Pin It Chewy, buttery cookie bars packed with oats, chocolate candies, and a delightful cinnamon-sugar crunch make these Cinnamon Sugar Monster Cookie Bars perfect for sharing or indulging any time.
I first made these for a family game night and they disappeared before the cards were even shuffled. The colorful chocolate candies are always a hit with kids and grown-ups alike.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter (1 cup/225 g): Softened for easy mixing and a rich, chewy texture.
- Brown sugar (1 cup/200 g): Packed, provides moisture and depth of flavor.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup/100 g): Adds sweetness and helps the bars bake up golden.
- Eggs (2 large): Bind the dough and add richness.
- Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Enhances the cookie flavor.
- All-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups/220 g): Gives structure to the bars.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats (1 1/2 cups/120 g): Add chewy texture.
- Baking soda (1 tsp): Leavens the bars for a soft bite.
- Baking powder (1/2 tsp): Adds lift.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): Warms up the flavor profile.
- Chocolate candies (1 cup/180 g): Use your favorite brand for colorful bites.
- Semisweet chocolate chips (1 cup/170 g): Melted pockets of chocolate in every bar.
- Granulated sugar (2 tbsp): For the cinnamon sugar topping.
- Ground cinnamon (1 1/2 tsp): For the cinnamon sugar topping.
Instructions
- Prep the pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Cream the butter and sugars:
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in eggs and vanilla:
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, oats, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Make the dough:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Add the mix-ins:
- Fold in chocolate candies and chocolate chips.
- Spread the dough:
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
- Prepare the topping:
- Mix the cinnamon sugar topping ingredients in a small bowl, then sprinkle evenly over the top of the dough.
- Bake:
- Bake for 23–27 minutes, until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool and cut:
- Allow to cool completely in the pan before lifting out and cutting into bars.
Pin It Every time I bake these bars, my family gathers in the kitchen to sneak bites before they cool. They make a sweet addition to holiday trays or school lunches.
Required Tools
9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking pan, parchment paper, mixing bowls, electric mixer or sturdy whisk, measuring cups and spoons, spatula.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, dairy, and soy. May contain peanuts or tree nuts if using certain chocolate candies. Always check ingredient labels and choose candies that fit your dietary needs.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 280 calories, 13 g total fat, 38 g carbohydrates, 3 g protein.
Pin It Cut the cooled bars into squares and enjoy with a cold glass of milk. They are a cozy treat for any occasion.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use instant oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Old-fashioned oats are preferred for texture, but instant oats may be used for a softer result.
- → How do I know when the bars are baked?
Bake until golden edges form, and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs from the center.
- → Can I add different mix-ins?
Yes! Try peanut butter chips, butterscotch chips, or a mix of mini chocolate candies for variety.
- → How should I store these bars?
Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days for best freshness.
- → Are these bars suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, these bars contain no meat or gelatin, but always verify with the packaging for chocolate candies.
- → Are there any common allergens?
Bars contain wheat, eggs, dairy, and soy. Some chocolate candies may include peanuts or tree nuts.