Monster Mash Cookie Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Monster Mash Cookie Bars are a fun and festive treat perfect for Halloween or any candy-loving occasion. Loaded with chocolate chips, colorful candy-coated chocolates, and spooky candy eyeballs, they’re both delicious and visually striking. Easy to make and great for sharing, they’re sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.

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 creamed mixture and mix until smooth.
4. Step 4: Stir in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.
5. Step 5: Fold in the chocolate chips and candy-coated chocolates, reserving a few to press on top before baking.
6. Step 6: Spread the dough evenly in the prepared baking pan. Press the reserved candies and candy eyeballs gently on the top for a festive look.
7. Step 7: Bake the cookie bars for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set but still soft.
8. Step 8: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting out with the parchment paper and cutting into squares.

Tips & Variations

• For extra gooey bars, add a handful of chopped candy bars or swap half the chocolate chips for white chocolate chips.
• If you prefer a crunchier texture, bake for an additional 2–3 minutes but watch carefully to avoid burning.
• Use festive sprinkles or themed candies to match different holidays or parties.

Storage

Store the Monster Mash Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat briefly in the microwave to soften before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid over-salting the cookie bars.

What can I substitute for Halloween M&Ms?

Any candy-coated chocolates, Reese’s Pieces, or even chopped colorful candies work great as a substitute to keep the fun color and texture.

Monster Mash Cookie Bars Recipe

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Monster Mash Cookie Bars are a festive and fun Halloween treat featuring a soft, chewy cookie base loaded with chocolate chips, colorful Halloween M&Ms, and candy eyeballs for spooky decoration. Perfect for parties or a seasonal snack, these bars combine sweet, buttery dough with vibrant candy toppings to delight kids and adults alike.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Mix-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 prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the cookie bars.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, indicating that air has been incorporated.
3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and well combined, which helps to create a cohesive dough.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: Stir in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt just until all the dry ingredients are incorporated, being careful not to overmix to maintain a tender texture.
5. Fold in Chocolate Chips and M&Ms: Gently fold in the chocolate chips and Halloween M&Ms, saving a few pieces to press on top of the dough for decoration.
6. Spread Dough in Pan: Evenly spread the dough into the prepared baking pan, then press the reserved candies and candy eyeballs firmly onto the top so they stick during baking.
7. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the center is set but still slightly soft.
8. Cool and Serve: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting them out and cutting into squares to serve.

Notes

• Make sure the butter is softened but not melted for best creaming results.
• Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to keep the bars tender.
• Use an 8×8 inch pan for the best thickness and texture.
• Cooling completely before cutting helps the bars hold their shape.
• Feel free to customize with your favorite Halloween candies or sprinkles.

Keywords: Monster Mash Cookie Bars, Halloween dessert, cookie bars, chocolate chip cookies, festive treats, candy eyeballs, M&Ms