Monster Mash Cookie Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Monster Mash Cookie Bars are a fun and festive treat, packed with chocolate chips, colorful candy, and spooky candy eyeballs. Perfect for Halloween parties or any time you want a playful, sweet snack that’s easy to share.

Ingredients

• 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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the buttery mixture, stirring until smooth and well combined.
4. Step 4: Gradually stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing just until the dry ingredients are incorporated without overworking the dough.
5. Step 5: Fold in the chocolate chips and Halloween M&Ms, saving a handful to press on top before baking.
6. Step 6: Spread the cookie dough evenly in the prepared pan. Press the remaining candies and candy eyeballs onto the surface to decorate.
7. Step 7: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center feels set but still slightly soft.
8. Step 8: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares to ensure clean edges.

Tips & Variations

• For extra gooey bars, slightly underbake by a minute or two and let them set completely while cooling.
• Swap candy eyeballs for gummy worms or other Halloween-themed candies for a different spooky effect.
• Try mixing in chopped nuts or adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a sweet and salty contrast.
• Use festive sprinkles or chopped candy bars to customize the bars further for parties or gift-giving.

Storage

Store the Monster Mash Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat slightly in the microwave if you prefer warm bars before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use margarine or oil instead of butter?

Butter provides the best flavor and texture for these bars. Using margarine or oil may change the texture, making the bars less fluffy or altering the taste.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. Make sure your baking soda and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Monster Mash Cookie Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 98 reviews

Monster Mash Cookie Bars are a fun and festive treat perfect for Halloween or any occasion where you want a colorful, candy-filled dessert. These soft and chewy bars combine classic cookie flavors with chocolate chips, candy-coated chocolates, and playful candy eyeballs for a spooky and delicious twist.

• Author: Hannah
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Add-ins and Toppings

• 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

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal and clean-up.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. This creates a smooth base for your dough.
3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogenous, ensuring even flavor and moisture throughout the dough.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: Stir in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the bars tender.
5. Fold in Candy and Chocolate: Gently fold in the chocolate chips and Halloween M&Ms or candy-coated chocolates, reserving a small handful of candies and candy eyeballs for topping later.
6. Spread Dough in Pan: Evenly spread the cookie dough into the prepared 8×8-inch pan using a spatula. Press the reserved candies and candy eyeballs onto the top of the dough to create a fun, festive look.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set but still soft.
8. Cool and Cut: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting out using the parchment paper. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

• For soft cookie bars, avoid overbaking; remove from oven once center is set.
• You can substitute candy eyeballs with other fun Halloween-themed candies if you prefer.
• Use parchment paper or grease the pan well for easy removal of bars.
• Optional sprinkles or chopped candy bars can be added on top or folded into the dough for extra texture and flavor.

Keywords: Halloween cookies, cookie bars, candy cookie bars, festive dessert, chocolate chip bars, monster mash bars