The Best Monster Cookies Recipe - The Girl Who Ate Everything (2024)

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posted by Christy Denneyon Jan 21, 2023 (updated Dec 21, 2023) 76 comments »

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Monster Cookies are soft andfilled with peanut butter, oats, chocolate chips, and M&Ms. After searching for the best recipe and not finding one, I came up with these easy chewy cookies my own! These are perfect!

MONSTER COOKIE RECIPE

I’m a huge fan of all things Monster. Monster Cookie Dough Dip and Monster Magic Cookie Bars are a couple of my favorites. I’ve noticed at every bake sale I’ve been to, fresh-baked cookies with M&M candies always go first.

I’ve been craving Monster Cookies for a while but after browsing Pinterest for Monster Cookie recipes I didn’t find any that quite fit the bill so I thought I would develop my own. I’m known as a cookie monster amongst my friends.

I think there a few little secrets that take this from a great recipe to cookies that taste amazing.

I knew what I wanted in a Monster Cookie. I wanted a soft chocolate chip cookie packed with peanut butter flavor, chocolate chips, M&Ms, and oats. That’s what makes the best monster cookies.

For some reason these almost seem healthy? Like a protein cookie? Maybe it’s the peanut butter.

I learned frommyOatmeal Cookies that chewy cookies actually are a result of using less oats. Although I have had several fails, this my friends…was a success.

I like to hand place some M&Ms on top of the cookie after I’ve rolled balls of dough to bake.

Even better, place additional chocolate chips and M&Ms on the cookies right after they come out of the oven. That way they don’t crack because sometimes the M&Ms will crack under the heat.

It gives you more control of what the final cookies look like and gives them a more polished look.I used old fashioned oats because I love the texture of them.

The absolute key to this monster cookie recipe is to not overbake them. Trust in the process and let them continue to cook on the pan even though you might not think they are done.

The middles of these Monster Cookies are soft and full of bursts of peanut butter, chocolate chips, andM&Ms.

CAN I USE QUICK OATS INSTEAD OF OLD-FASHIONED OATS?

I wouldn’t suggest it. Quick oats have a finer texture and therefore when measured will be more than if using old-fashioned oats which will result in a thicker, drier cookie.

WHY DO MY MONSTER COOKIES GO FLAT?

I’ve never had anyone complain that these cookies were flat. These are thick cookies.

CAN I USE NATURAL PEANUT BUTTER?

I would not recommend using natural peanut butter because it’s too runny. I like to use Skippy or Jif. You can try using other nut butters but I have not tried it with them.

You can use a chunky peanut butter if you like to give it more crunch.

HOW TO MAKE MONSTER COOKIES

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, white sugar, and peanut butter until light and fluffy.
Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla and mix well until creamy.
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until incorporated on low speed. Mix in the oats.
Stir in the peanut butter chips, chocolate chips, and M&M candies.
Using a cookie scoop, scoop balls of dough, around 1 1/2 Tablespoons each, on the parchment sheet or baking mat.
Bake for 9-11 minutes. For best results make sure not to overbake. Baking time will depend on your oven. The cookies will not be brown and will continue to cook as they cool on the baking sheet.

VARIATIONS:

Use white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, mini M&M candies, or Reese’s Pieces.

OTHER PEANUT BUTTER RECIPES:

Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies
Turtle Buckeye Brownies
Cutler’s Peanut Butter Cookies
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cupcakes
No-Bake Cookies
Homemade Reese’s Bars
Monster Cookie Cheesecake Bars

Monster Cookies

4.54 from 41 votes

Monster Cookies are soft andfilled with peanut butter, oats, chocolate chips, and M&Ms. After searching for the bestMonster Cookies recipe and not finding one, I came up with these easy chewy monster cookies my own! These are perfect!

