Peanut Butter Monster Cookie Dream Bars Recipe

These Peanut Butter Monster Cookie Dream Bars are a delightful treat for peanut butter lovers. Made with a chewy peanut butter cookie base, loaded with chocolate chips, M&M's, and peanut butter cups, and topped with creamy peanut butter frosting and more cookie crumbles, these bars are irresistibly delicious. They are perfect for parties, potlucks, or whenever you have a craving for something sweet and indulgent. Enjoy these dreamy bars with a glass of cold milk for the ultimate peanut butter dessert experience.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 cup M&M's
• 1 cup chopped peanut butter cups
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Additional cookie crumbles, for topping

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and creamy peanut butter.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Fold in the oats, chocolate chips, M&M's, and chopped peanut butter cups until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Press about two-thirds of the dough into the prepared baking pan, forming an even layer.
7. In a small saucepan, melt the additional 1/2 cup of butter over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in the creamy peanut butter until smooth.
8. Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, stirring until the frosting is creamy and well combined.
9. Spread the peanut butter frosting over the cookie dough in the baking pan, covering it completely.
10. Crumble the remaining cookie dough over the frosting layer, creating a crumb topping.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
12. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
13. Sprinkle the top of the bars with additional cookie crumbles for added texture and presentation.
14. Serve and enjoy these delicious Peanut Butter Monster Cookie Dream Bars!

Interesting Facts