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CPA: Certified Pastry Aficionado

Monster Cookies

Cookies· Holiday Favorites
December 1, 2016

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Monster Cookies – Super chewy oatmeal cookies with peanut butter, M&M candies, and chocolate chips. And naturally they’re gluten free!

Monster Cookies with red and green m&m's with christmas decorations surrounding the plateI started November with a cookie recipe so it only feels right to start December with one, right?! But before we get started I have some amazing news!

I recently entered a photo contest with a pic of this cranberry apple crumble. Yesterday, I was informed that I was a finalist for the grand prize of almost $1,000 worth of baking supplies. What the what?!?!?! So many people entered the contest so I had no expectations whatsoever. It was such a pleasant surprise!

But I still need you help to win. Please please please take 2 minutes to vote for me by using this link! Voting ends December 1st at 11pm EST. Thank you so much for your support!

Okay, now let’s get to the cookies. Today’s recipe is for monster cookies. Monster cookies are peanut butter chocolate chip M&M oatmeal cookies. Phew, what a name! That’s why they’re called monster cookies – because of their monster list of ingredients! Plus, it’s so much easier to just say monster cookies instead of that long name.

monster cookies closeup monster cookies on a christmas plate monster cookie being dunked in a santa claus mug of milk

These are, by far, my favorite cookies. Hands down. No contest. Love them! And I only started making them two years ago. My friend Margaret brought them to work for a holiday party. I tried them and they BLEW MY MIND. They are ultra chewy, full of peanut butter flavor, and a slight crunch from the M&M candies. And even better, they stay that way for days after you make them. I still have leftover cookies in my kitchen and it’s been 4 days. They taste exactly the same as day one!

I tend to make these during the holidays the most because I love the look of the red and green M&Ms in the cookies. And the recipe makes 4 dozen cookies so it’s perfect for shipping to friends and family or for cookie exchanges. But there’s no reason you couldn’t make these all year long.

One of my favorite things about these cookies is their oatmeal chew because I can have them for breakfast and not feel an ounce of guilt about it. Oatmeal=breakfast, right?! But that’s never really stopped me from having dessert for breakfast anyway. This is adulting, people.

These cookies are also naturally gluten-free! There is no flour in this recipe, just oats. So feel free to share with you gluten-intolerant friends!

tray of monster cookies with a metal spatula monster cookies on wax paper surrounded by red and green m&m's monster cookies surrounded by m&m's and Christmas decorations

Before you get started, let me give you a few tips:

  1. These are one of the few cookie recipes that you do not need to chill the dough before baking. Hallelujah!! That means you can have them ready, from start to finish, in less than 30 minutes. Yesssss. But you gotta make sure the butter is softened and not melted. That way, the cookies won’t get too flat.
  2. Speaking of flat cookies, these cookies won’t spread very much so, after you scoop them, flatten them with two fingers so they are no longer rounded. If you leave them rounded, they will still be rounded when they finish baking.
  3. Okay now this is super important so pay attention, okay?? You gotta use quick-cooking oats. This is not the same as instant oats. Instant oats will make these cookies mushy. If you use regular oats, the cookies will be dry. I never knew quick-cooking oats existed until this recipe. But trust me, they do.
  4. As always, I recommend using a cookie scoop to get even-sized cookies. Check out this post for the scoop I recommend.
  5. If you are using a stand mixer to mix the dough, be careful when mixing in the oats. You will use 4 1/2 cups of oats so they will go everywhere if you mix on high or even medium.

Now you know everything you need to know to make these amazing cookies. Make them this weekend or even tonight! What are your go-to cookies for the holidays?? Let me know in the comments below!

Recipe:

zoomed in shot of Monster Cookies
Print Recipe

Monster Cookies

Super chewy oatmeal cookies with peanut butter, M&M candies, and chocolate chips. And they're gluten free!
Servings: 48 cookies

Ingredients

  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 1/4 cups light brown sugar
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 12-ounce jar peanut butter (or 1 2/3 cups)
  • 1/2 cup butter unsalted, softened
  • 1/2 cup M&M chocolate candies
  • 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 4 1/2 cups quick-cooking oats (not instant!)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prep your two baking sheets by lining with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  • Add eggs and sugars to a large bowl of a stand mixer. Fit mixer with paddle attachment. Turn mixer to low to combine eggs and sugar together until smooth.
  • Add salt, vanilla, peanut butter, and unsalted butter to sugar mixture. Mix on mediu until smooth.
  • Add M&M's, chocolate chips, baking soda, and oats. Very carefully, turn mixer to low. You don't want the oats to spray everywhere. You can also do this by hand with a spatula if you're scared of overflow.
  • Scoop cookies using a tablespoon cookie scoop. Place on two prepped baking sheets, about 1.5 inches apart. They don't spread very much so flatten the tops of the cookies using two fingers and lightly press down. You won't be able to fit all cookie dough on two sheets so you'll have to do another batch once the first batch is done baking.
  • Bake cookies for 8-10 minutes, until the edges start to brown. Do not let them completely brown. When they cook for too long, they will no longer be chewy. These cookies taste so much better when they're chewy. Let cool for 5 minutes before transferring to cooling racks.
  • Keep stored in a storage container for up to 7 days. I also like to display them in a cake stand with a lid for easy access. Enjoy!

