No Flour Monster Cookie Bars – Colorful, Chewy, and Gluten-Free Bliss
There’s something about a pan of freshly baked cookie bars that can make even the gloomiest day feel warm and inviting. These No Flour Monster Cookie Bars are a celebration of color, texture, and flavor — chewy oats, rich peanut butter, melted chocolate, and pops of candy-coated chocolate pieces in every bite. The best part? You don’t need a speck of flour. Just wholesome oats, a few pantry staples, and a craving for something sweet.
It’s the kind of dessert that takes you straight back to childhood bake sales and after-school snacks, except these are made for grown-up cravings too. They’re gooey, rich, and just the right amount of indulgent. Perfect for a weekend treat, a lunchbox surprise, or even a midnight snack with a glass of milk.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup colorful candy-coated chocolates (like M&Ms)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang for easy removal.
- Mix the wet ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer to beat until creamy and smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Add the dry ingredients. Stir in oats, baking soda, and salt. The mixture will be thick but sticky — that’s exactly what you want.
- Fold in the good stuff. Gently mix in chocolate chips and most of the colorful candies, reserving a handful to press on top for that picture-perfect finish.
- Press and bake. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan, pressing gently with a spatula. Sprinkle remaining candies over the top. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is just set.
- Cool completely. Allow bars to cool in the pan before lifting them out and slicing into squares. This helps them firm up for that perfect chewy texture.
Tips & Tricks:
- Don’t overbake! These bars should look a little soft in the middle when you take them out — they’ll firm up as they cool.
- Natural peanut butter works fine, but make sure to stir it well so the oil is fully incorporated.
- Customize your mix-ins: Try butterscotch chips, mini marshmallows, or even chopped nuts for added crunch.
Variations:
- Peanut-Free Version: Swap peanut butter for almond butter or sunflower seed butter.
- Double Chocolate: Stir in 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder and use dark chocolate chips for a richer taste.
- Protein Boost: Add 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder and a splash of milk for a more filling snack.
No Flour Monster Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Mix peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy.
- Add eggs and vanilla; mix well.
- Stir in oats, baking soda, and salt.
- Fold in chocolate chips and candies.
- Spread mixture in pan, top with extra candies.
- Bake 18–22 minutes until golden. Cool, then cut into bars.
Notes
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these chewy squares with a cold glass of milk, crumble one over vanilla ice cream, or pack them for a picnic treat. They’re sturdy enough to travel, yet soft enough to melt in your mouth.
Storage Information:
- Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze sliced bars in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or pop in the microwave for 10 seconds for that fresh-baked warmth.
FAQ:
- Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned? Yes! Quick oats will give a slightly softer texture but work beautifully.
- Are these gluten-free? As long as you use certified gluten-free oats, absolutely!
- Can I double the recipe? Definitely — bake in a 9×13 pan and increase bake time by 5–7 minutes.
History / Fun Facts:
The term Monster Cookie was coined decades ago to describe cookies packed with everything imaginable — oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and candies. These flourless bars carry on that tradition in a simpler, mess-free way. They originated as a “kitchen sink” cookie, a way to use up leftover baking bits, and quickly became a crowd favorite. Today, they’re known as the perfect cookie for when you want a little bit of everything.
Whether you’re baking with kids, prepping a bake sale, or treating yourself to something nostalgic, No Flour Monster Cookie Bars deliver that irresistible chewy, peanut-buttery magic every single time.
