Monster Cookie Bars

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
• 3 large eggs
• 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups quick oats
• 3 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1-2 cups mini M&Ms
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat oven to 350 F. Prepare a cookie sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, peanut butter, and butter. With a hand-held blender, mix until pale in color and combined.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla extract. Blend together.
4. Add in the oats and baking soda. With a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, mix by hand until combined.
5. Add in the M&Ms and chocolate chips (reserve some for top of bars if wanted). Stir together well until combined.
6. Dump onto your parchment lined cookie sheet and spread out. This will take several minutes, but it can be done. Sprinkle the reserved M&Ms and chocolate chips on top (if wanted). Press down slightly into dough.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes. The edges will be lightly browned and the middle will still look pale and underdone, but it will finish baking as it cools. Let cool for at least an hour so the bars can firm up and come together. You do NOT want to overbake these

NOTES