Gluten-Free Monster Cookie Bars

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Chewy, soft monster cookie bars packed with oats, chocolate chips, and colorful candies, made gluten-free and ready in under an hour. This american-inspired desserts (gluten-free) ready in about 43 minutes layers gluten-free rolled oats, gluten-free all-purpose flour, baking soda into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 16, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 28 min Serves 16 American cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups gluten-free rolled oats, 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour, and 1/2 tsp baking soda.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter with 1 cup brown sugar and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes using a hand mixer.
  3. Step 3: Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, then add 1 tsp vanilla extract and mix until combined.
  4. Step 4: Gradually add the dry oat and flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just incorporated.
  5. Step 5: Fold in 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips and 3/4 cup mini rainbow candy-coated chocolates evenly.
  6. Step 6: Press the dough evenly into a greased 9x9 inch baking pan and bake for 25-28 minutes until golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  7. Step 7: Cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Gluten-Free Monster Cookie Bars take to make?

Total time is about 43 minutes (15 min prep + 28 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Gluten-Free Monster Cookie Bars?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Gluten-Free Monster Cookie Bars?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Gluten-Free Monster Cookie Bars for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 16 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 16). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Gluten-Free Monster Cookie Bars gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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