These monster cookies are soft and chewy peanut butter oatmeal cookies loaded with chocolate chips and M&M’s. An easy and classic cookie that’s perfect for parties, after school snacks and special occasions.
There’s nothing better than a good cookie, and these loaded monster cookies definitely fit the bill. They’re packed with tons of chocolate, oatmeal and peanut butter and are adored by both kids and adults alike.
I happen to love monster cookies, they’re all of my favorite cookie flavors rolled up into one hand held treat! These monster cookies are the best I’ve ever had. I find that some monster cookies tend to be dry or hard, and my version comes out perfectly soft and chewy every time.
How do you make monster cookies?
This recipe starts out like any other cookie recipe with butter, flour, and sugar. Oats and peanut butter are added into the mix to make a thick cookie dough, and then the add-ins get folded in.
Traditional monster cookies are made with both M&M’s and chocolate chips, which is what I’ve used here. Other great add-in ideas include
- White chocolate chips
- Chopped peanuts
- Shredded coconut
- Toffee bits
The dough gets spooned onto a baking sheet and is ready to go into the oven. I like to press some extra M&M’s and chocolate chips into the tops of my cookie dough balls because then they look prettier when they come out of the oven.
These cookies don’t spread much, which means you’ll end up with a thick and chewy cookie without a hint of dryness.
Tips for monster cookies
- Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon measure to make sure all of your cookies are the same size
- The cookie dough can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days before baking. If you’re planning to make your dough ahead of time, you may want to omit the M&M’s and add them just before baking so that the color from the candies doesn’t stain the dough if it’s in the fridge for a while.
- These cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer in a resealable freezer bag, then freeze until solid. Let the cookies sit at room temperature to thaw.
My kids request these monster cookies all the time, and I can’t blame them. Between the soft flavorful cookie and tons of chocolate, how could anyone resist?
More great cookie recipes
- Red Velvet Cookies
- Haystack Cookies
- Funfetti Cookies
- Avalanche Cookies
- No Bake Peanut Butter Cookies
Monster Cookies Video
Monster Cookies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup peanut butter I prefer creamy but crunchy will also work
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/4 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup M&M's plus more for tops of cookies
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips plus more for tops of cookies
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Line a sheet pan with a piece of parchment paper or silicon baking mat.
- Place the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in the bowl of a mixer. Beat until light and fluffy, 1-2 minutes.
- Add the egg, peanut butter and vanilla to the bowl and mix until combined.
- Add the flour and baking soda to the bowl and mix until just combined. Stir in the oats.
- Add the M&M's and chocolate chips to the bowl and gently fold them into the dough.
- Make 2 tablespoon sized balls of cookie dough and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared sheet pan. You will need to bake the cookies in batches.
- Press a few M&M's and chocolate chips onto the top of each cookie dough ball.
- Bake for 11-13 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
- Cool the cookies on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
- Repeat the process with the remaining cookie dough. Cool all cookies completely then serve.
- Store any leftover cookies in a sealed container for up to 5 days, or you can freeze the cookies for up to 2 months.
Notes
Nutrition
This post was originally sponsored by Capri Sun. This post was originally published on April 28, 2016 and was updated on February 5, 2019 with new content.
My girls are always asking for these wonderful fun cookies!
Beautiful recipe , but can I substitute the peanut butter with Nutella ? Thanks.
I think it would work but I haven’t tested it that way!
For Christmas I use a bag of just red and green M & M s
Do you need to add the oats?
Yes you do! I’m not sure if the cookies would work without the oats.
Ok thank you. My kids like it but I personally don’t like the texture. I’ll be making it for them for sure!
Can I replace the egg with cream cheese? We are allergic.
My kiddo does not like peanut butter. Anything to substitute?!
You could use almond butter or sunflower butter.
Canned pumpkin worked for me
I made these and they are delicious, I used old fashioned oats and the oats were crunchy in the cookie. Should I have used quick oats?
I always use old fashioned oats and haven’t had a problem with them being crunchy. They do have some texture to them but they shouldn’t taste raw. How long did you bake the cookies for?
First batch just cooled. They look lovely. After tasting, I do think it needs just a pinch of salt, was surprised there wasn’t any in the recipe.
Do I have to add anything if I want to leave the peanut butter out. I have a child that is allergic.
You could substitute sunflower butter instead, most brands are allergen free.
Is quick oats 1min oats the same as rolled oats
No, rolled oats are the old fashioned style oats!
I’m gluten free. Does this recipe transfer well with gf flours. I use namaste perfect flour mix. I can use it for most recipes, some I can’t.
I’ve never tried this with gluten free flour so I don’t know if it would work or not!
Can the complete recipe be frozen in balls and baked later time? Thanks
Yes that’s totally fine!
Would love to make this for my grandsons class but one child is severely allergic to peanuts
Any suggestions on what the sub for the peanut butter would be appreciated!
Sunflower butter is a great alternative, it’s nut free!
Monster cookies is where it’s at! I love them. So filled with special sweets for my sweet tooth.
I am craving for some sweet treat and this is perfect time to come across your post. Looks really yummy!
Holy crap. This sounds like every cookie goodness, all in one!
These cookies look amazing! I would love to make these with our kids sometime! Maybe this weekend. 🙂
So yummy! I can’t wait to give this recipe a try! It left me drooling..!!
This sure looks yummy and delicious, will definitely a great hit with kids. Such a ingenuity to come up with this kind of recipe, especially the shape of the cookies that’s like a meat ball. I loved it.
Oh wow, this will be a huge hit! Looks delightful and tasty and my boys would probably dig this