Are you ready to indulge in a sweet treat that combines the best of both worlds? Imagine biting into a warm, gooey cookie bar filled with luscious Nutella and topped with a sprinkle of chocolate chips. Welcome to the world of Nutella Filled Monster Cookie Bars—a dessert that’s sure to make your taste buds dance with joy! With just a handful of ingredients and less than an hour of your time, you can whip up these delightful bars that are perfect for sharing or savoring all on your own. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a dessert that looks as good as it tastes!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup oats
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup Nutella
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the edges overhang for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, peanut butter, brown sugar, and the egg. Mix thoroughly until a cohesive dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Press approximately two-thirds of the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan, creating an even base layer that covers the entire bottom of the pan.
- Carefully spread the Nutella in a smooth, even layer over the cookie dough base, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent overflow during baking.
- Crumble the remaining cookie dough over the Nutella layer, creating a rustic top layer. Gently press the top layer to partially cover the Nutella.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly across the top of the cookie bars for additional texture and flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the top is set but still slightly soft.
- Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan for at least 1 hour. The cooling process allows the bars to set and makes cutting easier.
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars out of the pan and transfer to a cutting board. Cut into 12 even bars using a sharp knife.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the cookie dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
- Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to get creative! Add chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even a swirl of caramel for an extra layer of flavor.
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on your bars as they bake. They should be golden brown around the edges, but still soft in the center. Remember, they will continue to firm up as they cool!
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking pan with parchment paper not only makes for easy removal but also helps prevent sticking, ensuring your cookie bars come out perfectly shaped.
- Storage Secrets: To maintain freshness, store the bars in an airtight container. If you plan to keep them longer than a few days, consider refrigerating them for extended shelf life.
- Serve Warm: For an extra treat, warm the bars slightly in the microwave before serving. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg
