4th of July Monster Cookie Bars

These 4th of July Monster Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that combines the classic flavors of monster cookies with a festive twist! Perfect for summer celebrations, these soft and chewy bars are sure to impress at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a Memorial Day picnic or a 4th of July barbecue, these cookie bars will add a splash of color and sweetness to your dessert table.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• How to Make 4th of July Monster Cookie Bars
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
• Step 3: Add Eggs and Syrup
• Step 4: Incorporate Peanut Butter
• Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
• Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips and M&M’s
• Step 7: Prepare Baking Pan
• Step 8: Create Topping Layer
• Step 9: Bake
• Step 10: Cool Down
• How to Serve 4th of July Monster Cookie Bars
• Individual Treats
• Ice Cream Sandwiches
• Party Platter
• With Whipped Cream
• Gift Bags
• How to Perfect 4th of July Monster Cookie Bars
• Best Side Dishes for 4th of July Monster Cookie Bars
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing 4th of July Monster Cookie Bars
• Reheating 4th of July Monster Cookie Bars
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I know when my cookie bars are done?
• Can I use different mix-ins?
• What is the best way to cut these cookie bars?
• Can I make this recipe vegan?
• How long do leftover cookie bars last?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: These cookie bars come together quickly, making them ideal for last-minute gatherings.
• Customizable: Feel free to swap out M&M’s for other candies or add your favorite nuts.
• Perfect for Sharing: Cut them into squares for easy serving at parties or potlucks.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: The colorful sprinkles and M&M’s make these bars appealing to kids and adults alike.
• Soft & Chewy Texture: Enjoy the perfect balance of softness and chewiness in every bite!

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making your 4th of July Monster Cookie Bars, gather all the necessary tools. Having everything ready makes the process easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper (optional)
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort while ensuring your butter and sugars are perfectly creamed.
• 9×13-inch baking pan: The ideal size for creating thick, chewy cookie bars that bake evenly.
• Rubber spatula: Helps you scrape down the sides of the bowl, ensuring all ingredients mix well.

Ingredients

These soft & chewy 4th of July Cookie Bars are a festive spin on my traditional monster cookie bars! Perfect for Memorial Day & summer potlucks!

• ¾ cup unsalted butter (not margarine)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 3 tablespoons light corn syrup (You can also use honey)
• ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ¾ cups quick oats
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided (We’re using ¾ cup in the dough & ¼ on top)
• 1 cup red, white, blue M&M’s, divided (We’re using ¾ cup in the dough & ¼ on top)
• ¼ cup red, white, blue sprinkles

How to Make 4th of July Monster Cookie Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookie bars bake evenly.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Use an electric mixer to cream together the unsalted butter (¾ cup), granulated sugar (¾ cup), and light brown sugar (½ cup).
2. Mix for about 2 minutes until the mixture is light in color.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Syrup

Now it’s time to add some wet ingredients:
1. Add in the eggs (2 large), light corn syrup (3 tablespoons), and vanilla extract (2 teaspoons).
2. Mix until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Incorporate Peanut Butter

Next, include the creamy peanut butter:
1. Add in the peanut butter (¾ cup) and mix until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

Stir in the dry ingredients:
1. Add baking soda (1 teaspoon) and salt (½ teaspoon).
2. Then mix in all-purpose flour (1 ¾ cups) and quick oats (1 ¾ cups) until just combined.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips and M&M’s

Add some fun!
1. Gently fold in chocolate chips (¾ cup) and M&M’s (¾ cup). Reserve the remaining chocolate chips and M&M’s for topping later.

Step 7: Prepare Baking Pan

Prepare your baking pan:
1. Drop dough into a greased or parchment-lined metal 9×13 pan.
2. Spread it evenly until smooth while pressing down gently with your hands.

Step 8: Create Topping Layer

Finish off with toppings:
1. Sprinkle remaining chocolate chips, M&M’s, and sprinkles on top.
2. Gently press them into the dough.

