Description

A sturdy, chewy, and gooey bar made with pantry staples like peanut butter, oats, and chocolate chips. Designed to survive in a lunchbox without melting or drying out, these bars are easy to make in one bowl and perfect for back-to-school snacks.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup (128g) creamy peanut butter
1 cup (200g) packed brown sugar
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups (160g) old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup (120g) whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (170g) mini chocolate chips
1/2 cup (85g) M&Ms
1/2 cup (40g) sweetened shredded coconut

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray, optionally lining with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large bowl, combine softened butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix with a wooden spoon until smooth and combined (about 2-3 minutes).
Add eggs and vanilla extract to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Add rolled oats, whole wheat flour, baking soda, and salt to the bowl. Stir until evenly distributed. The dough will be thick and sticky.
Fold in mini chocolate chips, M&Ms, and shredded coconut using a spatula or hands until evenly distributed.
Transfer dough to the prepared pan. Press down firmly and evenly with the back of a spoon or measuring cup to create a flat surface.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, until edges are golden brown and the center looks set but slightly soft. Do not overbake.
Let bars cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes to allow them to set. Cut into 12-16 squares before serving.

Notes

Ensure butter is softened but not melted. Do not cut bars while hot as they will fall apart. For nut-free schools, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter. For gluten-free, use certified GF oats and a 1:1 GF flour blend. Bars keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 5 days or freeze for 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Snack
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 280
Sugar: 22
Sodium: 180
Fat: 12
Saturated Fat: 5
Carbohydrates: 38
Fiber: 3
Protein: 6

Keywords: monster cookie bars, lunchbox snacks, back to school recipes, peanut butter bars, no-bake alternative, easy baking, kid-friendly snacks, make-ahead snacks