No-Bake Monster Cookie Bars at the Table

overhead of monster cookie bars with mms over brown parchment paper

Get ready to fuel your day with these incredible No-Bake Monster Cookie Bars – the standout energy bars that are sure to become your new go-to snack! Soft, chewy, and bursting with chocolatey goodness, these bars are not only gluten-free but also incredibly tasty, making them the reliable option for breakfast, midday snacks, or whenever you need a tasty pick-me-up.

Packed with wholesome ingredients, these Monster Cookie Bars are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings while providing you with the energy you need to tackle whatever the day throws your way!

overhead of monster cookie bars with mms over brown parchment paper

What Are Monster Cookie Bars?

Think of these energy bars as a healthier version of your go-to Monster Cookies! They’ve got all the classic ingredients we all look for in a monster recipe such as M&M’s, nut butter, and oats. However, we made them a little bit healthier, and turned them into a no-bake bar for a sweet treat you can feel good about eating!

Sweet, salty, and so simple to make, they’re everything you could ever ask for…and more.

overhead image of whole oats and almonds in a food processor

ground oats and almonds in a food processor

Monster Energy Bar Ingredients

Unlike traditional Monster cookie recipes that require eggs and sugar, this version uses simple, (mostly) healthy ingredients you probably already have on hand.

Oats – Old-fashioned oats create the finest texture and ensure your bars hold together. Don’t forget to make sure they’re certified gluten-free if you follow a gluten-free diet!

Almonds – Almonds add healthy fats, fiber, and a bit of protein to these Monster Cookie Bars.

Honey – Honey is crucial to ensure your bars hold together! Plus, it adds an extra touch of sweetness we love.

Nut Butter – We used almond butter, but any nut or seed butter you like finest can be substituted instead.

Coconut Oil – A good source of medium-chain triglycerides, coconut oil helps thin out the batter so that it is easier to mold and shape into bars.

Vanilla Extract – Don’t overlook the vanilla! It helps enhance the sweet flavor of these energy bars, taking them from good to great.

Chocolate Chips – Feel free to use whatever variety you like finest.

M&Ms – For this recipe, we used classic M&Ms. However, it’s fun to swap them out for different holiday-themed candies throughout the year.

Chia Seeds – Technically optional, chia seeds help add fiber and plant-based protein to these energy bars, making them even more filling.

ground oats and almonds and almond butter in a food processor

How to Make the Finest No-Bake Energy Bars

Made with just a food processor and a baking pan, this recipe couldn’t be any easier. You don’t even have to turn on the oven! Just follow the steps below, and you’ll be on your way to snacking in no time.

Process the oats and almonds until a flour-like consistency is formed.
Add the remaining ingredients except for the M&Ms and chocolate chips, and pulse until everything is well combined.
Gently mix in the final ingredients.
Pressthe mixture into an 8×8 baking pan. Note: option to roll into balls for energy bites!
Place in the fridge or freezer until the mixture is set, and slice into bars.

close up image of a mixture of ground oats and almonds, M&Ms, and chocolate chips in a food processor

overhead image of monster cookie bar batter in a food processor

Our Secret Tips & Tricks

Of course, these monster cookie bars are super simple to make. However, we’ve tested them quite a few times and have developed a few tips and tricks to make them even better.

Add Milk. If the batter is too dry to stick together, try adding a splash of your go-to milk, and pulsing again.

Add More Oats. If the batter is too wet or sticky, add in a few more oats to help it become just a little drier.

Create Balls Instead of Bars. For an simple on-the-go option, roll your monster cookie bar batter into balls instead of bars!

Add a Boost of Protein. If you want to make these bars even more filling, try adding in a scoop of your go-to protein! However, keep in mind that you’ll need to thin out the batter again if you do.

Get a Little Fancy. If you’re looking for an extra indulgent treat, feel free to add a layer of icing to the top of your bars, and don’t forget the sprinkles or extra candies, too!

overhead of monster cookie bars with mms in a baking dish

How to Store Monster Energy Bars

Fridge: Transfer your energy bars to an airtight container, and keep them in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Freezer: Keep your bars in the freezer for up to 2 months. However, when you’re ready to eat, we recommend letting them soften on the counter just a bit!

Common Questions about No Bake Monster Cookie Bars

Are no bake monster cookie bars gluten-free?

No bake monster cookie bars can easily be made gluten-free as long as you use certified gluten-free oats and check that your other ingredients don’t contain hidden gluten. Regular oats are often processed in facilities that also handle wheat, but certified gluten-free oats eliminate this cross-contamination risk. Always verify that your peanut butter, chocolate chips, and candy pieces are also labeled gluten-free if you’re preparing these for someone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Can I substitute the peanut butter in no bake monster cookie bars?

Yes, you can substitute the peanut butter in no bake monster cookie bars with other nut or seed butters! Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter all work well as alternatives. Keep in mind that each substitute will slightly alter the flavor profile and may affect the setting time.

What’s the difference between monster cookies and monster cookie bars?

The main difference between monster cookies and monster cookie bars is the preparation method and texture. Traditional monster cookies are baked in the oven as individual cookies with a slightly crisp exterior, while monster cookie bars (especially no-bake versions) are pressed into a pan, cut into squares, and have a uniformly chewy texture throughout. No-bake monster cookie bars also typically contain more binding ingredients like honey or corn syrup to help them hold together without baking.

Why are my no bake monster cookie bars crumbly?

Your no bake monster cookie bars might be crumbly if there’s not enough “glue” ingredients (like peanut butter, honey, or butter) to bind the dry ingredients together. Another common cause is not compressing the mixture firmly enough into the pan before refrigerating. Make sure to really press down hard when adding the mixture to your pan, and consider adding an extra tablespoon or two of peanut butter or honey if your mixture seems too dry.

overhead closeup of monster cookie bars with mms over brown parchment paper

More Dessert Bars You’ll Love

Half cookie, half brownie, these Oreo Brookie Bars are the finest of both worlds in one tasty dessert!
Ooey, gooey, and decadent, these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are what dreams are made of.
These Golden Oreo Peanut Butter Bars are an simple dessert that is worth raving about!
More than your average Rice Krispie treat, these Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treat Bars are loaded with peanut butter, Reese’s peanut butter cups, and Nutter Butter cookies.

no-bake monster cookie bars on parchment paper.

the Ayyem kitchenServings: 4 servings

Prep: 15 mins
Total: 15 mins

These No-Bake Monster Cookie Bars are made with oats, almonds, M&Ms, and chocoalte chips for a sweet treat reliable for breakfast, snacks, and more! Email

Ingredients

1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup raw almonds or no salt added
2 Tablespoons honey
1/2 cup silky almond butter
3 Tablespoons coconut oil melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 Tablespoon chia seeds optional
1/4 cup m&ms
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

Process the oats and almonds until a flour-like consistency is formed.1 cup old fashioned rolled oats, 1/2 cup raw almonds
Add the remaining ingredients except for the M&Ms and chocolate chips, and pulse until everything is well-combined.2 Tablespoons honey, 1/2 cup silky almond butter, 3 Tablespoons coconut oil, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 Tablespoon chia seeds
Gently mix in the M&Ms and chocolate chips.1/2 cup chocolate chips, 1/4 cup m&ms
Press the mixture into a 8x8 baking pan. Note: option to roll into balls for energy bites!
Place in the fridge or freezer until the mixture is set, and slice into bars.