Indulge in the Ultimate Monster Cookies: A Peanut Butter, Chocolate & Oatmeal Delight
Prepare to discover the Best Monster Cookies you’ve ever tasted! These irresistible treats combine the rich, nutty goodness of peanut butter, the sweet indulgence of chocolate chips, the vibrant crunch of M&M’s, and the wholesome texture of oatmeal, all baked into one spectacular cookie. It’s truly a symphony of flavors and textures, making them a perfect choice when you can’t decide on just one cookie craving!
Like many cookie enthusiasts, I adore classic Peanut Butter Cookies and can never resist a batch of freshly baked Chocolate Chip Cookies. And then there are Oatmeal Cookies, with their comforting chewiness. When faced with such delightful choices, the decision can be tough! That’s precisely why Monster Cookies are a true culinary marvel. They ingeniously blend all these beloved flavors into a single, extraordinary cookie, elevated further by the joyful addition of colorful M&M’s. These cookies aren’t just good; they’re an experience!
What Exactly Are Monster Cookies?
Monster Cookies are a unique and highly celebrated American cookie variety known for their generous mix-ins. Traditionally, they feature a delightful base of peanut butter and oatmeal, studded with an abundance of chocolate chips and M&M’s. The beauty of these cookies lies in their hearty, substantial texture and their complex flavor profile, offering a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and nutty notes. Our recipe for Monster Cookies consistently yields soft, wonderfully chewy, and utterly delicious results that are sure to become a family favorite.
Top Tips for Baking Flawless Monster Cookies
Achieving bakery-quality Monster Cookies at home is easier than you think, especially with a few expert tips. Follow these guidelines to ensure your cookies are perfect every time:
- Perfectly Softened Butter is Key: This is arguably one of the most critical steps in cookie baking. Butter that is too cold won’t cream properly with sugar, resulting in dense cookies. Butter that’s melted will make your dough greasy and spread too much. Aim for butter that’s softened to room temperature, where you can easily indent it with your finger, but it’s not oily. If you’re short on time, gently soften it in the microwave in 5-second bursts on a low setting (like defrost), turning it between intervals to ensure even softening without melting.
- Always Preheat Your Oven: A properly preheated oven is essential for consistent baking. Placing cookie dough into a cold or lukewarm oven can drastically alter baking times and cookie texture, often leading to uneven cooking or excessive spreading.
- Invest in a Quality Cookie Scoop: For uniformly sized and perfectly shaped cookies, a cookie scoop is a game-changer. It ensures each cookie bakes evenly, prevents some from being underbaked while others are overbaked, and gives your batch a professional, appealing appearance.
- Utilize Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: To prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup, always line your baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This also promotes more even heat distribution for better cookie bottoms and edges.
- Resist Overbaking: Monster Cookies, like most chewy cookies, should be removed from the oven when their edges are set and lightly golden, but their centers still look slightly soft or even a bit underbaked. They will continue to firm up and bake on the hot baking sheet for a few minutes after removal, resulting in that desired soft and chewy texture. Overbaking leads to dry, crumbly cookies.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour (from the oats), which can lead to tough cookies.
- Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended): While this recipe doesn’t strictly require chilling, a 30-minute chill can help prevent spreading, allowing the fats to firm up and the flavors to meld, leading to thicker, chewier cookies.
Essential Ingredients for the Best Monster Cookies
Each ingredient in these Monster Cookies plays a vital role in creating their iconic flavor and texture:
- Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: The combination of both sugars provides depth of flavor and contributes to the cookie’s texture. Granulated sugar promotes crispness, while brown sugar adds moisture, chewiness, and a subtle caramel note. Always ensure your brown sugar is fresh and soft to achieve the best results.
- Butter: You’ll need one stick (½ cup) of unsalted butter, softened to room temperature. Butter provides richness, flavor, and helps create that desirable tender crumb. Unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content in the recipe.
- Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter is specified for its smooth consistency, which blends seamlessly into the dough. If you prefer a bit of crunch, you can certainly use crunchy peanut butter. For optimal baking results, it’s best to avoid “natural” peanut butters (the kind that separates) as their oil content can affect the cookie’s structure.
- Eggs: Three large eggs act as a crucial binding agent, holding all the ingredients together and adding moisture and richness to the cookies, contributing to their chewy texture.
