If you’re looking for the ultimate crowd-pleasing treat that strikes a delightful balance between chewy, peanut buttery, chocolatey, and colorful, this Monster Cookies Recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite. Bursting with old-fashioned oats, creamy peanut butter, melty chocolate chips, and vibrant M&M’s, these cookies are as much fun to make as they are to eat. Whether you’re baking for a party, a lunchbox snack, or just because, you’ll love how easy it is to whip up a batch of these irresistible cookies. Cookie lovers of all ages, get ready to meet your match!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Baking a batch of homemade Monster Cookies is so simple, and the ingredients really are the stars of the show in this recipe. Each one adds a little something special, creating cookies that are chewy, sweet, colorful, and impossible to resist.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): This gives the cookies their rich, tender crumb and buttery flavor.
- Creamy peanut butter (1 cup): The foundation of the Monster Cookies Recipe, it brings nutty depth and chewiness.
- Brown sugar, packed (3/4 cup): Adds a rich molasses note and keeps the cookies moist and soft.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Provides sweetness and helps the cookies get those lovely crisp edges.
- Large eggs (2): Help bind all the ingredients together for the perfect cookie structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds aroma and enhances all the flavors in the dough.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Gives the cookies a lift so they bake up thick and chewy.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances out the sweetness and amps up every flavor.
- Old-fashioned oats (1 1/2 cups): The classic ingredient for hearty texture and that signature chew.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Holds everything together and creates a satisfying bite.
- Mini chocolate chips (1 cup): Ensures a generous chocolatey hit in every single bite!
- M&M’s (1 cup): The colorful classic that gives Monster Cookies their trademark fun and crunch.
- Chopped peanuts or walnuts (1/2 cup, optional): Add even more nutty crunch if you’d like a little extra texture.
How to Make Monster Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This not only ensures your cookies bake evenly but also means you have a quick and easy cleanup later—always a win in my book!
Step 2: Cream Together the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is smooth, fluffy, and well combined. The blend of butter and two types of sugar creates dreamy texture and flavor.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in your eggs and pour in the vanilla extract. Continue mixing until everything is silky and fully incorporated. The eggs are essential for binding, while the vanilla gives depth and warmth to your dough.
Step 4: Stir in the Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle in the baking soda and salt, then add the old-fashioned oats and all-purpose flour. Stir gently until everything is just combined—you want your Monster Cookies Recipe dough to stay tender and not overworked.
Step 5: Fold in the Mix-Ins
Now comes the most fun part! Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips, M&M’s, and nuts if you’re using them. Every scoop of dough will be packed with goodies, making each cookie a sweet adventure.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough onto your prepared baking sheets with about two inches of space in between. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges look lightly golden but the centers are still just a little soft. That’s the secret to keeping these cookies irresistibly chewy.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This brief rest helps them set up without losing their soft middles. Now, dig in while they’re still warm or stash a few away for later—if you can resist!
How to Serve Monster Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a picture-perfect finish, press a couple extra M&M’s or chocolate chips into the tops of the cookies right after they come out of the oven. Not only does this make your Monster Cookies Recipe look bakery-worthy, but it also ensures each bite is extra special.
Side Dishes
Nothing beats the classic combination of fresh cookies with a cold glass of milk, but if you’re serving a crowd, pair your Monster Cookies with vanilla ice cream for ice cream sandwiches or alongside a fresh fruit salad for a sweet and balanced treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack these cookies high on a colorful cake stand, tuck them into lunchboxes with a little love note, or arrange them in mason jars tied with ribbon for the cutest edible gifts. Monster Cookies always add a burst of joy to any gathering or celebration!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your cookies are completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. This keeps them chewy, fresh, and ready for snacking whenever you crave a sweet pick-me-up.
Freezing
Monster Cookies freeze beautifully! Simply arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. You can also freeze the cookie dough before baking—just scoop out portions, freeze, and bake fresh whenever the mood strikes.
Reheating
To enjoy a warm cookie anytime, pop a leftover cookie in the microwave for 8 to 10 seconds. If you’re reheating frozen cookies, let them thaw at room temperature before giving them a quick warm-up. They’ll taste like they just came out of the oven!
FAQs
Can I make Monster Cookies Recipe without peanut butter?
Absolutely! Just substitute the peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a different flavor profile. Your cookies will still have a chewy texture and irresistible taste.
Are Monster Cookies gluten-free?
By using certified gluten-free oats and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, you can easily make this Monster Cookies Recipe gluten-free without sacrificing taste or texture.
Can I use other candies instead of M&M’s?
Definitely! Feel free to stir in chocolate chunks, chopped peanut butter cups, or even your favorite trail mix for a fun twist. Monster Cookies are all about making them your own.
How do I keep the cookies chewy?
Be careful not to over-bake! Take the cookies out when the edges are lightly golden and the centers are still soft. Cooling them on the baking sheet helps them set perfectly chewy, just the way you want them.
Can I double the Monster Cookies Recipe for a large group?
Yes, this recipe doubles beautifully. Just use a larger mixing bowl and bake in batches. Your friends and family will be thrilled to have plenty of these treats to share!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something incredibly satisfying about baking up a batch of these colorful, chewy, and loaded cookies! I hope you have as much fun making (and eating) this Monster Cookies Recipe as I do. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes everyone’s favorite in your household!
Print
Monster Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These monster cookies are a delightful combination of peanut butter, oats, chocolate chips, and colorful M&M’s. They are chewy, sweet, and perfect for satisfying your cookie cravings.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
Mix-Ins:
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 cup M&M’s
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare baking sheets: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Create cookie dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Stir in baking soda, salt, oats, and flour until just combined.
- Add mix-ins: Fold in chocolate chips, M&M’s, and nuts if desired.
- Bake: Using a scoop, drop dough onto prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden.
- Cool and enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- You can use almond or sunflower seed butter as substitutes for peanut butter.
- For gluten-free cookies, opt for certified gluten-free oats and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
