Homemade Monster Cookies: A Deliciously Sweet Treat

Ingredients

1.5 cups of peanut butter
1 cup of brown sugar
1 cup of white sugar
1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
2 teaspoons of baking soda
4.5 cups of quick oats
1 cup of M&M's
1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips

Steps and instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter, brown sugar, white sugar, and softened butter. Beat until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, mix together the baking soda and quick oats. Gradually add this to the peanut butter mixture, stirring until well combined.
Stir in the M&M's and chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Flatten each cookie slightly with a fork.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.

Tools for making

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to combine the ingredients and mix the dough.
Electric Mixer - An electric mixer to beat the ingredients together until creamy and well combined.
Measuring Cups and Spoons - To accurately measure the ingredients.
Baking Sheets - Flat, rectangular sheets for baking the cookies.
Parchment Paper - To line the baking sheets and prevent the cookies from sticking.
Wire Racks - To cool the cookies evenly and allow air circulation.
Fork - To slightly flatten the cookie dough before baking.

Recipe variations

Use almond butter or cashew butter instead of peanut butter for a different flavor.
Replace the M&M's and chocolate chips with your favorite mix-ins, such as raisins, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut.
Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to the dough for a warm and cozy twist.
Swap out the regular white and brown sugars for coconut sugar or maple syrup for a healthier option.
Make them gluten-free by using certified gluten-free oats or a gluten-free flour blend.
Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolatey twist.
Add a handful of crushed pretzels or potato chips for a salty-sweet combination.
Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
Try using different shapes and sizes of cookies by using a cookie scoop or pressing the dough into a bar pan for monster cookie bars.

Recipe overview

Get ready to make the most amazing Monster Cookies ever. These cookies are the perfect combination of sweet, chewy, and irresistible. Packed with peanut butter, oats, M&M's, and chocolate chips, these cookies are sure to please both children and adults alike. They're great for parties, potlucks, or simply as a delicious treat to enjoy at home. With this recipe, you'll get about 3 dozen cookies, each one full of flavor and texture. Enjoy the process of making these delightful Monster Cookies, and even more, enjoy the wonderful taste!

Common questions

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer a bit of texture in your cookies. However, keep in mind that the texture will differ slightly from the traditional soft and chewy monster cookies.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use margarine as a substitute for butter. However, the taste and texture of the cookies may be slightly different compared to using unsalted butter. It is recommended to use unsalted butter for the best results.
Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats?
Yes, you can use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats. Just be aware that the texture of the cookies will be slightly different, as old-fashioned oats are thicker and take longer to cook.
Can I substitute the M&M's and chocolate chips with other mix-ins?
Certainly! You can get creative with the mix-ins and use ingredients like raisins, chopped nuts, or even shredded coconut. Just make sure to maintain the same overall quantity to ensure the proper texture and consistency of the cookies.
How should I store the cookies?
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 1 week. You can also freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing bowls - Use large mixing bowls to combine ingredients and mix the cookie dough.
Electric mixer - An electric mixer will make it easier to cream the butter, sugars, and peanut butter together.
Measuring cups and spoons - Use these to accurately measure out the ingredients.
Baking sheets - These are essential for baking the cookies in the oven.
Parchment paper - Line the baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Wire racks - Use wire racks to cool the baked cookies evenly and allow air circulation.
Spatula - A spatula will help you transfer the cookies from the baking sheet to the wire rack.
Fork - Use a fork to flatten the cookie dough before baking.

Origin stories

Monster cookies, despite their slightly intimidating name, are a delightfully sweet concoction originally from the United States. The recipe was developed in the 1970s by Dick Wesley, a father of seven from Sioux City, Iowa. He needed a cookie sturdy enough to stand up to his rambunctious brood, and thus, the Monster Cookie was born. What sets these cookies apart is the use of oats and peanut butter, which give them a robust structure and surprisingly hearty flavor. The M&M's and chocolate chips were added in for an extra touch of sweetness, and to make them visually appealing to children. The recipe was a hit and quickly spread, leading to the Monster Cookie’s enduring popularity. So, while they may not come from a mythical creature's kitchen, Monster cookies do have a history that's filled with love, innovation, and a desire to feed a hungry family.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.