with colorful M&M’s. These cookies require no baking, making them a perfect quick and fuss-free dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Mixture
- 6 tablespoons butter, softened
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
- 6 tablespoons quick cooking oats, pulsed in food processor
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups quick cooking oats, not pulsed
- 8 tablespoons miniature M&M’s
Topping
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons miniature M&M’s
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Line an 8-inch baking dish with foil or parchment paper and set it aside. This will help in easily removing the cookies after they are set.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This forms the base for the cookie mixture.
- Add Peanut Butter and Dry Ingredients: Stir in the creamy peanut butter until well combined. Add the 6 tablespoons of quick cooking oats that have been pulsed in a food processor, vanilla extract, and salt. Slowly add the remaining 1½ cups of quick cooking oats (not pulsed) and fold in ½ cup (8 tablespoons) of miniature M&M’s evenly throughout the mixture.
- Press Mixture into Pan: Firmly press the cookie mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer across the bottom.
- Melt Chocolate Topping: In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until the chocolate is smooth and melted. Spread this chocolate ganache evenly over the pressed cookie mixture.
- Add Final Topping and Chill: Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of miniature M&M’s on top of the chocolate layer. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the cookies have set firmly. Once set, cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- For a crunchy texture, pulse the oats lightly instead of finely processing them.
- Use foil or parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
- The chocolate topping can be substituted with your favorite melted chocolate or candy melts.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and ensure M&M’s are nut-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: no-bake cookies, monster cookies, peanut butter cookies, easy dessert, no bake dessert, chocolate peanut butter bars