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Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Cook Time: 9 minutes mins

Total Time: 19 minutes mins

Servings: 30 cookies

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, slightly softened
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter, (use crunchy if you like nuts)
1 whole egg
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
1 cup peanut butter chips
3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup M&Ms

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl of a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, cream together the butter, brown sugar, white sugar, and peanut butter.
Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla and mix well until creamy scraping down the sides of the bowl.
Slowly add the flour mixture until incorporated. Mix in the oats.
Stir in the peanut butter chips, chocolate chips, and M&Ms. You can use a mixer (if you're lazy like me) or stir in by hand. Stirring in by hand makes sure that the M&Ms don't break.
Place cookie dough balls, around 1 1/2 Tablespoons dough each, on the parchment sheet. You can hand place extra M&Ms on top, pressing slightly in, to give the cookies a professional look.
Bake for 9-11 minutes. Make sure not to overbake. The cookies will not be brown and will continue to cook as they cool on the pan.
Store in an airtight container. Makes around 2 1/2 dozen.

Notes

Source: The Girl Who Ate Everything

Cuisine: American

Course: Dessert

Author: Christy Denney

All Desserts All Recipes Chocolate Christmas Recipes Cookies Desserts Holiday Recipes Peanut Buttercookies desserts oats peanut butter

originally published on Jan 21, 2023 (last updated Dec 21, 2023)

76 comments Leave a comment »

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76 comments on “Monster Cookies”

Melissa — Thu, 14 Oct 2021 @ 21:17:23 EDT Reply
These are great!!
- Christy Denney — Tue, 26 Oct 2021 @ 02:43:00 EDT Reply
  Thank you!
Blair — Thu, 25 Mar 2021 @ 16:28:43 EDT Reply
Hi,
I’m making these cookies now but it’ll make way too many cookies for us to eat! Can I freeze the dough? Some cookie doughs don’t thaw well so I was wondering how this one holds up.
Thanks!
- Christy Denney — Sat, 03 Apr 2021 @ 03:33:02 EDT Reply
  Absolutely. This dough freezes great.
Pattie — Fri, 24 Jan 2020 @ 08:09:40 EST Reply
I made these cookies for a treat for my sons class. The kids loved them! Of course what seven year old wouldn’t like m&m’s in their cookies!
Krystal — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 @ 14:40:42 EST Reply
Hi there,
This is the first time I have tried this recipe and for some reason my cookies did not flatten out in the oven and remained in a ball. They are also extremely dry which is strange because I weighed out the flour to two cups and did not over mix.
I have half the dough still in the fridge, do you have any suggestions on how to make the remaining dough more moist?
- Christy Denney — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 @ 20:48:23 EST Reply
  I believe the secret is to not overbake them! They do well with a slight underbake. What kind of oats did you use?
  - Krystal S. — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 @ 16:27:08 EST Reply
    I used old fashion oats like you had recommended. I only baked them at the time and temperature listed in the directions so I am not quite sure what happened. The hot chocolate cookies turned out the exact same, like little hockey pucks. I don’t believe it’s your recipes, something has to be going on with my oven or maybe I’m adding too much flour who knows. 😖 thanks for getting back to me regardless!
Melly — Tue, 03 Dec 2019 @ 15:29:47 EST Reply
How long should you leave them on the pan to cool after baking for the 9-11 minutes?
- Christy Denney — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 @ 00:04:56 EST Reply
  Just a couple of minutes. 2-3 is plenty.
Deb — Sat, 09 Nov 2019 @ 19:07:45 EST Reply
Can the peanut butter be natural or are you suggesting a major brand like skippy or JIF? I read some other monster cookie recipes which advised against natural or real peanut butter and I’m not sure what you recommend.
- Christy Denney — Fri, 22 Nov 2019 @ 00:04:05 EST Reply
  I do not think natural peanut butter would be ideal because it’s too runny.
Kaytlynn from Alaska ! — Sun, 02 Jun 2019 @ 18:47:07 EDT Reply
I LOVE this recipe. I found it 3 years ago and it’s my go to cookie recipe. It’s so consistent that it’s easy for me to not mess up! I’ve made them 5-6 times a year. Trust the process you guys ! Leaving them to finish cooking on the pan is the key ! Thank you so much for creating this awesome recipe ! ❤️
- Christy Denney — Sun, 02 Jun 2019 @ 22:37:57 EDT Reply
  Thank you Kaytlynn for that vote of confidence.
Andrea — Wed, 06 Mar 2019 @ 15:40:03 EST Reply
I found this recipe 4 years ago and have made it 4-5 times a year since. It’s my most requested cookie, even my grandmother needed to have my recipe! The only permanent alterations I’ve made are to add 1/2 teaspoon baking powder for a little more puffiness and 3/4 teaspoon of cinnamon, the warmth makes the peanut butter chocolate combo even more delicious. I mix up the ratio of sweet/semi/dark/peanut butter/butterscotch chips and M&M’s every time but always use 2.5 cups in the dough. Every time I say I’m not going to take the time to press more pieces on top, but I always do because it gives the cookies such a great look. I don’t even bother with anything less than a double batch and always have at least a dozen in the freezer for “emergencies”! Thank you for this recipe, it’s become my signature cookie!
- Christy Denney — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 @ 23:08:45 EDT Reply
  That makes me want to cry with happiness. Thank you!
Sue — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 @ 09:59:55 EST Reply
Hi. If I’d like to leave out the M&Ms is there any adjustment I would need to make?
- Christy Denney — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 @ 23:06:02 EST Reply
  Nope! You’re good to go.
Alicia — Fri, 28 Sep 2018 @ 08:16:15 EDT Reply
Not very chewy at all came out rather dry. I tried to cut baking time, but got the same result after they cooled.
- Christy Denney — Sun, 07 Oct 2018 @ 22:41:22 EDT Reply
  Alicia,
  I’m so sorry to hear that. It could be possible you had too much flour? You should spoon your flour into your measuring cups.
Courtney — Fri, 14 Sep 2018 @ 20:28:56 EDT Reply
Honestly, I have been using this recipe for a few years now. It is my go-to for any occasion that I am told to bring something. And oh man do I get compliments. These are seriously the best cookies ever. They never last more than 2 days in my house.
- Christy Denney — Sun, 07 Oct 2018 @ 23:18:01 EDT Reply
  They are soooo one of my faves. Glad you agree.
  
