Get ready to eat a delicious homemade cookie with our Monster Cookies recipe.
Perfect for the monster lover or a holiday baking cookie idea, these monster cookies from scratch are a great copycat cookie monster cookie recipe idea to try.
Soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor, these Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies are loaded with chocolate chips and colorful M&M’s! Perfectly sweet with a hint of crunch, they’re the ultimate treat for cookie lovers.
Grab the recipe below.
Recipe for Monster Cookies
Oh, my goodness, these Monster cookies are so chewy and delicious!
When the boys were little, they loved watching Sesame Street.
These are inspired-themed cookies, and if you’re a fan of Cookie Monster and love cookies, then you’ll enjoy this super easy recipe for Monster Cookies.
These delicious homemade cookies are worth trying. They’re great for holiday baking, like Halloween or Christmas, or any time of the year!
Whether you’re planning a monster-themed party or have a kid who is into all things monster, you’ll love this easy homemade cookie recipe.
If you’re into the monsters, be sure to check out this easy recipe for cookie monster fudge.
Why Are Monster Cookies Called Monster Cookies
Monster cookies are peanut butter, oatmeal cookies loaded with sweet candy-coated M&Ms and chocolate chips.
Frankenstein called these monster cookies because they are a mashup of all the different cookie mix-ins.
Now, just cause these get their name from Frankenstein doesn’t mean these only can be eaten around Halloween.
This is a cookie that is a treat all year round!
They are also a great cookie to take to a holiday cookie exchange.
Everything you need to make Monster Cookies from scratch
This recipe yields about 24-30 cookies, depending on the size of each portion.
- 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup softened butter
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 ½ cups rolled oats (not quick-cooking)
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup regular or baking M&M’s
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 eggs, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 1 cup packed brown sugar. Beat until smooth and well combined.
- Add 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter, ½ cup softened butter, 1 tablespoon sour cream, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract to the sugar mixture. Mix until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Sprinkle in 2 teaspoons baking soda, stirring well. Gradually mix in 4 ½ cups of rolled oats until evenly combined.
- Stir in 1 cup chocolate chips and ¾ cup M&M’s, reserving the remaining M&M’s for topping.
- Drop large tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Gently press the dough into a rounded shape. Press a few of the reserved M&M’s into the tops of each cookie for decoration.
- Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Avoid overbaking; slightly undercooked cookies yield a softer texture.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
*Makes approximately three dozen cookies. Store in an airtight container for 1-2 weeks. These cookies also freeze well.
Could I add additional toppings to these Monster Cookies?
Yes, you could add broken pretzels for a salty twist to these sweet cookies.
You would need 1 cup of broken pretzels. When you’re at step 5, you would add in the M&M’s and the 1 cup of broken pretzels.
Tips for Adding Pretzels:
- Avoid crushing pretzels into fine crumbs. Break them into small chunks to maintain their crunch in the cookies.
- Press a few larger pretzel pieces onto the top of the cookies for a decorative, bakery-style look.
- For an even more indulgent twist, sprinkle a tiny bit of flaky sea salt on top before baking.
What Is The Best Oats To Use For This Cookie Recipe?
Old-fashioned rolled oats are recommended.
If you use quick oats, you will lose the flavor behind the oatmeal in the cookies.
Plus, rolled oats offer a nice chewy texture to the cookies that you can’t get without them.
To me, they are the best part of the cookie!
Do You Need To Refrigerate Cookie Dough Before Baking?
This is a drop cookie, meaning you do not have to refrigerate the cookie dough like a classic sugar cookie.
This recipe is simple: whip it up, preheat the oven, and bake.
It is a great way to have a dessert to serve up after dinner without needing to refrigerate the dough overnight.
This is another reason why we love these cookies so much.
And if you love Monster recipes, be sure to check these out:
Can Monster Cookies Be Frozen?
You can freeze the cookie dough raw to save for later or freeze the cookies themselves once baked and cooled.
To freeze it raw, I roll the dough up into a log, wrap it tightly, and place it in an airtight freezer bag.
You could also make scoops, which would allow you to drop the cookie balls on a baking sheet.
You can cook the dough from frozen. Just add a little extra minute or two to baking, as it will take a bit more to thaw before it bakes up.
For freezing the pre-made cookies, just allow the cookies to fully cool.
