These monster cookies are soft and chewy peanut butter oatmeal cookies loaded with chocolate chips and M&M’s. An easy and classic cookie that’s perfect for parties, after school snacks and special occasions.
There’s nothing better than a good cookie, and these loaded monster cookies definitely fit the bill. They’re packed with tons of chocolate, oatmeal and peanut butter and are adored by both kids and adults alike.
I happen to love monster cookies, they’re all of my favorite cookie flavors rolled up into one hand held treat! These monster cookies are the best I’ve ever had. I find that some monster cookies tend to be dry or hard, and my version comes out perfectly soft and chewy every time.
How do you make monster cookies?
This recipe starts out like any other cookie recipe with butter, flour, and sugar. Oats and peanut butter are added into the mix to make a thick cookie dough, and then the add-ins get folded in.
Traditional monster cookies are made with both M&M’s and chocolate chips, which is what I’ve used here. Other great add-in ideas include
- White chocolate chips
- Chopped peanuts
- Shredded coconut
- Toffee bits
The dough gets spooned onto a baking sheet and is ready to go into the oven. I like to press some extra M&M’s and chocolate chips into the tops of my cookie dough balls because then they look prettier when they come out of the oven.
These cookies don’t spread much, which means you’ll end up with a thick and chewy cookie without a hint of dryness.
Tips for monster cookies
- Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon measure to make sure all of your cookies are the same size
- The cookie dough can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days before baking. If you’re planning to make your dough ahead of time, you may want to omit the M&M’s and add them just before baking so that the color from the candies doesn’t stain the dough if it’s in the fridge for a while.
- These cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer in a resealable freezer bag, then freeze until solid. Let the cookies sit at room temperature to thaw.
My kids request these monster cookies all the time, and I can’t blame them. Between the soft flavorful cookie and tons of chocolate, how could anyone resist?
More great cookie recipes
Monster Cookies Video
Monster Cookies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup peanut butter I prefer creamy but crunchy will also work
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/4 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup M&M's plus more for tops of cookies
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips plus more for tops of cookies
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Line a sheet pan with a piece of parchment paper or silicon baking mat.
- Place the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in the bowl of a mixer. Beat until light and fluffy, 1-2 minutes.
- Add the egg, peanut butter and vanilla to the bowl and mix until combined.
- Add the flour and baking soda to the bowl and mix until just combined. Stir in the oats.
- Add the M&M's and chocolate chips to the bowl and gently fold them into the dough.
- Make 2 tablespoon sized balls of cookie dough and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared sheet pan. You will need to bake the cookies in batches.
- Press a few M&M's and chocolate chips onto the top of each cookie dough ball.
- Bake for 11-13 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
- Cool the cookies on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
- Repeat the process with the remaining cookie dough. Cool all cookies completely then serve.
- Store any leftover cookies in a sealed container for up to 5 days, or you can freeze the cookies for up to 2 months.
Notes
Nutrition
This post was originally sponsored by Capri Sun. This post was originally published on April 28, 2016 and was updated on February 5, 2019 with new content.
Elena Toma says
Looking so delicious , I cant believe that the total time to make them is just 25 minutes. I want some !
John Mulindi says
Anytime I read your posts, I learn a new way of preparing a given dish or snack. Keep up the good work! Thanks.
Lydia Smith says
What better way to keep the kids busy during holidays. More so, the end product looks yummy. I love how you share these recipes with us. Thank you!
Sakshi says
Oh my goddd.. These are the cutest. Its my nephews birthday in 2 days. I am trying them tomorrow 🙂
natalie says
Oh wow these look amazing! MY kids would love making these – will bookmark this recipe for half term!!!
Livetheallieway says
Wow! The recipe of these cookies are gnarly! Need to think out of the box more often so many ideas! I’m going to keep these in my box of recipes
Alexandra says
Ahhh yum! Monster cookies sound really delicious. This would make a great treat for a party.
Chad says
I am literally drooling over these amazing cookies yummmm!!! I am definitely gonna do some baking this weekend! Thank you so much.
Katie says
These look yummy ! I love the colors. Monster cookies would be perfect for a kids party.
Stacie says
Yesss. These bad boys have everything but the kitchen sink! I must have these in my life.
Lyosha says
Looks so sweet and festive! Love it! And it is simple to make too, hands up!
Tanya says
Oh my goodness, I’ll be printing this recipe! My son will love these.. unless my husband eats them all hahah.
Mel says
https://www.dinneratthezoo.com/monster-cookie-bars/ directs to Monster Cookies, tho the picture of the bars (via Bing) appears to be exactly what I’m looking for. When I site search here, I also get Chocolate Peanut Butter Blossoms instead. Where is the recipe for the bars, please?
Sara says
This post has been updated with new content, you can find the old post here: https://web.archive.org/web/20170513054557/http://www.dinneratthezoo.com/monster-cookie-bars/
Robyn @ Simply Fresh Dinners says
Oh my goodness, Sara, your girls are just so squeeze-able! How adorable are they with those cute little bows in their hair? You definitely started my day off with a huge smile 🙂
Love your monster cookie bars too – they look so delicious!
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says
Love these bars and your girls are absolutely adorable 🙂
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
Your girls are gorgeous! What beautiful, beautiful children. You’re going to be in big trouble in a few years 🙂 Love these wholesome and satisfying snacks and I am a big fan of Capri Sun. My grandson loves it! Have a happy weekend – sharing and pinning
Debbie says
Can’t wait to try these bars for my boys! Your girls are darling sipping the Capri Sun!
Chris Scheuer says
Darling girls Sara! Love all that beautiful dark hair. I have a feeling they look like their mama! They certainly look like they love these yummy bars, but I think kids of all ages would enjoy them!
Beatrice says
These bars looks so good and I am a fan of the new Organic Capri Sun! Those girls are so cute!
sue|theviewfromgreatisland says
I don;t know what’s cuter, the adorable cookie bars or those adorable munchkins!!