  See Also
  Easy Snickerdoodle Recipe Without Cream of Tartar - Baker Bettie
Jenna — Sat, 28 Jul 2018 @ 20:43:31 EDT Reply
I’ve been craving monster cookies for a few weeks, I’ve had the ingredients for a while just looking for the”right”recipe. I tried yours tonight! Perfection! Love ❤️ them! Delicious! My sons are scarfing them down as I type this! Thank you for your receipe and the easy directions!
- Christy Denney — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 @ 00:22:03 EDT Reply
  These are honestly one of my faves! Glad you agree.
www.fixingwindows8.com — Wed, 20 Jun 2018 @ 00:14:24 EDT Reply
Thanks for the wonderful post
- Christy Denney — Mon, 25 Jun 2018 @ 21:22:01 EDT Reply
  You’re welcome!
Lisa — Sat, 17 Mar 2018 @ 10:49:41 EDT Reply
These are so delicious! I’ve made them before using a different recipe in which you had to refrigerate the dough for a couple of hours. I didn’t feel like doing that now, so decided to try your recipe. I think we liked these even more! We used walnuts and raisins instead of the peanut butter chips and m&m’s. Delicious! Thanks for a great recipe!
- Christy Denney — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 @ 23:27:22 EDT Reply
  Ooh yes. Sounds delicious.
Brooke Ann — Fri, 02 Mar 2018 @ 19:48:01 EST Reply
I couldn’t decide on a recipe from Pioneer Woman which sparked my need for monster cookies or this one which came so highly rated from co-workers (not to mention, I already adore TGWAE’s S’mores cookies). So, I went with this one and just cut PB chips back by half and added the 1/2 C chopped pecans and 2 C crisped rice cereal from the other recipe. Luckily they didn’t crumble apart and turned out even better than I’d hoped! A shame I can’t share a picture because they looked spot on!
- Christy Denney — Tue, 06 Mar 2018 @ 20:13:45 EST Reply
  Ooh I think rice cereal is a GENIUS addition! Good thinking!
Regina — Thu, 09 Nov 2017 @ 06:16:13 EST Reply
These turned out great. Thank you so much for the recipe. My 6yr old daughter did most of the work and she loved “testing” as we went along.
- Regina — Thu, 09 Nov 2017 @ 06:17:45 EST Reply
  Oops posted and messed up on my email address. Wasn’t sure if that mattered.
- Christy Denney — Mon, 20 Nov 2017 @ 23:08:04 EST Reply
  Aww. Thank you!
Michael — Thu, 05 Oct 2017 @ 21:34:03 EDT Reply
We make those every year for Christmas but instead of peanut butter chips we replace them with Reese’s pieces but otherwise the same thing, and they are awesome!
Morgan — Wed, 10 Aug 2016 @ 17:29:06 EDT Reply
How long do these cookies last after baking?
- Christy Denney — Mon, 15 Aug 2016 @ 22:05:01 EDT Reply
  3 minutes. JK. I think you can keep them in a store tight container for a couple of days.
Nicole — Sat, 02 Apr 2016 @ 00:11:26 EDT Reply
These cookies were amazing! but I need some help, I’m trying organic peanut butter for the first time and while by peanut butter cookies came out wonderful using organic these cookies came out really dry and crumbly. They were still good (my hubby can’t stop eating them lol) but how do I make them more creamy? Just use more peanut butter? Thanks.
- Christy Denney — Mon, 11 Apr 2016 @ 00:13:02 EDT Reply
  I can only vouch for regular peanut butter (JIF) or something not natural. You could definitely try using more peanut butter.
lynne — Sat, 26 Mar 2016 @ 17:28:00 EDT Reply
These are Awesome! My grandson loves my mini monsters
Tally — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 @ 04:16:33 EDT Reply
Looks so good
Adrienne — Sat, 19 Mar 2016 @ 21:48:08 EDT Reply
