Monster Cookies are a playful and hearty treat loaded with everything from oats and peanut butter to chocolate chips and colorful M&M candies. Emerging in the Midwest during the 1960s and 70s, these cookies became popular for their chewy texture, protein-packed ingredients, and ability to please both kids and adults. The combination of oats, peanut butter, and mix-ins makes them a cross between an oatmeal cookie and a candy bar. They're great for bake sales, lunchboxes, or any occasion that calls for a big, satisfying cookie.
Ingredients
- 1⅓ stick unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 lb peanut butter (about 1¾ cups)
- 1½ cups brown sugar (packed)
- 1 cup white sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2½ tsp baking soda
- 6 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup M&M candies
Instructions
Step 1: Cream Butter & Peanut Butter
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and peanut butter until smooth.
Step 2: Add Sugars & Eggs
- Add brown sugar and white sugar; mix until fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Mix in Dry Ingredients
- Stir in baking soda and oats until evenly distributed.
Step 4: Add Mix-ins
- Fold in chocolate chips and M&M candies.
Step 5: Portion & Bake
- Using a heaping ¼ cup measure, scoop dough onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon or moist fingers.
- Bake at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown.
Tips
- Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- Substitute butterscotch chips in place of chocolate chips.
- Use crunchy peanut butter for more texture.
- Add ½ cup shredded coconut for a chewy variation.
- Chill dough 30 minutes if cookies spread too much.
- Swap M&M’s for peanut M&M’s for an extra peanut crunch.
- Press tops gently with wet fingers (as noted on the back card: “flatten out with spoon or moist fingers”).
- Make mini cookies using a 2-tablespoon scoop and reduce bake time to 8 to 9 minutes.
- Freeze cookie dough balls for bake-on-demand treats.
Nutrition
Calories: 562kcalCarbohydrates: 75gProtein: 14gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 43mgSodium: 602mgPotassium: 393mgFiber: 8gSugar: 24gVitamin A: 220IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 72mgIron: 4mg
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