- Vanilla Extract: A good quality vanilla extract significantly enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies. While the recipe calls for 1 teaspoon, don’t hesitate to add a splash more if you love a pronounced vanilla aroma.
- Baking Soda: This acts as the primary leavening agent, creating a chemical reaction that helps the cookies rise and achieve a soft, tender interior. Always check the expiration date to ensure it’s active!
- Oats: The recipe calls for 4 1/2 cups of old-fashioned rolled oats. For a finer, more uniform cookie consistency, we highly recommend grinding the oats into a coarse flour in a blender or food processor before adding them to the dough. This creates a wonderfully tender cookie that still retains a hint of oat texture. However, if you prefer a more rustic, chewy cookie, you can add the oats directly without grinding.
- Chocolate Chips: Mini chocolate chips are a personal favorite for their even distribution throughout the cookie, ensuring chocolate in every bite. However, regular semi-sweet chocolate chips or even a mix of milk and dark chocolate chips work beautifully too.
- M&M’s: Mini M&M’s are fantastic for baking, offering bursts of color and chocolate in smaller doses. Regular M&M’s are also perfectly suitable. For an extra visual appeal, mix about one cup into the batter and reserve a handful to gently press onto the top of each cookie dough ball before baking. This makes the M&M’s more visible and creates a prettier, more inviting cookie.
Simple Steps to Make the Best Monster Cookies
Follow these easy steps to bring these delightful Monster Cookies to life in your kitchen:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, softened butter, and creamy peanut butter using an electric mixer for about 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Beat for another 2-3 minutes until thoroughly combined and fluffy.
- Stir in the baking soda and the oat flour (ground oatmeal). Mix on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and M&M’s by hand with a spatula. If you wish, add a little extra of each for more flavor and visual appeal.
- Using a cookie scoop (approximately 1.5 tablespoon size), scoop out rounded balls of dough and place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Gently press a few extra M&M’s on top of each cookie dough ball for a vibrant finish.
- Bake for 10 minutes. The cookies will look slightly underbaked in the center but will continue to cook as they cool.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 4-5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Are Monster Cookies Gluten-Free?
Yes, with a simple modification, these Monster Cookies can be entirely gluten-free! The beauty of this recipe is that it relies on ground old-fashioned oats for its flour component, meaning no traditional wheat flour is needed. To ensure your Monster Cookies are truly gluten-free, make sure to use certified gluten-free oats. Regular oats are naturally gluten-free, but they are often processed in facilities that also handle wheat, barley, or rye, leading to cross-contamination. Opting for certified gluten-free oats eliminates this concern. In our home, we appreciate having friends who are gluten-free, and these Monster Cookies offer a delicious, inclusive treat that everyone can enjoy without any compromises or complex substitutions.
THE BEST MONSTER COOKIES
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Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups brown sugar
- 1 cup white sugar
- ½ cup 1 stick butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 4 ½ cups oatmeal measure and then put in a blender until it looks like flour
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini baking M&Ms
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°.
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Cream the sugars, butter and peanut butter together for about 2 minutes with an electric mixer.
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Add eggs and vanilla and mix for another 2-3 minutes.
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Add baking soda and oat flour and mix until well combined. Stir in the chocolate chips and M&Ms. Feel free to add more chocolate chips and M&Ms if desired!
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Use a cookie scoop to scoop out tablespoonfuls of dough and place 2 inches apart on a cookie sheet. Gently press a few extra M&Ms on top of each cookie dough ball.
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Bake for 10 minutes. Let cool on the baking sheet for about 4-5 minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool.
Nutrition
Essential Kitchen Gadgets for Mastering the Best Cookies
While delicious cookies can be made with basic tools, certain kitchen gadgets can significantly elevate your baking experience and the quality of your results. Here are three items I rely on for nearly every cookie recipe, including these fantastic Monster Cookies:
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: For consistent baking, easy cookie removal, and effortless cleanup, lining your cookie sheets is non-negotiable. Parchment paper, pre-cut to fit standard 12×16 inch baking sheets, prevents sticking and promotes even browning. Reusable silicone baking mats are an eco-friendly and equally effective alternative, providing a non-stick surface and protecting your baking sheets.
