Monster cookies are the ultimate mashup of all your favorite cookie flavors in one bite—think peanut butter, oats, chocolate chips, and colorful candy-coated chocolates (hello, M&Ms!). Believed to have originated in the Midwest of the United States, these cookies earned their name because they’re monstrously packed with ingredients and bursting with flavor.
They’re beloved for their chewy texture, sweet-salty balance, and nostalgic vibe. Perfect for bake sales, holidays, or just a sweet treat at home, monster cookies are a hit with kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make about 24 large cookies:
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1 cup creamy peanut butter (or almond/sunflower butter for nut-free option)
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup brown sugar, packed
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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2 tsp baking soda
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1/2 tsp salt
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2 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
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1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
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1 cup M&Ms or candy-coated chocolate pieces
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Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts or shredded coconut
Substitutions:
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Vegan: Use flax eggs and plant-based butter.
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Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free oats.
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Low-sugar: Swap M&Ms for sugar-free candies or dried fruit.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
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Preheat & Prep:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
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Cream the Fats & Sugars:
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In a large bowl, cream together peanut butter, butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add Eggs & Vanilla:
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Mix in the eggs and vanilla until well combined.
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Mix Dry Ingredients:
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Stir in baking soda and salt.
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Gradually fold in the oats.
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Fold in the Good Stuff:
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Gently mix in chocolate chips, M&Ms, and any extras like nuts or coconut.
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Scoop & Shape:
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Scoop out large tablespoon-sized dough balls and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
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Press lightly to flatten.
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Bake:
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Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are golden and the centers look just set. Don’t overbake—they firm up as they cool.
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Cool & Enjoy:
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Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid:
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Overbaking: Leads to dry cookies. Pull them out while slightly underbaked.
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Using quick oats: Makes cookies dense. Stick with rolled oats.
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Skipping chill time (optional): Chilling dough for 30 min enhances texture.
Pro Tips and Cooking Techniques
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Room Temp Ingredients: Make sure butter and eggs are at room temperature for even mixing.
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Chill the dough: Especially in hot weather, this helps prevent spreading.
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Double-batch friendly: The dough freezes well for up to 2 months.
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Use a cookie scoop: For evenly-sized cookies every time.
Variations and Customizations
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Gluten-Free: Just use GF oats—no flour needed!
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Vegan: Replace eggs with flax eggs, butter with vegan margarine.
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Protein Boost: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder.
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Seasonal Twist: Use holiday-themed M&Ms or add pumpkin spice in the fall.
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Mini Cookies: Use a teaspoon scoop and bake for 8 minutes for bite-sized fun.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve warm with a cold glass of milk or dairy-free alternative.
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Stack them in a jar or tin for a giftable treat.
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Make a cookie sandwich with vanilla or peanut butter frosting.
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Serve with ice cream as a base for an epic cookie sundae.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per large cookie)
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Calories: 220
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Protein: 4g
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Carbohydrates: 26g
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Sugars: 15g
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Fat: 11g
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Fiber: 2g
(Note: Nutrition will vary depending on substitutions.)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! Scoop dough onto a tray, freeze, then store in a bag for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen +2 minutes.
Q: How do I store them?
Keep in an airtight container at room temp for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
Q: Can I skip peanut butter?
You can substitute with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunbutter for nut-free options.
Q: Why are my cookies falling apart?
They may need to cool longer, or the dough may be too dry—add a splash of milk next time.
Closing Thoughts
Monster cookies are the kind of bake that brings everyone to the kitchen. Whether it’s the nostalgic combo of oats and chocolate or the colorful M&Ms, they’re a true crowd-pleaser. Don’t be afraid to put your own spin on them!
Give them a try and share your monster creations—tag your photos, drop questions, or let us know how they turned out!
