Monster Cookies Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and love a cookie that delivers big on flavor and fun, you are going to adore this Monster Cookies Recipe. These cookies are everything you want in a treat—chewy and soft with a bit of crunch, loaded with peanut butter, oats, and bursts of colorful M&Ms that make every bite exciting. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just indulging yourself, these monster-sized delights are sure to impress and become an instant favorite in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to baking perfect Monster Cookies. Each one plays a vital role: the peanut butter brings rich creaminess, oats add texture and heartiness, while the M&Ms give that joyful pop of color and chocolatey sweetness.

• 1 cup salted butter (softened, 2 sticks): Creamy, softened butter ensures your cookies stay tender and help bind everything together.
• 1 cup dark or light brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and moisture for that chewy texture.
• 3/4 cup white sugar: Balances sweetness and contributes to the crispy edges.
• 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky): The cookie star that gives the cookies their signature nutty flavor and richness.
• 2 eggs: Bind everything while making the cookies soft and cakey.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla: Enhances all the flavors and adds warmth.
• 1 & 1/2 cups flour (spooned and leveled): The base that gives structure to the cookies.
• 2 teaspoons baking soda: Helps the cookies spread and rise just right.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavor.
• 1 cup quick oats: Adds chewiness and wholesome texture.
• 1/2 cup old fashioned oats: For a heartier bite and rustic appeal.
• 2 cups M&Ms (plus more for topping*): These colorful candies melt into pockets of chocolate, making the cookies a delight to look at and eat.
• Candy eyes (optional): A fun, whimsical touch to make your monster cookies truly come alive!

How to Make Monster Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter

Start by beating the softened butter in a large bowl or stand mixer for about 2 minutes, making sure to scrape the sides and bottom. This step is crucial for creating a light, fluffy base that will give your cookies the perfect texture.

Step 2: Mix in Sugars and Peanut Butter

Next, add both the brown sugar and white sugar along with the peanut butter. Beat these together until fully combined, producing a creamy mixture that smells heavenly and sets the stage for the rich peanut flavor that defines this Monster Cookies Recipe.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Now, crack in the two eggs and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat everything together thoroughly, making sure to scrape down the sides again so all ingredients come together in a smooth batter.

Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Add the flour to the bowl, but don’t mix yet. Use a small spoon to stir the baking soda and salt directly into the flour, then gently beat that mixture into your wet ingredients. Leave a few streaks of flour for a rustic cookie texture.

Step 5: Fold in Oats and M&Ms

Time to add the star textures! Stir in both the quick oats and old fashioned oats along with the two cups of M&Ms. Mix just enough to combine without overworking the dough—this keeps your cookies tender with those delightful chunks of candy.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Cover your bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour, but 3 hours or even overnight is even better. Chilling solidifies the fats and enhances flavor, plus it helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.

Step 7: Prepare to Bake

Once chilled, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two baking sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper to keep your cookies from sticking and ensure even baking.

Step 8: Shape the Cookies

Using a large cookie scoop, shape the dough into balls about 2 inches across. Space them at least 2 inches apart on your baking sheets to give each cookie room to spread beautifully.

Step 9: Bake

Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, watching closely—the centers should look almost done with a shiny finish, and the edges should set firmly. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft and chewy inside.

Step 10: Add Extra M&Ms and Candy Eyes

Right after pulling the cookies from the oven, press additional M&Ms and candy eyes (if using) onto the tops while they’re still warm. For those who love tall, chewy cookies, push the edges inward slightly with a spoon to create a thick, satisfyingly chewy bite.

Step 11: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. The real fun begins as you eat these warm, melty beauties—one is never enough!

Step 12: Store Properly

Keep your Monster Cookies fresh by storing them covered on the counter. They’ll stay soft and delicious for days, although you’ll find they rarely last that long!

How to Serve Monster Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

To make your cookies even more eye-catching, add extra M&Ms or candy eyes on top right after baking. Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt for a sweet-salty balance, or drizzle some melted chocolate for an extra indulgent touch.

Side Dishes

Monster cookies are fantastic on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a hot cup of coffee, or even vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. For brunch, serve alongside fruit salad to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn these cookies into party stars by arranging them on a platter with colorful napkins or placing them into decorative treat bags for sharing. You can also stack them to create a playful cookie tower, or sandwich a scoop of ice cream between two cookies for a monster-sized treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover monster cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll maintain their chewiness and freshness for up to a week—perfect for snacking anytime you crave a sweet pick-me-up.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze the cookie dough balls on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer bag. You can also freeze fully baked cookies in an airtight container. Both will keep well for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To enjoy your cookies warm again, microwave them for about 10 seconds or pop them in a 300-degree oven for 5 minutes. This revives their softness and melts the chocolate just right.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds a delightful extra texture that complements the oats perfectly. Either creamy or chunky works well in this Monster Cookies Recipe.

Why do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling the dough solidifies the fats and lets the flavors meld together, resulting in cookies that keep their shape during baking with a chewier, more developed taste.

Can I substitute M&Ms with chocolate chips?

Yes! Chocolate chips are a great substitute if you prefer a more classic chocolate flavor without the candy shell. Feel free to mix in any chocolate variety you love.

What if I don’t have both quick oats and old fashioned oats?

You can use just one type of oats if necessary, but combining both gives the cookie a perfect balance of chewiness and rustic texture that makes the Monster Cookies Recipe so special.

How do I make sure my cookies stay soft and chewy?

Don’t overbake! Remove the cookies when the centers still look slightly shiny and soft. Also, chilling the dough and storing cookies properly help maintain their softness.

Final Thoughts

These Monster Cookies Recipe treats are pure joy baked into a cookie—rich peanut butter, hearty oats, and bursts of colorful candy that are sure to brighten any day. Once you try making and sharing these, they’ll quickly become your go-to recipe for both special occasions and everyday indulgences. So grab your mixing bowl and let’s bake some happiness!

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