Oats Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

These Oats and Peanut Butter Cookie bars, also known as Monster cookie bars are so easy and quick to make and absolutely delicious! The best part is you can mix everything in one bowl and bake in a pan, no need to shape individual cookies. I love recipes that are easy to put together. This recipe is always turns out great and enough to feed a crowd.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup  packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Maple syrup or Honey
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 &1/4  cups peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
• 4 tablespoons soft butter*
• 1 large egg or 1/4 cup apple sauce( for eggless option)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 &1/4 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cup All purpose or whole wheat flour
• 1 cup Semisweet Chocolate chips
• For topping 1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips or chopped peanut butter cups or M& M's*

    *Butter can be replaced with apple sauce for a healthier version.

    *You can add in your favorite baking chips.

Method:

1. Pre-heat oven to 350º F and grease a 13 by 9 inch baking pan.

2. In a mixing bowl, add softened butter, brown sugar, peanut butter, egg or apple sauce, vanilla extract. Mix everthing until well combined.

3. Add in the oats, flour salt and chocolate chips. Mix well.

4. Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips. Spread the cookie dough evenly in  the greased pan. Top with additional chocolate chips or your choice of chopped chocolate candies and press down.

5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or just when edges start getting brown. Cool down completly and cut into squares. Store in an airtight container upto a week or refrigerate for longer shelf life.