I am so thankful for you and your recipe 🙂 I cannot make cookies. Really. They turn into flattened hard blobs every time, when my friends use the same recipe they come out amazing, but not me. I have no idea what’s wrong with me! I actually bake a lot and have lots of success with other things, just not cookies for some reason. After a while I gave up and refused to try making cookies anymore. My distraught husband made these cookies and they’re DELICIOUS! perfectly soft, but crispy on the edges, filled with yummy ingredients. We love them! So thank you for bringing cookies back into our lives. It would be a sad live that was cookie-less!
- Christy Denney — Mon, 11 Apr 2016 @ 00:35:59 EDT Reply
  I’m so so glad to hear that. Life would not be complete without cookies.
Amanda — Wed, 24 Feb 2016 @ 23:53:56 EST Reply
I’ve made these cookies a couple times now and I love them! They are preyy easy and they’re always a big hit! I’ve also used dark chocolate M&Ms in them, which is a fun mix up 🙂 Thanks for shaing your recipe!…I’ve enjoyed it 🙂
- Christy Denney — Mon, 29 Feb 2016 @ 22:46:19 EST Reply
  You’re welcome. I’m so glad you like them!
Tiffany — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 @ 18:06:05 EST Reply
I made these yesterday and brought them to work, my coworkers went crazy for them! Amazing recipe! Your recipes never let me down! Thanks =)
- Christy Denney — Tue, 15 Dec 2015 @ 23:26:36 EST Reply
  Thank you!
Leslie — Fri, 03 Jul 2015 @ 09:17:30 EDT Reply
Question–it says 3/4 cup of butter, but then 1 1/2 sticks in parenthesis. Which is it? 1.5 sticks would be 1.5 cups…help! Best recipe I’ve found and want to make today!
- Christy Denney — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 @ 01:14:47 EDT Reply
  Shoot Leslie. Probably too late. 1 stick of butter is 1/2 cup so 1 1/2 sticks is 3/4 cup.
Martha — Sun, 17 May 2015 @ 10:07:04 EDT Reply
They look great!!! I want to make them now!! question I like my cookies crisp, do I need to add more oats, could you give me an advise! Thanks!!!
- Christy Denney — Mon, 18 May 2015 @ 06:30:07 EDT Reply
  Yes. More oats or flour should do the trick.
amanda — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 @ 17:57:24 EDT Reply
I made these cookies yesterday and they turned out great! Definitely one I will be making again! …Sharing this recipe with a friend 🙂
Kat — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 @ 17:39:11 EDT Reply
i just made these. Oh, my gosh. Absolutely delicious and so much better than the monster cookie recipe I’ve been using. Thank you for a recipe that actually delivers! I am new to your website and look forward to trying more stuff!
- Christy Denney — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 @ 16:11:25 EDT Reply
  Thank you Kat!
Goshgirl — Sun, 22 Mar 2015 @ 10:15:54 EDT Reply
I regret to say that alas, these are not Monster cookies. Not the Amish loved cookies of my youth; but they are nice cookies. These created a cake like cookie. They lacked the slight snap of the Mennonite cookie I know so well. Two things: I used all natural peanut butter. But that would result in a dryer cookie (mine was crumbly). My suspicion is that the omission of corn syrup (and why I chose your recipe in the first place) is the component. The batter just lacked a certain sine quod non. We did enjoy the cookies very much. my toddler had fun extracting the candy peices from his cookies -with a spoon no less. I future I think I will try to use maple syrup to mimic that chewy snap.
- Jen — Sat, 21 May 2016 @ 20:29:22 EDT Reply
  You are correct. Though these look so awesome, monster cookies do not have flour in them. But I would definitely love to try these!
