Monster Cookies
Completely satisfy your sweet tooth (and those of your friends and family) with monster cookies! These colorful, soft and chewy cookies are packed with peanut butter, oats, chocolate chips and M&Ms—a yummy combo of flavors and textures.
Monster cookies have been a favorite treat in the United States for decades, with the origin of this cookie recipe still a bit of a mystery. Some speculate that the recipe emerged in the 1970s.
Sometimes people refer to these as “kitchen sink cookies” because they have so many ingredients, or “everything but the kitchen sink” versus a basic, chocolate chip cookie.
Monster cookies have become a staple at events and gatherings, delighting people of all ages with their eye-catching appearance and delicious taste. While they definitely have a festive look about them, nothing is stopping you from making a batch anytime you want.
What to serve with monster cookies
Offer a platter of monster cookies at your next birthday party or game night or as a sweet ending to a picnic or backyard barbecue. They are perfect when paired with classic summer fare like burgers, hot dogs and fresh fruit salad.
Make them even more decadent by serving them with a bowl of creamy vanilla ice cream, a small scoop of whipped cream or sandwiched around a layer of buttercream frosting.
These rich cookies are also wonderful as an after-school snack alongside a cold glass of milk or a fruit smoothie.
Kitchen equipment needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Stand mixer
- 2 Large baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cooling racks
Ingredients needed for this monster cookie recipe
Here are the key ingredients that come together to create these delightful cookies:
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
- Baking Soda and Baking Powder: Act as leavening agents, causing the cookies to rise and develop a soft, chewy texture.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps the cookies achieve a tender texture.
- Light Brown Sugar: Lends a caramel-like flavor and helps create a moist texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and contributes to their crispy edges.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: Provides a nutty, savory element that pairs perfectly with the sweet ingredients.
- Honey: Adds a touch of floral sweetness and helps bind the ingredients together.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients and helps the cookies rise during baking.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and enhances the overall flavor.
- Rolled Oats: Old-fashioned oats contribute a chewy texture and nutty flavor to the cookies.
- Chocolate Chips or Chunks: Offer a rich, chocolatey element that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
- M&M’s: Provide a pop of color and a candy-coated crunch to the cookies.
Frequently asked questions about monster cookies
Below are some common questions and answers about making these cookies. If you have a question I haven’t covered, drop it in the comments section. I will reply as soon as I can.
How long do monster cookies last?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, monster cookies can last for up to five days.
What is the best way to store monster cookies?
Store monster cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their texture and freshness. You can also freeze them for longer storage—see below.
Can you freeze monster cookies?
Yes, you can freeze your baked monster cookies for up to two months. After you’ve removed them from the baking sheet and let them cool on a wire rack, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
What are some substitutions for monster cookie ingredients?
You can substitute peanut butter with other nut butter like almond or cashew butter, swap chocolate chips for white chocolate chips other mix-ins like raisins or chopped nuts, or replace M&Ms with your favorite candy-coated chocolate.
What are other ingredients I can add to monster cookies?
Some fun additions to monster cookies include walnuts, pecans, crushed pretzels, coconut flakes or mini marshmallows for added texture and flavor. Get creative and customize your monster cookies to suit your preferences.
More grandma-approved recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe for monster cookies, take a look at some of these other yummy recipes:
- Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
- Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
- No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
- Cake Batter Rice Krispie Treats
- Peanut Butter Cookies
Are these your kind of cookie? I’d love to hear what you think in the comments below!
Monster Cookies
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- parchment paper
Ingredients
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 Tablespoon honey
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ¾ cup chocolate chips or chunks
- 1 cup M&M’s divided
Instructions
- Whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together and set aside.
- Cream together the butter and both sugars until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Mix in peanut butter, honey, egg and vanilla until well combined. Scrape down sides as needed.
- Add the dry ingredients to the batter and mix just until combined. Fold in the oats, chocolate chips/chunks and half the M&Ms. Do not overmix
- Cover dough and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and prep your baking pans with parchment paper while the dough is chilling.
- Once ready, scoop about 2 tablespoon sized balls onto the cookie sheets about 2 inches apart. Add a few more M&Ms on top for presentation, if desired. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Let cool a couple minutes before transferring to the cooling rack or serving plate.
