Monster Cookies

Recipe Snapshot

• Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples like oats and peanut butter
• Family-Tested: Kid-approved and great for parties or snacks
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 9 minutes
• Freezer-Friendly: Yes (dough and baked cookies)
• Best For: Lunchbox treats, holidays, and quick desserts

Ingredients

• Eggs – Help bind everything together and give the cookies structure.
• Brown sugar – Adds moisture and gives the cookies a soft, chewy texture.
• Granulated sugar – Helps the cookies spread slightly and adds sweetness.
• Creamy peanut butter – Adds rich flavor and helps keep the cookies soft. You can use Jif Peanut Butter, Skippy peanut butter or any brand that you prefer.
• Butter – Adds flavor and helps create the perfect cookie texture.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Vanilla – Adds extra flavor and depth to the cookies.
• M&M’s – Adds color and crunch; easy to swap for holidays or what you have on hand.
• Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips – Adds extra chocolate flavor without being too sweet.
• Baking Soda – Helps the cookies rise and spread properly.
• Quick oats – Gives the cookies texture and helps stretch the dough to make more cookies.

How to Make Monster Cookies

Step 1 – Preheat the oven to 350.

Step 2 – Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or use a baking mat. This will make clean up even easier so we love to use one of these.

Step 3 – Combine eggs and vanilla, salt, sugar, brown sugar and baking soda in a large mixing bowl.

Step 4 – Add in peanut butter, and ½ cup butter. Mix until well incorporated. Use a stand mixer with paddle attachment or a hand mixer.

Step 5 – Stir in the M&M’s, chocolate chips and oatmeal.

Step 6 – Place about tablespoon size cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheets with parchment paper several inches apart. I have stainless steel cookie scoops that I love and they make baking so much easier.

Step 7 – Bake for 9 minutes.

Step 8 – Leave on cookie sheet for about 3 minutes before moving to wire racks to cool completely.

Tips for Success

• Make ahead for busy days – You can mix the dough ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.
• Don’t overbake – The cookies may look slightly underdone at 9 minutes, but they will continue to set as they cool. This keeps them soft and chewy.
• Use room temperature ingredients – This helps everything mix together more evenly.
• Use a cookie scoop – Keeps cookies the same size so they bake evenly.
• Space cookies apart – These cookies will spread slightly, so leave room on the baking sheet.
• Line your pan – Parchment paper or a baking mat helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Variations & Substitutions

• Reduce the mix-ins – Cut back slightly on candies to make the recipe more budget-friendly.
• Swap the candy – Use Reese’s Pieces, peanut butter M&M’s, or seasonal colors for holidays.
• Change the chocolate – Try white chocolate chips, dark chocolate, or peanut butter chips.
• Use what you have – Mix and match add-ins based on what’s in your pantry.
• Add nuts – Chopped pecans or walnuts add extra crunch and stretch the recipe.
• Try different peanut butter – Chunky peanut butter adds texture, or use natural peanut butter if that’s what you have.
• Make them gluten free – Use certified gluten-free oats.

Storage, Leftovers & Freezer Instructions

• Make ahead tip: Keep a batch of dough in the freezer so you can bake fresh cookies anytime without extra prep.
• Store at room temperature: Keep cookies in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days. They stay soft and chewy when stored properly.
• Freeze baked cookies: Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
• Freeze cookie dough: Scoop dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen—just add 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time.