Mimi — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 @ 23:06:28 EDT Reply
Just made these today. They’re amazing! Thank you so much for sharing the recipe!!
- Christy {The Girl Who Ate Everything} — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 @ 10:10:54 EDT Reply
  You’re welcome!
Judy — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 @ 19:52:51 EST Reply
Had a snow day today and made these cookies. They are awesome!!!! Never had a monster cookie until today…. delish!
- Christy {The Girl Who Ate Everything} — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 @ 20:53:34 EST Reply
  Yay! Love that you loved them!
Linzye — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 @ 15:21:52 EST Reply
I saw this recipe on Pinterest and pinned it. Today is a snow day in northeast Alabama and I just had to make them! They were a hit! I halved the recipe bc we are on a diet! Ha!
- Christy {The Girl Who Ate Everything} — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 @ 20:55:04 EST Reply
  Glad you loved them.
danielle — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 @ 20:58:35 EST Reply
my turning 5yo requested these for her birthday dessert, and her 3yo sister tells everyone, “we’re having monster cookies – RAWR! but don’t worry. they’re not scary.” and i’ll add that they’re delicious!
- Christy {The Girl Who Ate Everything} — Tue, 18 Nov 2014 @ 22:36:11 EST Reply
  Oh my gosh! She’s the cutest thing ever…
Peggy — Sun, 09 Nov 2014 @ 23:29:16 EST Reply
I made these today. These seriously are the best cookies I’ve ever ate. They look and taste amazing and her recipe directions are perfect recipe! Thanks Christy for all you do!!!
- Christy {The Girl Who Ate Everything} — Wed, 12 Nov 2014 @ 21:22:29 EST Reply
  Oh Peggy. You made my day!! I love you!
capturing joy with kristen duke — Mon, 27 Oct 2014 @ 22:33:08 EDT Reply
THese look so yummy! Pinned!
Angelyn @ Everyday Desserts — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 @ 21:54:38 EDT Reply
the dough looks amazing!!! love these! I’m pinning the recipe and making them as soon as possible!
Medha @ Whisk & Shout — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 @ 18:11:06 EDT Reply
These look awesome! I’ve never had a monster cookie!
- Christy {The Girl Who Ate Everything} — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 @ 22:35:17 EDT Reply
  Whaaa??? Oh my gosh. You need one.
Niki — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 @ 14:12:26 EDT Reply
My favorite kind of cookie!! I’ll have to try your recipe out as I have not found the perfect one yet.
Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 @ 12:24:39 EDT Reply
Great minds think alike! I just made monster cookies last night 🙂 Why are they so darn good?!
- Christy {The Girl Who Ate Everything} — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 @ 22:36:17 EDT Reply
  They almost taste like a naughty protein bar.
Isabella — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 @ 12:04:04 EDT Reply
Ahh, this cookies seem to be so lovely! Definitely gonna try this.
Sophie — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 @ 11:36:23 EDT Reply
These look DELICIOUS! Will be putting them on my ‘to bake’ list! x
Manic Mama — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 @ 04:10:43 EDT Reply
My 5yo wanted to tell you that they aren’t Monster Cookies because they aren’t made from monsters …. I swear, they don’t make kids like they used to. When I was 5, I was excited just to be allowed to EAT the cookies.
- Christy {The Girl Who Ate Everything} — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 @ 22:37:48 EDT Reply
  He has a very, very good point.