If you are on the hunt for a cookie that’s bursting with color, texture, and an unbeatable homemade charm, this Monster Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine a generous scoop of chewy oats, rich peanut butter, melty chocolate chips, and vibrant mini M&Ms all coming together to create a cookie that’s both a nostalgic treat and a showstopper. These cookies are large, delightfully soft with just the right bit of crunch, and perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself. Trust me, once you try this Monster Cookies Recipe, your cookie cravings will have met their perfect match.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Monster Cookies Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each chosen to contribute to the cookie’s perfect texture and unforgettable flavor. From creamy peanut butter adding richness, to oats giving a chewy heart, every item is key to this deliciously colorful adventure.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure that holds your cookies together beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise to a lovely, soft height.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Adds extra lift and fluffiness to each bite.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Brings buttery richness and tender crumb.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and adds a slight crisp edge to the crust.
- ¾ cup light brown sugar (packed): Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
- 2 large eggs (room temperature): Bind ingredients while contributing to tender softness.
- 1 ¼ cups creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient for that iconic nutty depth.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Lifts and rounds out the cookie’s overall flavor profile.
- 2 ¼ cups old-fashioned rolled oats: Lends heartiness and that classic chewy texture.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus ½ cup for topping): Melts into little pockets of indulgence in every bite.
- 1 cup mini M&Ms (plus ½ cup for topping): Sprinkles of fun and color that make these cookies impossible to resist.
How to Make Monster Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to make cleanup easy and prevent the cookies from sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that your leavening agents and seasoning are evenly distributed for consistent results.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Using a mixer, beat the softened butter along with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and creamy – about two minutes. This step is crucial for those tender, slightly crisp edges.
Step 4: Add Eggs, Peanut Butter, and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated, then mix in the creamy peanut butter and vanilla extract until your dough is smooth and fragrant.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Reduce your mixer to low speed and gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Over-mixing can make the cookies tough, so be gentle here.
Step 6: Fold in Oats, Chocolate Chips, and M&Ms
Take a spatula and fold in the rolled oats, 1 cup of chocolate chips, and 1 cup of mini M&Ms. The dough will be thick and chunky, which is exactly what you want for those monster-sized cookies.
Step 7: Chill the Dough if Needed
If the dough feels too soft or sticky to scoop well, simply pop the bowl into the freezer for about 15 minutes. This step helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
Step 8: Scoop the Dough
Scoop large dough balls about 3 tablespoons each and place them on your prepared baking sheets, leaving 2 to 3 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
Step 9: Bake Until Edges Set
Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 13 to 15 minutes. They should be golden on the edges but still appear a little soft in the centers, promising that perfect chewy texture.
Step 10: Add Extra Chocolate Chips and M&Ms
Right after pulling the cookies out of the oven, press the remaining chocolate chips and M&Ms on top for that classic bakery finish and an extra pop of color and chocolatey goodness.
Step 11: Cool Before Enjoying
Allow your cookies to rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step lets them firm up just enough to pick up without crumbling.
How to Serve Monster Cookies Recipe

Garnishes
While these cookies are stunning and colorful on their own, adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted peanut butter on top can elevate their presentation and add an extra layer of flavor.
Side Dishes
Serve your monster cookies with a tall glass of cold milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea. These pairings balance the sweetness beautifully and make snack time feel like a special occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the cookies into a colorful tower tied with a ribbon to make a fun gift, or place a single cookie on a plate alongside fresh berries and whipped cream for a dessert that looks as lovely as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your monster cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for about a week, perfect for satisfying that midweek sweet tooth.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies either baked or unbaked. For baked cookies, separate layers with parchment paper and freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. For unbaked dough, portion into balls, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Warm your leftover monster cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes to restore their soft, gooey texture and freshly baked warmth. It’s like eating them fresh from the oven again.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can swap in crunchy peanut butter if you like some additional texture. It will add little peanut bits inside the cookie, which many people enjoy!
Are there alternatives to M&Ms?
Absolutely! You can substitute mini M&Ms with chopped candy bars, Reese’s Pieces, or colorful sprinkles to vary the flavor and look while keeping the fun factor high.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. The cookies will still be delicious!
Why do some recipes use both baking soda and baking powder?
Using both helps achieve the perfect rise and texture. Baking soda creates a tender crumb, while baking powder gives a light lift, making these monster cookies soft but not flat.
What’s the best way to measure flour for this recipe?
Use the spoon-and-level method by scooping flour into your measuring cup with a spoon, then leveling it off with a knife. This avoids packing the flour, which can make cookies dense.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the Monster Cookies Recipe—it combines simple ingredients in a way that feels festive, familiar, and irresistibly delicious. These cookies invite you to slow down, indulge, and enjoy a moment of pure joy. So go ahead, bake a batch, and share the happiness with friends and family, or savor every monster bite yourself. You’re going to love every chewy, colorful morsel!
Print
Monster Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 25 large cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightfully chewy and packed with texture, these Monster Cookies combine classic ingredients like oats, peanut butter, and chocolate chips with colorful mini M&Ms for a fun, bakery-style treat. Perfect for cookie lovers seeking a hearty, flavorful snack with a playful twist.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 ¼ cups creamy peanut butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 2 ¼ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus ½ cup for topping)
- 1 cup mini M&Ms (plus ½ cup for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later incorporation.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and creamy, about two minutes.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then blend in the creamy peanut butter and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Combine Dry and Wet: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Add Oats and Mix-ins: Fold in the rolled oats, 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips, and 1 cup of mini M&Ms by hand using a spatula to evenly distribute throughout the thick dough.
- Chill Dough if Needed: If the dough feels excessively soft and does not hold shape well, chill it in the freezer for 15 minutes to firm up, making it easier to scoop.
- Scoop Cookies: Using about 3 tablespoons per cookie, scoop large balls of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 to 3 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake for 13 to 15 minutes until the edges are set and lightly golden but the centers remain slightly soft, ensuring chewy texture.
- Add Toppings: Immediately after removing from the oven, press the reserved extra semi-sweet chocolate chips and mini M&Ms onto the tops of the cookies to create a colorful, bakery-style finish.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing them to set properly.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature eggs to help the batter mix smoothly.
- Chilling the dough helps prevent excessive spreading and maintains the cookie’s thick shape.
- Pressing extra chocolate chips and M&Ms on top after baking adds a professional, attractive look.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- To keep cookies fresh longer, freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

