Monster Cookies
Monster Cookies are a fun and colorful treat that combines chewy oats, melted peanut butter, chocolate chips, and bright M&M's for a cookie that's both soft and crunchy. They’re big,…
By Ava
•
•
Reading time: 6 min
Monster Cookies are a fun and colorful treat that combines chewy oats, melted peanut butter, chocolate chips, and bright M&M’s for a cookie that’s both soft and crunchy. They’re big, full of flavor, and just bursting with little surprises in every bite. These cookies are perfect if you want something sweet and a little bit nostalgic with a twist.
I love making Monster Cookies when I want an easy snack that everyone in the family can enjoy. The peanut butter gives them a nice rich taste, while the oats add a bit of heartiness, so each cookie feels satisfying. I usually find myself sneaking extra chocolate chips into the dough just for a little bonus treat. Plus, they’re a great baking project if you have kids—they’ll enjoy stirring in all the colorful candies and mixing everything up.
My favorite way to serve Monster Cookies is fresh out of the oven, still soft and warm, with a cold glass of milk on the side. They’re also a huge hit at parties or potlucks because they’re a crowd-pleaser that stands out with those bright M&M colors. Whenever I bake a batch, I find it hard to stop at just one—they really do live up to the “monster” name with their big flavor and size!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter & Peanut Butter: Softened unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter are the base. You can swap peanut butter for almond or sunflower butter if allergic. Soft butter blends easier, giving the cookies a chewy texture.
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats add heartiness and chewiness. Instant oats can work, but the texture might be softer. Avoid quick oats to keep that nice bite.
Chocolate Chips & Candy Eyes: Chocolate chips bring sweetness and melty spots. Use dairy-free chips if needed. Candy eyes make these cookies playful—in a pinch, mini chocolate chips or icing dots can be cute replacements.
Food Coloring: This is for fun monster colors! Gel food coloring works best as it doesn’t thin the dough. If you want a natural option, beet or spinach powder can tint dough lightly but won’t be as vibrant.
How Do You Make Decorating Monster Cookies Easy and Fun?
Decorating is what transforms simple cookies into colorful monsters. Here’s what helps:
- Cool Slightly: Decorate when cookies are warm but not hot, so decorations stick without melting off.
- Use Small Tools: Tweezers or a toothpick help place tiny candy eyes or fangs precisely.
- Prepare Decorations Ahead: Have candy eyes, white chocolate fangs, and frosting ready so you’re not rushing.
- Press Gently: Light pressure lets candies stick without cracking cookies.
- Set Time: Let decorated cookies rest at room temperature to firm up before serving or packing.
These simple tips make creating your cookie monsters much smoother and more enjoyable, and the kids will love joining in too!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – for combining ingredients easily without mess.
- Electric mixer or sturdy spoon – helps cream butter and sugars quickly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – so your cookies turn out just right.
- Baking sheets lined with parchment paper – avoid sticking and make cleanup simple.
- Spoon or cookie scoop – to portion even cookie dough balls.
- Cooling rack – lets cookies cool evenly without getting soggy underneath.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap peanut butter for almond or cashew butter for a nutty twist that’s a bit milder.
- Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch and richness.
- Use white chocolate chips or butterscotch chips instead of regular chocolate for different sweetness.
- Mix in dried fruit such as cranberries or raisins to add a chewy, tart contrast to the sweet dough.
Monster Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup chocolate chips
For Decorating:
- Food coloring (blue, purple, yellow, or your favorites)
- Candy eyes (edible eyeball candies)
- White chocolate or candy melts (for making fangs)
- Small candies or frosting for monster mouths and features
- Crumbled cookies or chocolate pieces (for monster hair and eyebrows)
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, 12 minutes to bake, plus around 10 minutes to cool and decorate. Total active time is roughly 35 to 40 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Ready To Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps the cookies bake evenly and makes cleanup easier.
2. Make The Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, use a mixer or spoon to cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Stir in the oats and chocolate chips gently.
3. Add Color and Shape the Cookies:
Divide your dough into portions depending on how many colors you want. Add a few drops of food coloring to each portion and knead gently until the color spreads evenly. Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop dough balls about 2 inches apart on the baking sheets.
4. Bake and Cool:
Bake the cookies for 11-13 minutes until the edges look set and golden but the centers stay soft. Let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Decorate Your Monster Cookies:
When the cookies are just a little warm, start decorating. Stick on candy eyes, add white chocolate or candy melt fangs, and use little candies or frosting for mouths and other creative monster features. Use crumbled cookies or chocolate pieces to add hair or eyebrows. Press decorations gently so they stick well without breaking the cookie.
6. Let Them Set:
Allow the decorated cookies to rest at room temperature until the decorations set firmly. Then they’re ready to wow your friends and family!
Can I Use Frozen Dough for Monster Cookies?
Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough in portions for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before adding food coloring and baking as usual.
What Can I Substitute for Peanut Butter?
If you have a peanut allergy or prefer a different flavor, almond butter or sunflower seed butter work great. Just use the same amount as the recipe calls for.
How Should I Store Leftover Monster Cookies?
Store baked and decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for about a week or freeze for up to 2 months.
Can I Make Monster Cookies Without Food Coloring?
Absolutely! The cookies will still taste delicious without coloring. You can also add mix-ins like extra chocolate chips or nuts for fun texture instead of colors.