Notes

Recipe adapted from Paula Deen

monster cookies picture collage

More recipes you’ll enjoy:

Cranberry Cookies with White Chocolate Drizzle

cranberry cookies with white chocolate drizzle on a cooling tray

Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies

reese's pieces peanut butter cookies with Reese's pieces scattered around them

Triple Chocolate Soft Baked Cookies

Stack of Triple Chocolate Soft Baked Cookies

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60 Comments

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Comments

  1. Meghan says

    December 5, 2016 at 2:14 am

    These look so yummy and absolutely festive!!!

    Reply
  2. Casey says

    December 2, 2016 at 2:31 pm

    Fantastic! Chocolate and oatmeal!!! What!

    Reply
  3. adriana says

    December 2, 2016 at 1:39 pm

    These look so good! I love trying new holiday desserts so I’ll definitely be trying this out!!

    Reply
  4. Kristin Cook says

    December 2, 2016 at 7:11 am

    Mmmm! Monster Cookies! I remember that the coffee shop we always studied at in college sold these right by the cash register. So tempting when people go up to pay! haha

    Reply
  5. suzanne says

    December 2, 2016 at 6:43 am

    Yum! These look amazing. And that mug is so cute!

    Reply
    • Sharon says

      December 5, 2016 at 8:32 pm

      Thanks so much!! I got it at the grocery store. Who knew?!

      Reply
  6. Kaley says

    December 2, 2016 at 6:30 am

    These look so good! You can definitely make them season-friendly by just switching out the color of the M&Ms too! 🙂

    Reply
  7. Serena says

    December 2, 2016 at 3:35 am

    These look delicious! Cookies are one of my favourite treats!

    Reply
  8. Ashley says

    December 1, 2016 at 11:43 pm

    Yum! These look delicious and festive! I really need to make these this holiday season!

    xo Ashley

    Reply
  9. Lana | Lifestyle Queen Bee says

    December 1, 2016 at 11:05 pm

    Yum! These look delicious!I’ll definitely try out this recipe in one of my many Christmas cookie exchanges – thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  10. Katherine Turro says

    December 1, 2016 at 10:10 pm

    M&M’s in cookies is one of my favorite things!

    Reply
  11. Lauren says

    December 1, 2016 at 10:05 pm

    These look amazing! I can’t wait to explore all your cookie recipes before my swap later this month!! 🙂 yum!!

    Reply
  12. Maggie Unzueta says

    December 1, 2016 at 9:19 pm

    I could use a dozen of these. So so YUMMY

    Reply
  13. Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says

    December 1, 2016 at 7:28 pm

    OMG YUM!! I love Monster cookies, the best of all worlds!

    Reply
  14. patricia conte says

    December 1, 2016 at 7:04 pm

    Congrats on being a finalist — I can see why — your pix is amazing! These cookies look amazing, too! I thing you should start every month with a cookie recipe 😉

    Reply
    • Sharon says

      December 1, 2016 at 8:59 pm

      Aw you’re so sweet!! Thanks so much! I think I just might start each month that way 🙂

      Reply
  15. Sarah says

    December 1, 2016 at 6:51 pm

    The cookies look so good!! I cannot wait to try them =)

    Reply
  16. Rebecca Hicks says

    December 1, 2016 at 6:42 pm

    Those cookies look so good! And good luck on the contest. I voted!! 🙂

    Reply
    • Sharon says

      December 1, 2016 at 8:59 pm

      Thank you sooo much!! Fingers crossed!!

      Reply
  17. Mary Burris says

    December 1, 2016 at 5:15 pm

    These cookies look irresistible. A Must have for any cookie / treat plate for the holidays or even year round.

    ~Mary
    Jingle Jangle Jungle

    Reply
  18. Jackie says

    December 1, 2016 at 4:57 pm

    Dying for something sweet like this. They look so good! Just voted for you-good luck!! 🙂

    Reply
    • Sharon says

      December 1, 2016 at 8:57 pm

      Thanks so much!!!

      Reply
  19. Dominique says

    December 1, 2016 at 4:54 pm

    They look amazing – and I agree oatmeal = breakfast! hehe! Good luck with your crumble shot too – that looked divine!

    Reply
    • Sharon says

      December 1, 2016 at 8:57 pm

      Haha glad we’re on the same page. Thanks so much!!

      Reply
  20. Neely Moldovan says

    December 1, 2016 at 4:29 pm

    These are SO my kind of cookies!

    Reply
  21. Hannah says

    December 1, 2016 at 3:44 pm

    I love these!! Not only are they super fun looking, but they look like that would taste DELICIOUS. Definitely pinning this to come back to later. Also, love that santa mug-too cute!

