If you have a soft spot for chewy, colorful, and decadent treats, then you are going to absolutely fall in love with this Monster Cookies Recipe. These cookies bring together the nutty richness of creamy peanut butter, the hearty chewiness of old-fashioned oats, and bursts of chocolate and candy-coated M&M’s that make every single bite a delightful surprise. Perfectly balanced between soft and slightly crispy, these cookies are like a joyful celebration of flavors and textures that feel right at home in any cookie jar or lunchbox. Whether you need a sweet pick-me-up or a crowd-pleasing dessert, this Monster Cookies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Monster Cookies Recipe is surprisingly straightforward, yet each item plays a vital role in creating that perfect blend of gooey, chewy, and crunchy. From the creamy peanut butter which provides a luscious base, to the vibrant M&M’s that bring in bursts of color and fun, every ingredient is essential to deliver that signature monster cookie magic.
- Creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient giving richness and moisture for chewy goodness.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds a smooth texture and buttery flavor that binds everything together.
- Brown sugar (packed): For deep caramel notes and soft chewiness in the cookie center.
- Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness while helping create a slight crisp edge.
- Large eggs: Provide structure and hold ingredients firmly in place.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, aromatic undertones.
- Baking soda: Helps cookies rise just enough for a tender texture.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies all the other flavors.
- Old-fashioned oats: Bring hearty chewiness and a rustic character to each bite.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation that holds the cookie dough together perfectly.
- Chocolate chips: Classic melty chocolate moments in every mouthful.
- M&M’s: Adds colorful crunch and playful fun to the cookies.
- Mini chocolate chips (optional): For extra bursts of chocolatey delight throughout.
How to Make Monster Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This little prep step ensures your cookies bake evenly and pop off the pan effortlessly, setting the stage for cookie perfection.
Step 2: Cream Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This process builds the rich and cohesive base that makes your Monster Cookies juicy and tender.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the dough with that unmistakable warm sweetness that whispers “homemade” with every bite.
Step 4: Incorporate Baking Soda and Salt
Sprinkle in the baking soda and salt, then mix until fully combined. These small touches help the cookies rise gently while balancing out their sweetness brilliantly.
Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients
Gradually blend in the oats and flour, stirring carefully to combine everything thoroughly but gently. This ensures your cookies have that hearty texture without being dense or tough.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate and M&M’s
Finally, fold in the chocolate chips, M&M’s, and mini chocolate chips if using. This step is pure joy, as you watch your cookie dough dotted with colorful candies and melt-in-your-mouth chocolate chunks come to life.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to place dough mounds about 2 inches apart on your prepared sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, keeping an eye for lightly golden edges and centers that look just set. This timing keeps your Monster Cookies softly chewy with that perfect bite.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up just enough while remaining delectably soft inside.
How to Serve Monster Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra pizazz, sprinkle a few additional mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts on top right after baking. It adds texture contrast and makes your cookies look irresistible, perfect for serving at parties or gifting.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance their sweet richness. The creamy dairy complements the cookies’ bold peanut butter flavor beautifully and is always a crowd favorite.
Creative Ways to Present
Try sandwiching two Monster Cookies Recipe cookies together with peanut butter or chocolate spread for an indulgent treat. Alternatively, crumble some over your favorite yogurt or ice cream bowl for a delightful crunch that wakes up every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep your Monster Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for up to 5 days if kept well sealed away from air and moisture.
Freezing
If you want to prolong the joy, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep wonderfully for up to 3 months, ready to thaw whenever a cookie craving strikes.
Reheating
To restore that just-baked warmth, pop cookies in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or heat briefly in a low oven. This gently melts the chocolate again and refreshes their soft, gooey texture perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add extra texture to your Monster Cookies Recipe, giving each bite a pleasant nutty crunch, though creamy peanut butter is recommended for that classic chewy softness.
Are Monster Cookies gluten-free?
The traditional recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can substitute with a gluten-free baking flour blend to make these cookies suitable for gluten-free diets.
Can I omit the M&M’s or replace them with something else?
Yes! Feel free to swap M&M’s for other mix-ins like butterscotch chips, raisins, or chopped nuts—whatever excites your taste buds while keeping the spirit of the Monster Cookies Recipe alive.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for cookies with lightly golden edges and centers that have just set without being wet. Slight underbaking ensures softness and chewiness once cooled, which is key to Monster Cookies perfection.
Can I double the recipe? Will baking times change?
Doubling the dough works great! Just bake the cookies on separate sheets with enough space, and keep the same baking time but watch closely as ovens may vary slightly when fully loaded.
Final Thoughts
This Monster Cookies Recipe is a warm hug wrapped in colorful candy and chewy oats, perfect for brightening your day or sharing with loved ones. Once you try these cookies, you’ll understand why they quickly become a household favorite everyone asks for time and again. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and whip up a batch — happiness is only a cookie away!
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
Deliciously chewy Monster Cookies packed with creamy peanut butter, oats, chocolate chips, and colorful M&M’s, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
Add-ins
- 3/4 cup chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup M&M’s
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat together the peanut butter, softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, which helps create a soft texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture and mix until fully combined to add moisture and flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Stir in baking soda and salt evenly to help the cookies rise and balance the flavors.
- Add Oats and Flour: Gradually add the old-fashioned oats and all-purpose flour into the wet mixture, mixing until fully incorporated to build the cookie structure.
- Fold in Chocolate and M&M’s: Gently fold in the chocolate chips, M&M’s, and mini chocolate chips if using for bursts of chocolate and color throughout.
- Portion and Bake: Scoop the dough into 2-tablespoon portions and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart to allow spread during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and centers look just set, resulting in chewy cookies with a slight crisp edge.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely and prevent breaking.
Notes
- Customize your cookies by adding chopped nuts, butterscotch chips, or peanut butter chips to suit your taste.
- To maintain soft cookies, slightly underbake them and store in an airtight container to retain moisture.
