No Bake Monster Cookie Bars
No Bake Monster Cookie Bars – all the flavors of classic monster cookies with a healthy twist in a super easy no bake recipe.
These No Bake Monster Cookie Bars are what dreams are made of. Okay, a little dramatic but I’m telling you the dough tastes like cookie dough. And you get all the yummy flavors of classic monster cookies. But I tweaked it a bit and used better-for-you ingredients. Can I get an amen?!
Tweaking recipes to make them healthier is my favorite thing to do because I love showing that you don’t have to give up sweets to be healthy. In fact, I encourage eating sweets. I’m all about balance. But I also care deeply about what I put in my body because I know the power of food. Which is why making recipes with better ingredients to satisfy my sweet tooth is one of my favorite things to do.
Here’s a breakdown of the healthier ingredients I used:
Coconut Sugar: Instead of using a ridiculous amount of sugar, I’m only using a ¼ cup of coconut sugar to give the cookie dough some sweetness without diabetes. Kidding, sort of.
Peanut Butter: Wait, isn’t all peanut butter the same? NO. Read your labels on this one because most peanut butter has added sugar and oils. Grab one that only has peanuts and salt as the ingredients.
Gluten-Free Oats: I won’t go into why “gluten-free is better” because some don’t have any issues with it. But what I do find when I work with my clients is how they don’t feel bloated and have more energy when they cut back or cut gluten out of their diets. I often get asked where I grab my gluten-free oats. The best price I’ve been able to find is at Trader Joe’s.
Almond Flour: I love using almond flour as a healthy alternative to regular flour. It has more nutrition and is better for your blood sugar.
These No Bake Monster Cookie Bars are the perfect after-school treat. Or whip up a batch for your next playdate. I store mine in the refrigerator as they do get really soft and gooey--but if you like that, leave them out on the counter!
Be sure to add these to your weekend plans and tag me @karaswanson on Instagram so I can see your recreation and wish I was there eating one with you!
No Bake Monster Cookie Bars
The Dough
1/2 cup grass-fed butter, softened
¼ cup coconut sugar
1 cup creamy peanut butter (no sugar/oils added)
1/2 cup almond flour
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups gluten-free oats
3/4 cup mini chocolate chips
Topping
1 cup chocolate chips
1/4 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
Line an 8x8-inch (or larger for thinner bars) baking dish with parchment paper.
Using a hand mixer, combine butter and coconut sugar together in a large bowl. Add peanut butter and mix until well combined. Stir in almond flour and vanilla; mixing until just incorporated. Mix in oats then fold in mini chocolate chips. Press into prepared dish.
In a microwave safe bowl melt chocolate, in 30-second increments, mixing after every 30 seconds. Once smooth, pour over cookie dough mixture. Sprinkle with dried cranberries.
Refrigerate for 1-2 hours, or until chocolate is completely set up before serving.
Tip: For easier cutting, refrigerate for 30 minutes, remove and cut into bars. Place back into the fridge until chocolate is completely set.