Monster Cookies
Monster Cookies are a fun, colorful, and chewy treat packed with peanut butter, oats, chocolate chips, and plenty of M&M’s. These cookies are big, bold, and filled with all your…
Tip: save now, cook later.Monster Cookies are a fun, colorful, and chewy treat packed with peanut butter, oats, chocolate chips, and plenty of M&M’s. These cookies are big, bold, and filled with all your favorite mix-ins, giving each bite a little surprise of sweet and crunchy textures.
I’ve always loved how easy these cookies are to make and how they bring everyone together—after baking a batch, the house smells like a warm peanut butter hug. I like to scoop the dough generously to get those big, soft, and chunky cookies that are just perfect for sharing or sneaking a few when no one is looking.
These cookies are great for any occasion from after-school snacks to holiday parties, and they always disappear fast because who can resist a cookie loaded with chocolate and candy? My favorite way to serve them is with a tall glass of cold milk—it just makes the cookies taste even better. Plus, they keep well if you store them in an airtight container, so you can enjoy that monster-size cookie goodness a little longer.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peanut Butter: It’s the heart of monster cookies, giving that rich, nutty flavor. Creamy peanut butter works best for a smooth texture. If you’re allergic, try sunflower seed butter—it’s a great nut-free swap.
Rolled Oats: They add chewiness and texture. Old-fashioned oats are ideal here. Quick oats can work too, but the texture might be softer.
Chocolate & Peanut Butter Chips: These bring bursts of sweetness and richness in every bite. You can mix in semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips based on your preference. For a healthier twist, try dark chocolate chips.
Food Coloring: This is optional but adds a fun twist. Gel coloring is best because it won’t change the dough consistency. You can skip it or use natural colorings like beet juice for red.
Candy Eyeballs: They make the cookies playful and perfect for themed parties or kids. If you don’t have them, mini chocolate chips or raisins can work as eyes.
How Do You Make Monster Cookies Big, Soft, and Colorful Without Losing Flavor?
Getting that perfect big and soft monster cookie means paying attention to these few steps:
- Creaming Ingredients: Beat the butter, sugars, and peanut butter well until fluffy. This traps air and helps cookies puff up nicely.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you add flour and oats, mix just until combined to keep cookies tender, not tough.
- Use a Big Scoop: A large cookie scoop creates those thick, monster-sized cookies that stay soft inside.
- Watch the Baking Time: Bake just until edges are golden but centers look slightly soft. They’ll firm up while cooling.
- Add Color Last: When adding gel food coloring, knead the dough gently so you don’t overwork it and change texture.
- Decorate Right After Baking: Press candy eyes and chips in while cookies are warm to help them stick well.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – helps you mix all the ingredients easily without spilling.
- Hand mixer or stand mixer – makes creaming butter and sugars quick and smooth.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for getting your ingredients just right every time.
- Cookie scoop (large size) – helps you make big, even cookies that bake evenly.
- Baking sheets – sturdy sheets give your cookies a nice even bake.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – keeps cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Mixing spoon or spatula – for folding in oats and chips without overmixing.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap peanut butter for almond or cashew butter to change the nutty flavor while keeping the chew.
- Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and a toasty note.
- Use white chocolate chips or butterscotch chips instead of semi-sweet for a sweeter twist.
- Mix in shredded coconut for a chewy texture and tropical flavor.
How to Make Monster Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 cups peanut butter chips
For Coloring and Decorating:
- Colored gel food coloring (blue and red optional, for coloring some dough)
- Candy eyeballs (for decoration)
- Extra chocolate chips (for decorating “mouth”)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 10-12 minutes to bake each batch. Plus, allow a few minutes for cooling before serving. Overall, you can have delicious Monster Cookies ready to enjoy in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and help with easy cleanup.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and creamy peanut butter until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture, mixing only until combined to avoid tough cookies. Stir in the rolled oats, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and peanut butter chips evenly into the dough.
3. Add Color and Scoop the Dough:
If you want colorful Monster Cookies like in the picture, divide the dough into three parts. Add a few drops of blue gel food coloring to one portion, red gel coloring to another, and leave the last plain. Gently knead each portion to mix the colors evenly.
Scoop large balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
4. Decorate and Bake:
Press two candy eyeballs onto the top of each cookie to give them a fun monster look. Use extra chocolate chips below the eyes to create a smiling “mouth.” Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden but the centers remain soft.
5. Cool and Serve:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes so they set without falling apart. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your big, chewy, colorful Monster Cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite afternoon drink!
Can I Use Natural Peanut Butter Instead of Creamy Peanut Butter?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to stir natural peanut butter well before measuring since it tends to separate. It may make the dough slightly less creamy, but the flavor will be just as delicious.
How Should I Store Monster Cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them soft longer, add a slice of bread to the container—it helps maintain moisture.
Can I Freeze Monster Cookie Dough?
Absolutely! Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
What Can I Use if I Don’t Have Candy Eyeballs?
No worries! Mini chocolate chips, raisins, or small white frosting dots with a chocolate dot center work great as fun, creative eyes for your monsters.