The Ultimate Monster Cookies Guide.
Big, Bold, and Chewy: Why Monster Cookies Are a Must-Bake Treat
If you’ve ever craved the best parts of oatmeal cookies, peanut butter cookies, and chocolate chip cookies all in one bite—Monster Cookies are here to answer the call. These oversized, chewy cookies are loaded with rolled oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and colorful candy-coated chocolates (like M&Ms) for a fun, satisfying treat that lives up to their name.
Whether you’re baking for a school fundraiser, planning a weekend treat for the family, or prepping snacks for your freezer, monster cookies are a versatile, no-fail favorite. With bold flavor, texture, and color, they’re a hit with kids and adults alike.
What Are Monster Cookies?
Monster Cookies are a unique hybrid cookie made with a peanut butter base, rolled oats, and a variety of mix-ins. They’re usually larger than standard cookies and packed with goodies like semi-sweet chocolate chips, mini M&Ms, or chopped nuts.
Unlike classic chocolate chip or oatmeal cookies, these bring together multiple textures and flavors: chewy oats, creamy peanut butter, melty chocolate chips, and the slight crunch of candy-coated pieces. They’re rich, hearty, and absolutely addictive.
Why Monster Cookies Are So Popular
- Flavor overload in the best way: Sweet, salty, chewy, chocolaty—everything in one bite.
- Perfect texture: Crispy edges and soft, gooey centers.
- Customizable: Add nuts, dried fruits, or your favorite candy.
- Naturally flourless option: Most recipes don’t require all-purpose flour.
- Gluten-free friendly: Just use certified gluten-free oats!
Whether for lunchboxes, bake sales, or your own cookie jar, Monster Cookies are the ultimate one-bowl wonder.
Key Ingredients for Classic Monster Cookies
- Old-fashioned rolled oats – Create chewiness and structure.
- Peanut butter – Offers richness, flavor, and acts as a binding agent.
- Brown sugar and white sugar – Brown sugar brings moisture and depth; white sugar balances sweetness.
- Butter – Adds moisture and helps achieve that soft cookie texture.
- Eggs – Essential for binding and lightness.
- Baking soda – The leavening agent for rise.
- Vanilla extract – Enhances all the other flavors.
- Mini chocolate chips & mini M&Ms – Provide bursts of sweetness, color, and texture.
Are Monster Cookies Gluten-Free?
Yes—if you use certified gluten-free oats and ensure all mix-ins are GF-friendly, monster cookies can be made without any traditional flour. Always double-check labels on your oats and candies.
Make It Your Own: Variations and Add-ins
The best part about Monster Cookies? You can make them your own with endless mix-in combinations. Try any of the following:
- Chopped peanuts, walnuts, or pecans
- Butterscotch or white chocolate chips
- Dried cranberries or raisins
- Mini marshmallows
- Coconut flakes
You can also shape them into cookie bars or make them mini for portion control.
Storage and Freezing Tips
Monster cookies store beautifully and freeze even better. Here’s how to make the most of your batch:
- Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing Dough: Scoop dough balls onto a tray, freeze until solid, then store in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen—just add 2–3 extra minutes.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: Let cool completely before freezing in a sealed bag or container.
Tips & Tricks for Monster Cookie Success
- Don’t overbake: These cookies continue to cook on the baking sheet after you remove them from the oven. Pull them when the edges are golden and the center looks just slightly underdone.
- Use room temperature ingredients: This ensures a well-mixed, even dough.
- Scoop evenly: Use a cookie scoop for consistent size and even baking.
- Add extra candy on top: Press a few M&Ms on top before or after baking for bakery-style cookies.
- Let them rest: Allow cookies to cool for 5–10 minutes before transferring to a rack. This helps them set without falling apart.
Quick Recipe Summary
Monster Cookies
Description:
Chewy, soft cookies packed with peanut butter, oats, chocolate chips, and candy-coated chocolates. A no-fail, family-favorite recipe that combines three cookies in one irresistible bite.
Duration
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24–30 cookies (depending on size)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup mini M&Ms (plus extra for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream butter, peanut butter, and both sugars until smooth and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla, beating until fully incorporated.
- Mix in baking soda, then stir in oats.
- Fold in chocolate chips and M&Ms until evenly distributed.
- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop dough onto the baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are golden and centers are just set.
- Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.