Monster Cookies are the ultimate crowd-pleaser that combines everything we love about cookies into one irresistible treat. These delightful cookies earned their name because they’re loaded with a “monstrous” amount of mix-ins – creamy peanut butter, chewy oats, colorful M&Ms, and rich chocolate chips all in one spectacular cookie.
What makes these cookies special is their perfect balance of textures and flavors. They’re slightly crisp around the edges but wonderfully chewy in the center, with pops of chocolate and candy in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a school event, family gathering, or just treating yourself on a cozy afternoon, these Monster Cookies are guaranteed to bring smiles all around.
Why You’ll Love This
- No special equipment needed – just mixing bowls and a baking sheet
- Customizable with whatever mix-ins you have in your pantry
- Perfect balance of sweet, salty, and nutty flavors
- Kid-friendly recipe that’s fun to make together
- Cookies freeze beautifully for last-minute treats or lunchbox surprises
Ingredients
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup smooth peanut butter, room temperature
- 1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup
- 1 cup (115g) old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1¼ cups (155g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, plus more for top
- ¾ cup M&M candies, plus more for top
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugars until fluffy. Add peanut butter and mix until smooth. Beat in eggs, vanilla, and maple syrup.
- Whisk together flour, leaveners, salt, and oats. Add to wet ingredients in two additions until just combined.
- Stir in chocolate chips and M&Ms until evenly distributed.
- Scoop 2-ounce portions 3 inches apart. Press tops slightly level. Add extra chips and M&Ms if desired.
- Bake 9-11 minutes until edges set but centers slightly underbaked. Cool on wire rack.
Tips & Variations
- For extra-chunky cookies, reserve a handful of M&Ms and chocolate chips to press into the tops of the cookies just before baking
- Substitute almond butter or sunflower seed butter for peanut butter to accommodate allergies
- Add ¼ cup shredded coconut for a tropical twist
- Try different candy pieces like Reese’s Pieces, toffee bits, or mini peanut butter cups
- For a festive touch, use seasonal colored M&Ms for holidays
- Make the dough ahead and refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze portioned dough balls for up to 3 months
Serving Suggestions
These Monster Cookies are perfect served slightly warm with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate comfort treat. For an extra-special dessert, sandwich a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies to make indulgent ice cream sandwiches.
They also make a wonderful addition to cookie platters alongside other favorites like chocolate chip cookies and snickerdoodles, offering a variety of flavors and textures for everyone to enjoy.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days
- The cookies will appear slightly underbaked when you remove them from the oven but will firm up as they cool
- For a more uniform appearance, save some M&Ms to press into the tops of the cookies right after baking
- Baked cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container
FAQs
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and use certified gluten-free oats.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
If your cookies spread too thin, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking or add an extra 2-3 tablespoons of flour to the dough.
Can I make these without peanut butter?
While peanut butter is a signature ingredient in Monster Cookies, you can substitute it with other nut or seed butters. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should be set and lightly golden, but the centers will look slightly underdone. They’ll continue cooking on the hot baking sheet after you take them out of the oven.
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