- Stand Mixer (like a KitchenAid): While not strictly necessary, a KitchenAid mixer (or similar stand mixer) makes creaming butter and sugar, and incorporating ingredients, incredibly easy and efficient. The paddle attachment, standard with most mixers, is perfect for cookie dough, ensuring ingredients are uniformly mixed without being overbeaten. It’s a versatile appliance that truly simplifies the baking process and is a worthy investment for any avid baker.
- Cookie Scoop: Gone are the days of wrestling with two spoons to portion out cookie dough! A cookie scoop ensures that every cookie is the same size, which leads to uniform baking and a beautifully presented batch. They come in various sizes; for these Monster Cookies, a 1.5-tablespoon scoop is ideal, creating perfectly proportioned, consistently round cookies. This simple tool will instantly upgrade your cookie game.
Tips for Softening Butter Perfectly
Achieving perfectly softened butter is a crucial step for many baking recipes, especially cookies, as it directly impacts the texture of your final product. Here’s my preferred method to get that ideal consistency:
I typically use the defrost function on my microwave. If you need a full stick (half-cup) of butter, you can leave it in its original paper wrapper. If you need a smaller amount, place the desired portion in a glass or porcelain bowl. Set your microwave to its lowest defrost setting and run it for about 20 seconds. After this initial burst, check the butter’s softness by gently pressing it with a rubber scraper or your finger. It should yield easily and leave a slight indentation without feeling oily or melted. If it’s still too firm, continue to microwave in very short intervals, about 5-10 seconds at a time, checking after each burst. Butter softens very quickly, so vigilance is key to prevent it from melting, which would be detrimental to your cookie dough.
Frequently Asked Questions About Monster Cookies
How do I store Monster Cookies?
Once completely cooled, store Monster Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days. For longer freshness, you can place a slice of bread in the container; it helps keep them soft by absorbing excess moisture.
Can I freeze Monster Cookies?
Absolutely! Monster Cookies freeze exceptionally well.
- Baked Cookies: Once completely cooled, place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). Then transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave for a fresh-baked feel.
- Unbaked Dough: Scoop the dough into balls as directed, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and freeze until firm. Transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. You can bake them from frozen; just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
What variations can I try with Monster Cookies?
Monster Cookies are incredibly adaptable! Feel free to experiment with:
- Different types of chocolate: Try milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate chips, or even chopped chocolate bars.
- Nut butters: While peanut butter is classic, almond butter or cashew butter can be substituted (though texture might vary slightly).
- Add-ins: Consider adding shredded coconut, chopped nuts (peanuts, walnuts, pecans), butterscotch chips, or dried cranberries for extra flavor and texture.
- Seasonal M&M’s: Use holiday-themed M&M’s to make them festive for any occasion!
Why did my Monster Cookies spread too much?
Several factors can cause cookies to spread:
- Melted Butter: As mentioned, using butter that’s too warm or melted will cause excessive spreading.
- Overmixing: Overbeating the dough, especially after adding flour, can incorporate too much air, leading to flatter cookies.
- Warm Dough: If your kitchen is hot or the dough gets warm while scooping, the butter can soften too much. A quick chill can help.
- Greased Baking Sheets: If you’re not using parchment paper or a silicone mat, avoid greasing your baking sheets as this encourages spreading.
Explore More Irresistible Peanut Butter Cookie Recipes!
If you’re as passionate about peanut butter cookies as we are, you’ll love these other fantastic recipes from our collection:
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie Cups
- 5 Chip Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
- Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies
- Peanut Butter Cookie in a Mug
- Reese’s Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Cake Mix Peanut Butter Blossoms
- Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Pudding Cookies
- Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies
- Snickers Peanut Butter Cookies
- The Best Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Peanut Butter Fudge Cups
There you have it – the ultimate guide to creating the Best Monster Cookies, combining the beloved flavors of peanut butter, chocolate chips, M&M’s, and oatmeal into one incredibly delicious and satisfying treat. These cookies are a delightful crowd-pleaser and are perfect for any occasion!
My kids finally started school a couple weeks ago. Up here in Washington, they don’t kick off until after Labor Day, which always feels surprisingly late to me! This summer was truly wonderful, filled with many cherished memories, but it certainly flew by far too quickly. Now, we’re all adjusting to getting back into the swing of our school-year routines. With children at three different schools this year, it’s been a bit of a whirlwind, but we’re slowly but surely getting everything figured out!
