If you’ve never tried Monster Cookies, you’re in for a serious treat. These cookies are the definition of indulgence—packed with oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and colorful candy-coated chocolates, they bring together the best of every cookie in one bite. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, meal prepping snacks, or simply craving something sweet, Monster Cookies are the ultimate go-to recipe.
What makes them so popular? They’re chewy, chunky, and full of texture, with just the right balance of sweet and salty flavors. Plus, they’re customizable—you can add your favorite mix-ins, make them gluten-free, or even prepare them ahead for busy weeks.
In this guide, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about Monster Cookies: their history, ingredients, step-by-step preparation, baking tips, variations, storage methods, and even nutritional information. By the end, you’ll not only master the classic recipe but also discover new ways to make it your own.
What Are Monster Cookies?
Monster Cookies are chewy, oversized cookies loaded with multiple mix-ins like oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and candy-coated chocolates. Unlike traditional chocolate chip cookies, these have a more rustic texture and hearty bite thanks to the oats.
They’re called “Monster Cookies” because:
- They’re often made extra large (like monster-sized treats).
- They’re stuffed with a monster load of ingredients, combining everything cookie lovers crave.
Originally popular in the Midwest of the United States, Monster Cookies quickly spread across the country as a family favorite, especially around the holidays. Today, they’re a staple in many households, beloved for their versatility and crowd-pleasing taste.
Ingredients for Classic Monster Cookies
Here’s the ingredient list for a big batch of delicious, chewy Monster Cookies.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/4 cups brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup M&M’s (or other candy-coated chocolate)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional: walnuts, pecans, or peanuts)
Optional add-ins: white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, shredded coconut, or dried fruit.
Kitchen Tools Needed
To bake Monster Cookies at home, gather these tools:
- Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Cookie scoop (for evenly sized cookies)
- Wire cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions for Monster Cookies
Follow these clear steps to bake perfect Monster Cookies every time.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
Step 2: Cream Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, baking soda, and salt.
Step 5: Mix the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix.
Step 6: Add Mix-Ins
Fold in the chocolate chips, M&M’s, and nuts (if using). The dough will be thick and chunky.
Step 7: Scoop and Shape
Using a cookie scoop, place rounded balls of dough (about 2 tablespoons each) onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches of space between cookies.
Step 8: Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers still look slightly soft.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or store for later.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Monster Cookies
- Don’t overbake. The cookies continue cooking on the baking sheet after removal from the oven.
- Chill the dough. If your dough feels sticky, refrigerate it for 30 minutes to make scooping easier.
- Customize your mix-ins. Swap M&M’s with peanut butter cups, pretzels, or seasonal candies.
- Make them jumbo-sized. Use 1/4 cup of dough for oversized bakery-style cookies.
- Freezer-friendly. Freeze cookie dough balls for up to 3 months and bake directly from frozen.
Variations of Monster Cookies
Monster Cookies are extremely versatile. Here are a few creative twists:
Gluten-Free Monster Cookies
Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and make sure oats are certified gluten-free.
Vegan Monster Cookies
Use vegan butter, a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water), and dairy-free chocolate.
Healthy Monster Cookies
Swap some sugar with honey or maple syrup, use dark chocolate chips, and add seeds like chia or flax for extra nutrition.
Holiday-Themed Monster Cookies
- Red and green M&M’s for Christmas
- Pastel candies for Easter
- Orange and black sprinkles for Halloween
Storing Monster Cookies
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerator: Lasts up to 10 days when stored in a sealed container.
- Freezer (Baked): Wrap cooled cookies in plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 3 months.
- Freezer (Dough): Scoop dough balls onto a tray, freeze until solid, then store in a zip-top bag. Bake as needed.
Nutritional Value (Per Cookie, Approximate)
- Calories: 250–280
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Sugars: 18 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Fiber: 2 g
Values will vary depending on portion size and mix-ins.
Why You’ll Love Monster Cookies
- Hearty and filling thanks to oats and peanut butter
- Customizable with endless mix-in possibilities
- Freezer-friendly for convenient snacks
- Perfect for holidays, parties, or lunchboxes
- A nostalgic favorite that both kids and adults adore
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the ultimate cookie that combines everything you love into one chewy, chunky bite, Monster Cookies are it. With their rich peanut butter base, oats for chewiness, and colorful bursts of chocolate, they’re a timeless favorite.
