This fun Monster Cookie recipe is perfect for the 4th of July! It mixes oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and colorful M&Ms for a cookie that looks as tasty as it is.
You can’t help but smile when you see these cheerful cookies! I love making them with my family. They disappear fast, so grab one while you can! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter gives these cookies a smooth texture. If you’re allergic, try sunflower seed butter or a nut-free spread. They work well and still deliver that nice flavor.
Oats: Quick oats help bind the cookies together while giving a chewiness. If you only have rolled oats, just grind them a bit in a blender or food processor to make them finer.
M&Ms: The red, white, and blue M&Ms make these cookies festive. Feel free to use regular M&Ms or even chocolate chips if you prefer. It’s all about making them fun!
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips add extra sweetness. If you like dark chocolate, swap them out! White chocolate is also delicious if you want something different.
How Can I Ensure My Cookies Come Out Soft and Chewy?
To achieve those soft and chewy Monster Cookies, keep an eye on the baking time. Here’s what to remember:
- Preheat the oven properly—this helps the cookies rise evenly.
- Don’t overmix the dough; just combine until all ingredients are mixed. Overmixing can make them tough.
- For soft centers, take the cookies out right when they start to turn golden at the edges. They will continue to cook slightly on the baking sheet.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them, as they’re softer when warm. Enjoy your baking!
Easy 4th of July Monster Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 cups quick oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 3/4 cup red, white, and blue M&M’s candies (or regular M&Ms sorted by color)
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Red, white, and blue sprinkles (optional for garnish)
Time Needed:
This delicious Monster Cookies recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake. So in roughly 30 minutes, you’ll have a fun batch of festive cookies ready to delight your friends and family!
Instructions:
1. Get Ready:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper so the cookies don’t stick.
2. Mix the Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix it all together until it’s smooth and creamy. This should take just a minute or so!
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is well mixed before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract. It will smell so good!
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda, quick oats, flour, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking soda.
5. Mix It All Together:
Slowly add the dry ingredients into the peanut butter mixture. Stir gently until everything is just combined. Don’t overmix!
6. Add Fun Ingredients:
Now it’s time to fold in the mini marshmallows, M&M’s, and chocolate chips. Be careful not to break the marshmallows too much.
7. Scoop and Space:
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, form tablespoon-sized portions of the cookie dough and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches of space between each scoop.
8. Festive Touch:
If you like, press a few extra red, white, and blue M&Ms or sprinkles on top of each cookie for a festive touch!
9. Bake the Cookies:
Pop the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. The cookies should be golden around the edges but still soft in the middle.
10. Cool Them Down:
Once baked, remove them from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Enjoy!
Now, grab a cookie (or two!) and enjoy these colorful, chewy Monster Cookies—perfect for your 4th of July celebration!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Substitute the Peanut Butter?
Absolutely! If you have a nut allergy or prefer a different flavor, you can use sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter. They both provide a similar creamy texture and taste.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just make sure they’re in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they should keep well for up to 3 months!
Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make gluten-free Monster Cookies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that your oats are certified gluten-free as well to avoid any cross-contamination.
What Type of Oats Should I Use?
For the best texture, use quick oats as they help bind the cookies together well. If you only have rolled oats, you can pulse them in a blender a few times to create a finer consistency.
