Monster Cookie Protein Bars

Monster cookie protein bars are peanut butter protein bars with chocolate chips and M&M's. These healthy monster cookies are chewy, thick, and taste like cookie dough!

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What is a monster cookie?

I did some research of the origin of the "monster cookie" and couldn't find an exact answer. Some say it's because the baked cookies look like monsters with the texture and colors, while others think it's because they're packed with so many ingredients making them a "monster" of a cookie. Whatever the reason, monster cookies are typically peanut butter cookies made with oats, raisins, M&m's, and chocolate chips. Paula Deen's Monster Cookies are soft, chewy, and so delicious.

My love for monster cookies is strong, so I rarely turn down a chewy peanut butter and chocolate chip cookie. In an effort to create a dessert with more nutrients but with the same delicious flavors, I did some experimenting. It wasn't long before I came up with my new favorite easy, delicious treat: monster cookie protein bars.

Monster cookie protein bars

Monster cookie protein bars are peanut butter and vanilla protein bars packed with chocolate chips and M&M's. Made with only 7 ingredients, these no-bake protein bars are quick and easy to make. They are healthier than a classic monster cookie, but taste just as delicious! These monster cookie protein bars are chewy, thick, and taste just like cookie dough!

What ingredients do I need?

I try to make all of my recipes as easy and simple as possible. That means there will usually be fewer than 10 ingredients, all of which are a pantry staple. This recipe only has 7 ingredients! Here's what you'll need:

• Oats - For this recipe, you'll need to to use oats to make an oat flour. Don't let that intimidate you: to do this, all you need to do is put the oats in a blender or food processor for a few seconds. Oat flour will help create a thick and chewy texture for your protein bar. I use a standard old-fashioned or quick oats, just like I use for my easy protein oatmeal!
• Peanut butter - Peanut butter is one of the most important ingredients for this recipe and all monster cookie recipes. Not only does it give the bar a delicious flavor, but it serves as a binder to hold everything together. I recommend using a natural peanut butter for this recipe because it will be extra creamy!
• Vanilla Protein Powder - One serving of vanilla protein powder will add protein and some sweet vanilla flavors to these protein bars.
• Honey - Adding honey will make these bars sweet and also serve as a binder to help hold these bars together.
• Vanilla - I like to add vanilla to everything because I think it can make everything taste that much better. Plus, we're basically making cookie dough and this will help get us to that flavor.
• Mini M&M’s - This is another important monster cookie ingredient. The M&M's are an important topping to the treat, and by using the minis, we ensure M&M's in every bite!
• Mini chocolate chips - Like the mini M&M's, chocolate chips are another important topping for this recipe that we want to make sure is in every bite!

Can I make substitutions to this recipe?

I haven’t tested many of the ingredient swaps, but I would bet you can make the necessary changes based on your dietary needs and available ingredients.

• Oats - I use old-fashioned oats for this recipe, but you can use gluten-free or any kind of oats that match your dietary needs.
• Peanut butter - Peanut butter is a really important ingredient to this recipe, but any kind of creamy nut butter would work well. You could try almond butter, sunflower butter, or even a flavored peanut butter!
• Vanilla Protein Powder - The protein powder is optional, so you can leave it out if you don't have any.
• Mini M&M’s & Mini chocolate chips - These two ingredients are going to help create the monster cookie flavor we're looking for, so I would recommend keeping them! However, you can definitely use a regular-sized M&M or chocolate chip instead of a mini version.

What makes these bars nutritious?

These monster cookie protein bars are made with simple ingredients that taste delicious! The oats will add healthy carbohydrates and fiber to the bar. Peanut butter will add healthy fats and protein, and one serving of protein powder can add extra protein. Combining these ingredients with honey and toppings will create a bar that is packed with a balance of nutrients, potassium and calcium. Plus, each bar is only 99 calories! This bar is a great pre-run, post-workout, afternoon, or late-night treat.

How long does it take to make this recipe?

This recipe takes about 10 minutes to make. This is a "one bowl" recipe so you'll need to dump all of your ingredients into one large bowl and stir! The hardest part of this recipe will be stirring everything until it's completely mixed. This recipe is "no bake" which means there isn't an oven involved to cook the bars. The only "cooking" is the time when these bars will sit in the freezer to firm up. Trust me, this recipe is so quick and easy!

What is the process to make this recipe?

• Gather all ingredients.
• Place the oats into a blender or food processor and process until finely ground.
• Put the peanut butter and honey in a large bowl and melt in the microwave for 30 seconds. Stir together.
• Add the remaining ingredients to the bowl.
• Mix very well until everything is combined.
• Place a piece of parchment paper onto a baking sheet.
• Firmly press the batter onto the baking sheet and spread so that it is all one layer and covers the baking sheet.
• Place the baking sheet in the freezer for at least one hour.
• Cut into bars and enjoy!

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Can I have the recipe?

If you try this recipe and love it, please rate it and me know your thoughts! I hope you enjoy these monster cookie protein bars as much as me!