Monster Cookies are a fun and hearty treat packed with oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and colorful candy pieces. They’re big, chewy, and just the right mix of sweet and nutty. These cookies have a little bit of everything, which makes each bite exciting and full of different textures.
I love making Monster Cookies when I want something satisfying that’s not too complicated. The oats give them a nice chew, and the peanut butter keeps them soft and rich. I always make a big batch because once you start eating them, it’s hard to stop. One tip I have is to press them down a bit before baking so they cook evenly but stay thick and chewy in the middle.
These cookies are great for sharing. I like bringing them to gatherings or packing them in lunch boxes because they travel well and give just the right amount of energy. Whenever I make Monster Cookies, they bring back memories of childhood treat swaps and friendly bake sales, and that makes them taste even better to me.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness. If you want a dairy-free option, try coconut oil, but it may change the texture slightly.
Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter works best for smooth dough. For nut allergies, sunflower seed butter is a great substitute that keeps that rich flavor.
Oats: Rolled oats add chewiness and texture. Avoid instant oats because they get mushy. If gluten is a concern, pick certified gluten-free oats.
Chocolate Chips & Candy Eyes: Semi-sweet chips balance the sweetness. White candy eyes add fun character but you can use small marshmallows or skip decorating for a classic look.
How Do You Keep Monster Cookies Thick, Chewy, and Perfectly Decorated?
These cookies stay thick and chewy thanks to the oats and peanut butter. Here are my top tips:
- Don’t overbake: Pull them out when edges are golden but centers still look soft—they’ll firm up as they cool.
- Press cookies slightly: After scooping dough on the sheet, press down gently so they bake evenly but stay chunky.
- Add food coloring carefully: Knead the color in evenly for vibrant cookies without affecting the dough’s texture.
- Decorate while warm: Press candy eyes and fangs when cookies are warm, so they stick well as the cookie cools.
- Use icing or melted chocolate: For facial details, use a small piping bag or toothpick for precision.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheets – large and flat for even cookie baking without crowding.
- Parchment paper – helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Mixing bowls – use a big one to combine all ingredients comfortably.
- Electric mixer or sturdy spoon – to cream the butter, sugars, and peanut butter smoothly.
- Spoon or cookie scoop – for evenly sized cookies that bake uniformly.
- Small piping bag or toothpick – perfect for adding facial details with icing or melted chocolate.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try almond or cashew butter instead of peanut butter for a different nutty taste.
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and a toasty flavor.
- Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips with white or milk chocolate chips for sweetness variations.
- Mix in mini colorful candies (like M&M’s) to make cookies more festive and fun.
How to Make Monster Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
For Decorations:
- Blue food coloring (optional, for blue monster cookies)
- Large white candy eyes (2 per cookie)
- Chocolate chips for eye centers
- Sliced almonds or white candy fangs (2 per cookie)
- Black icing or melted chocolate for mouth and facial details
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation and 10–12 minutes for baking. Allow extra time (about 10 minutes) for cooling and decorating your fun monster faces. In total, plan on about 35 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to help with easy cleanup.
2. Mix the Dough:
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and peanut butter together until smooth and creamy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually combine the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir in the rolled oats and chocolate chips until everything is evenly mixed. If you’d like blue monster cookies, divide part of the dough and knead in blue food coloring evenly.
3. Bake the Cookies:
Scoop the dough onto your prepared baking sheets in large, even mounds to form round cookie shapes. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn golden but the centres remain soft. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool slightly on the sheets.
4. Decorate Your Monster Cookies:
While the cookies are still warm, press two large candy eyes onto each cookie and place a small chocolate chip in the center of each eye for pupils. Use black icing or melted chocolate to draw mouths. Add two sliced almonds or white candy pieces to create monster fangs by placing them in the mouth area. Use a bit of icing to add any additional fun details like eyebrows or spots. Let the cookies cool completely before serving.
Can I Substitute Peanut Butter in Monster Cookies?
Yes! If you have a peanut allergy or just want a different flavor, try almond butter or sunflower seed butter. Just make sure they’re creamy for the best texture.
How Should I Store Monster Cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed bag for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Can I Make Monster Cookies Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and shape the dough, then refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. This actually helps the flavors develop more fully. Decorate the cookies after baking and cooling.
How Do I Keep Monster Cookies Soft and Chewy?
Be careful not to overbake. Remove the cookies when the edges are golden, but the centers still look slightly soft. They’ll firm up as they cool and stay nice and chewy.