Were you ever scared of monsters under your bed or hiding in your closet?
I was, but I was weirdly scared more of human monsters lurking around. I was, and always have been paranoid about someone trying to kill me for some reason. Maybe it was all of the Forensic Files I was exposed to as a child.
It was as if the second I heard Peter Thomas’ iconic voice, I knew some human monsters had effed up again and killed someone. And the scary theme music.. couldn’t even deal.
However, because of my morbid childhood curiosity, and because I am incapable of saying no, I begged my parents to let me watch Forensic Files so I could catch a glimpse of some blood or crime scene photos since I was also a mega-creep. Even though the stories frightened the living poop out of me, I still loved to watch it. Nevermind the fact that I had nightmares and was always petrified that some scary, mask-wearing person was hiding out in my closet.
Which brings me to my next point … do you ever check behind shower curtains, too? I do, but I’m wondering WHY we even do that. Allow me to explain.
Think of all the movies in existence that feature shower horror scenes — what makes you think hiding out in a shower would be a good choice anymore? I mean, yeah, to catch someone completely off guard, maybe. But then there are the paranoid freaks like myself who always A) leave the shower curtain completely open upon leaving the bathroom or B) check before I even shut the door, so your striking time would be significantly limited if I were to come in.
And come on. Do you really want Peter Thomas to tell the world that you used the most cliche hiding spot ever to kill someone? How embarrassing. He probably would have like seven outtakes because he was laughing at you over your poor hiding choices.
Anywho. There is one monster I don’t mind, and that would be monster cookies. Frankly, I’m not sure why they’re called monster cookies, but my best guess is probably because they’re filled with peanut butter, oats, chocolate chips and M&M’s, which makes them monstrous in flavor and size. And these bars are no exception!
I took my favorite-ever Monster Cookie recipe and layered in in a 13×9″ baking pan but swirled some creamy Nutella spread in the middle. By first glance, you’ll never know there’s a gooey, chocolatey ribbon of Nutella swirled throughout these soft and chewy bars until you take a bite.
And trust me, there will be more than one bite taken 🙂
*adapted from my Deep Dish Monster Cookie recipe
- 2 & ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 & ½ cups old-fashioned oats
- ¾ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup butter, softened
- 2 cups light brown sugar
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup miniature M&M's
- 1 jar Nutella
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Liberally grease a 13x9" baking pan with cooking spray and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; set aside. Meanwhile, in the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the butter & brown sugar with the paddle attachment until creamy. Add the peanut butter, eggs and vanilla and beat to combine.
- Gradually add in the flour mixture until incorporated. Lastly, stir in the oats and miniature M&M's to combine. Spread HALF of the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Spread the Nutella evenly over the dough, then top with the remaining dough. Try to cover the Nutella completely with the remaining dough, but if you can't, that's okay if a little peeks through.
- Bake for approx. 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center appears mostly set. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares. Serve warm or room temperature.
These colorful, tasty bars have lots of flavors and textures going on that make them memorable and delicious! I love the combination of the chewy oats, the crunchy M&M’s and the creaminess of the surprise Nutella ribbon. Combined with the salty peanut butter, the warm vanilla & brown sugar base (which almost make this bar taste blondie-ish) and the chocolate make for a seriously scrumptious treat! Top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of hot fudge and caramel if you’re feeling really feisty 😉
Have a fantastical day!!
xo, Hayley
So I’m not the biggest fan of peanut butter baked goods by any means. Does any one know of a way I could make these simply amazing looking cookie bars with out it? Everything sounds amazing except for the peanut butter.
Hey Alicia! No worries! You could substitute almond butter or even Biscoff for the peanut butter. Or, if you’d like, omit the peanut butter entirely — just increase the butter to two full sticks to replace some of the moisture lost from the PB.
Thanks so much!!!
I still can’t sleep without a blanket on, my foot or arm off the bed, or my closet open because of “monsters”! Now this kind of monster I wouldn’t mind finding in my closet or under my bed!!
I’m scared of everything. Fact. As a child I would imagine there were monsters in the room and hold my breath so they’d think I was dead and leave me alone.
yeeeeah.
anyway. Love monster cookies and LOVE these bars even more because OMGYOUPUTINANUTELLALAYERRRRR!
I am ready to take on this Nutella monster. RAWRR.
Yum!!! Nutella stuffed anything is amazing! Plus the MnMs, even better!
When I was in 7th grade, I read It by Stephen King. That’s when I learned to make it from the light switch to my bed in one leap, and not the smallest part of my body ever dared peek out over the edge of the bed. I may have been tempted to set foot out of my bed for one of these cookie bars, though. They look great.
You know I was never worried about people monsters like serial killers and what not. Ghosts, man. I can NOT handle ghosts. Like GTFO of my life ghosts. I’m now going to soothe my scaredy cat self with these glorious nutella stuffed bars! *drools*
I’ve never heard of the Forensic Files but that show was to you what Unsolved Mysteries was to me. Even to this day, hearing that creepy ass theme music freaks me out. Even though I’m the biggest scaredy cat in the world, I LOVE scary movies, books ‘n tv shows. Then I’m too afraid to go the bathroom afterwards (I won’t even look in the mirror) and I force my husband to accompany me. I should just leave pans of your incredible Nutella-filled monster cookie bars lying around to lure me into dark scary places in my house. These are amazing, Hayley!
Monster cookies are my favorite! Love the idea of a creamy layer of nutella in the middle!
I always check the back seat of the car when I’m driving alone at night.
Can you clarify what size jar of Nutella? I buy it at a wholesale club and it’s a big one!
Hi Jo-Anne, I believe it is a 13 ounce jar of Nutella 🙂
Anything with Nutella and Monster in the title is going to be a winner! These look seriously good! Thanks for sharing Hayley 🙂
This is a very good article. Thank you for a great information.
My husband has been asking me to make these ever since I showed him the recipe. He even told the guys at work about them and they want me to send a pan into work with him! I can’t wait to make them later on this week!