Monster Cookies
Monster Cookies are big, colorful, and bursting with fun flavors! Loaded with oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and those bright candy-coated chocolates that make each bite a surprise, these cookies…
Tip: save now, cook later.Monster Cookies are big, colorful, and bursting with fun flavors! Loaded with oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and those bright candy-coated chocolates that make each bite a surprise, these cookies are soft, chewy, and a little bit crunchy all at once.
I love making Monster Cookies because they’re so forgiving—mix everything together, and you’re already halfway there. Plus, they fill the kitchen with a nutty, sweet smell that makes everyone stop what they’re doing to grab one. I always sneak a few when no one’s looking because they’re just that good!
These cookies are perfect for sharing at parties, packing in lunchboxes, or just having around for a quick snack. I like them best with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of tea. No matter how you eat them, Monster Cookies are a cheerful treat that bring a little extra joy to any day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peanut Butter: This gives Monster Cookies their rich, nutty flavor and chewy texture. If you have a peanut allergy, try sunflower seed butter or almond butter. My favorite is creamy peanut butter for that smooth mix.
Old-Fashioned Oats: Oats add chewiness and heartiness. Avoid instant oats—they get too soft here. Rolled oats give the best texture, making the cookies nice and thick.
Chocolate Chips & Candy Eyes: Semi-sweet chips balance sweetness well, but milk chocolate or dark chocolate work too. Candy eyeballs add the fun monster look. You can substitute with chocolate chips and draw eyes using white and dark melted chocolate.
Food Coloring: This is for fun—color the dough bright blue, red, or yellow. If you want to skip coloring, the cookies taste just as great but look more traditional.
How Do You Make Monster Cookies Soft but Still Hold Their Shape?
Monster Cookies need to be soft inside but keep their fun shape with all those decorations. Here’s how:
- Use softened butter and peanut butter to keep the dough moist.
- Don’t overmix once you add the flour—that keeps cookies tender.
- Make big cookie mounds so the center stays soft while the edges cook through.
- Bake for 12-14 mins—pull them out when edges look set but centers are still slightly soft.
- Cool cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving. This helps them hold their shape without breaking.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – for combining your ingredients easily.
- Electric mixer or sturdy spoon – to cream the butter and peanut butter smooth.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get your ingredient amounts just right.
- Baking sheets – flat and sturdy for even baking.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats – stops cookies from sticking and makes cleanup faster.
- Cookie scoop or spoon – helps you make evenly sized, big cookie mounds.
- Wire cooling rack – lets your cookies cool properly without getting soggy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Switch peanut butter for almond or sunflower seed butter to suit allergies or add a different nutty taste.
- Swap chocolate chips for butterscotch or white chocolate chips for a sweeter or creamier twist.
- Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and texture.
- Mix in dried cranberries or raisins to add a chewy burst and a bit of tartness.
How to Make Monster Cookies?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
- Food coloring (blue, red, or yellow as desired for different cookie colors)
- Candy eyeballs (large, round edible eyes)
- White chocolate chips (for monster fangs)
- Chocolate or colored cookie pieces (for eyebrows and details)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparing and mixing the dough takes about 15 minutes. Decorating the cookies with candy eyes and monster features adds another 10 minutes. Baking time is 12 to 14 minutes per batch, and cooling will take about 5 minutes. Overall, plan for around 35 to 40 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get the Oven and Prep Ready:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to keep the cookies from sticking and to make cleanup easy.
2. Mix Up the Cookie Dough:
In a big bowl, cream the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each one. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ones and mix until everything is just combined. Stir in the oats and chocolate chips evenly.
3. Color, Shape, and Decorate:
Divide the dough into parts and add food coloring to each, mixing until the colors are even. Scoop large mounds of dough onto the baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
Press candy eyeballs onto each cookie to make monster eyes. Add white chocolate chips with the pointed side up to look like monster fangs. Use little chocolate or colored cookie pieces to form eyebrows and other fun monster details.
4. Bake and Cool:
Bake your monster cookies for 12 to 14 minutes. The edges should look set while the centers stay soft. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a cooling rack. This helps them keep their shape and gives you perfect, fun monster cookies!
Can I Use Natural Peanut Butter Instead of Creamy?
Yes! Just make sure to stir it well before measuring. Natural peanut butter may make the dough a bit less smooth, but your cookies will still bake up deliciously.
How Do I Store Monster Cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them softer, add a slice of bread in the container to maintain moisture.
Can I Make Monster Cookies Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before scooping and decorating.
What Can I Substitute for Candy Eyeballs?
If you don’t have candy eyeballs, use mini marshmallows and draw pupils with edible markers, or just press chocolate chips into the dough for eyes. Get creative with whatever you have on hand!