    Reply
    • Sharon says

      December 1, 2016 at 8:55 pm

      Haha thank you!!! That mug was an impulse buy at the grocery store. But worth every penny 🙂

      Reply
  22. Samantha says

    December 1, 2016 at 3:35 pm

    Oh wow! These cookies look so good! I want to attempt baking with my kids this month, but I have 2-year-old twins and a 4-year-old. All I can envision is flour all over the place, so this seems like it would be the perfect recipe for us to try! Thank you! And congrats on your photo!

    Reply
    • Sharon says

      December 1, 2016 at 8:49 pm

      Such a good point!!Thanks so much!!

      Reply
  23. Kristine-Bites of Flavor says

    December 1, 2016 at 2:59 pm

    There’s something about M&M’s and oatmeal cookies that makes me think of Christmas! LOVE THESE!

    Reply
  24. Amanda Kruse says

    December 1, 2016 at 1:56 pm

    Monster cookies are my favorite! I can’t wait to start baking Christmas cookies with my mom!

    xx,
    Amanda || http://www.fortheloveofglitter.com

    Reply
  25. Crystal // Dreams, etc. says

    December 1, 2016 at 1:36 pm

    I love Monster Cookies! And that mug is adorable!

    Reply
    • Sharon says

      December 1, 2016 at 8:48 pm

      Thanks so much! Would you believe I got it at the grocery store?!

      Reply
  26. Kari says

    December 1, 2016 at 12:53 pm

    Yum! These look so good! I like the M&Ms for an added crunch.
    Kari

    Reply
  27. Crystal says

    December 1, 2016 at 12:44 pm

    These look delicious and they look great too!

    Reply
  28. Tammy says

    December 1, 2016 at 12:28 pm

    I totally need to make these cookies! They look amazing! Thank you for sharing
    the recipe! Plus…that Santa mug is adorable!

    Reply
    • Sharon says

      December 1, 2016 at 1:26 pm

      Haha thank you!!! Love that mug.

      Reply
  29. Sue Parke says

    December 1, 2016 at 11:45 am

    These look fabulous! I love baking this time of year, and my toddler loves to help. I’m pinning for later, maybe we’ll give these bad boys a try for a holiday party we have in a couple of weeks.

    Reply
    • Sharon says

      December 1, 2016 at 1:26 pm

      Awww how fun that you and your toddler can bake together. Hope you both love making these!

      Reply
  30. J @ Bless Her Heart Y'all says

    December 1, 2016 at 10:58 am

    Yay! No-chill monster cookies! I LOVE monster cookies and your recipe looks and sounds like I definitely need to try them! YUM!

    Reply
  31. Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy says

    December 1, 2016 at 10:36 am

    Those certainly look delicious. I know for a fact Santa would love to take a few of those back with him to the North Pole.

    Reply
  32. Ryan | A Polished Palate says

    December 1, 2016 at 10:30 am

    Yum! These sound delicious! My mom and I bake several different desserts every Christmas. I may just have to add these to the list.

    Reply
  33. Rachel says

    December 1, 2016 at 10:09 am

    Yum! These look delicious and like so much fun to make!

    Reply
  34. Platter Talk says

    December 1, 2016 at 10:08 am

    We have a gathering this weekend with lots of kids. They are going to love these cookies!

    Reply
    • Sharon says

      December 1, 2016 at 1:25 pm

      Yay!! When I was a kid, anything with M&Ms was my #1 choice. Hope they think so too!

      Reply
  35. The Food Hunter says

    December 1, 2016 at 10:00 am

    These will be fun for the kids that are coming. thanks for sharing

    Reply
  36. Penny Struebig says

    December 1, 2016 at 9:58 am

    Yum! These definitely got pinned. Now I’m in the mood to bake some holiday cookies!

    Reply
  37. Cricket Plunkett says

    December 1, 2016 at 9:18 am

    Monster cookies are always a big hit! I’m going to be adding them to the Christmas cookie list this year!

    Reply
  38. Sam says

    December 1, 2016 at 9:09 am

    Yay! Wheat free Christmas cookies! We just started a [email protected] free diet (because Christmas time is the perfect time to do it….*eye roll*) and these are perfect!

    Reply
    • Sharon says

      December 1, 2016 at 1:24 pm

      I’m so happy to make a cookie you can eat! These are perfect because they come naturally wheat free so you’re no substituting anything here and skimping on flavor. Hope you all like them!!

      Reply
  39. Jamie says

    December 1, 2016 at 9:00 am

    Those look so delicious!! I just pinned it for later. I’ve got a Christmas party this weekend and these will be perfect to take!

    Reply
    • Sharon says

      December 1, 2016 at 1:22 pm

      Yay!! I hope they love the cookies!

      Reply

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Hi, my name is Sharon. I’m an accountant by day, risk-taking baker and food enthusiast by night. Come join me as I share my favorite recipes and test out new ones along the way!

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