Step 9: Bake

Bake your cookie bars:
1. Place in preheated oven for 28-32 minutes.
2. Look for lightly golden edges; ensure the center is no longer wet but be careful not to overbake.

Step 10: Cool Down

Let your cookie bars cool:
1. Once baked, remove from oven and place on a cooling rack.
2. Allow them to cool completely before cutting into squares.

Enjoy your deliciously festive 4th of July Monster Cookie Bars! These treats can be stored covered at room temperature for up to three days or frozen for longer enjoyment!

How to Serve 4th of July Monster Cookie Bars

These festive 4th of July Monster Cookie Bars are perfect for any summer gathering. They can be served in a variety of fun and creative ways that will impress your guests.

Individual Treats

• Cut the bars into smaller squares and serve them in colorful cupcake liners for an eye-catching presentation.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Place a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookie bars for a delightful dessert twist that’s sure to please both kids and adults.

Party Platter

• Arrange the cut bars on a large platter with fresh fruit, like strawberries and blueberries, for a celebratory touch that complements the holiday theme.

With Whipped Cream

• Top each square with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle extra red, white, and blue decorations on top for added flair.

Gift Bags

• Package individual squares in clear bags tied with red, white, and blue ribbons as sweet party favors for guests to take home.

How to Perfect 4th of July Monster Cookie Bars

To really make your 4th of July Monster Cookie Bars shine, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind during preparation.

• Use fresh ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and baking soda are fresh for the best texture and flavor.
• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined when adding flour and oats. Overmixing can lead to dense cookie bars.
• Check oven temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking.
• Cool completely: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them. This helps maintain their shape and prevents crumbling.

Best Side Dishes for 4th of July Monster Cookie Bars

Pairing delicious side dishes with your 4th of July Monster Cookie Bars can enhance your celebration. Here are some tasty options you might consider serving alongside:

1. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn grilled to perfection adds a smoky flavor that pairs well with sweet treats.
2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits like watermelon, berries, and pineapple brings a lightness to balance out the sweetness.
3. Potato Salad: A classic dish that’s creamy and tangy; it’s great for picnics and complements dessert nicely.
4. Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw provides a nice contrast in texture while offering a slightly tangy flavor profile.
5. Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes drizzled with balsamic glaze make for a colorful side that’s easy to eat.
6. BBQ Chicken Wings: Spicy wings add a savory element that balances out the sweetness of the cookie bars beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

These are some common mistakes you might encounter when making 4th of July Monster Cookie Bars, along with tips to help you succeed.

• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing the dough too much can lead to dense bars. Mix until just combined for a soft and chewy texture.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Using too much or too little of an ingredient can ruin your cookie bars. Use measuring cups and spoons for precision.
• Skipping the Cooling Time: Cutting the bars while they are warm can make them crumbly. Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing for clean cuts.
• Overbaking the Bars: Baking for too long will dry out your cookie bars. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven as soon as they are lightly golden brown.
• Using Old Ingredients: Stale ingredients can affect taste and texture. Check expiration dates on items like baking soda and flour before use.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• You can also cover the pan with plastic wrap if you prefer.

Freezing 4th of July Monster Cookie Bars

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating 4th of July Monster Cookie Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and reheat for about 10 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture.
• Microwave: Heat individual squares for 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here’s what you might want to know about making 4th of July Monster Cookie Bars.

How do I know when my cookie bars are done?

The edges should be lightly golden brown, and the center should no longer look wet. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft.

Can I use different mix-ins?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize your 4th of July Monster Cookie Bars with nuts, dried fruit, or different types of chocolate.

What is the best way to cut these cookie bars?

For clean cuts, let the bars cool completely or chill them slightly before slicing into squares.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

You can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce and use vegan butter and nut butter for a vegan version of these cookie bars.

How long do leftover cookie bars last?

They last up to three days at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze them as mentioned above.

Final Thoughts

These 4th of July Monster Cookie Bars are not only delicious but also versatile. With their festive colors and chewy texture, they’re perfect for summer gatherings or any celebration. Don’t hesitate to get creative by adding your favorite mix-ins!