Then, place in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to eat a cookie, just thaw on the counter.
Recipe for Monster Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- ½ cup softened butter
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 ½ cups rolled oats not quick-cooking
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup regular or baking M&M’s
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 eggs, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 1 cup packed brown sugar. Beat until smooth and well combined.
- Add 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter, ½ cup softened butter, 1 tablespoon sour cream, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract to the sugar mixture. Mix until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Sprinkle in 2 teaspoons baking soda, stirring well. Gradually mix in 4 ½ cups of rolled oats until evenly combined.
- Stir in 1 cup chocolate chips and ¾ cup M&M’s, reserving the remaining M&M’s for topping.
- Drop large tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Gently press the dough into a rounded shape. Press a few of the reserved M&M’s into the tops of each cookie for decoration.
- Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Avoid overbaking; slightly undercooked cookies yield a softer texture.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
Find more recipes to try:
Best No-Bake Christmas Cookies to Make
Pretzel Crunchers White Chocolate Chip Cookies
Loaded Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Created 5/2014 | Updated 12/2024
Wendys Hat says
So bright and colorful and fun! I’m a lover of baking cookies and these sure sound delicious. Thanks.
Taylor S says
My husband would probably love these! Great recipe, thanks for sharing!
Christine T says
I am going to have to make these, Tat. I can practically taste them already! Are they soft? I love big soft cookies 🙂
Kecia says
My first thought, going by the name, was a Halloween treat. However, I think these would be great for any day!!
Marla Meridith says
These monster cookies look delish! Pinned 🙂
Ericka Chatman says
OMG! These look so delicious. I can’t wait to make them. I’m thinking about making them tonight.
Ericka Chatman says
OMG! These look so delicious. I can’t wait to make them. I’m thinking about making them tonight.
Kristi says
Since some in my family need gluten free, I made these with gluten free Chex oatmeal and they were delicious! My entire family loved them and didn’t even know they were gluten free 🙂 the Chex oatmeal is fine and very similar to real oats.
Christy says
No flour?
T Worthey says
Nope, no flour needed for this one Christy!
L Allis says
My mom used to send these to me when I was stationed overseas thirty years ago! They freeze well and defrost in the microwave. A great cookie!
L Allis says
My mom used to send these to me when I was stationed overseas thirty years ago! They freeze well and defrost in the microwave. A great cookie!
T Worthey says
Oh wow!! You have a great Mom! Thanks for sharing, and yes great cookies!!
Claire says
These did not hold together for me either time I’ve made them. They fall apart easily. Any tips for a novice? Great flavor.
Claire says
These did not hold together for me either time I’ve made them. They fall apart easily. Any tips for a novice? Great flavor.
Christy says
What will happen if quick oats are used?
Meredith DuHamel says
I have been making these cookies since the 1970s! They really are delicious and the recipe makes a huge amount! You can add other ingredients if you want, ie, raisins, nuts, rice crispies. A very versatile recipe.
Jill Ginavan says
Hello, Wortheys! Last Christmas, I made these marvelous Monster Cookies and gave them to friends and family as gifts, and they were a big hit. I think of them as Monster “Christmas” Cookies because, to me, they look like they are covered in Christmas tree lights! I am actually planning to bake some today to give out as gifts again this year. These cookies freeze very well, too, which is an added plus. Well into last January or February, I would occasionally pull one of them out of the freezer and have it for breakfast with my morning coffee! I hope all is well in your dear family, and may you all have a very Sweet and Merry Christmas. God bless!
T Worthey says
Good Morning Jill,
Oh, that’s AWESOME!! Thank you for coming back and letting us know they were a huge hit! I never thought about them as Christmas cookies or a gift, but that’s a great idea! Merry Christmas to you too!
Anonymous says
Anonymous says
Caylee says
These look and sounded delicious but they did not turn out on any of my attempts. They flattened out like pancakes and crumbled apart. I cooked them as long as I could- the tops began to turn dark brown- but the cookie was still incredibly underdone. Any thoughts on what I’m doing wrong? Thanks.
Kylina says
I was puzzled by no flour… tried making them today and I triple checked that I followed everything correctly and they are awful. Just melted into a goopy mess because there is no substance holding the ingredients together!
Definitely do not make this recipe and waist the expensive ingredients. Look for another recipe containing flour!
T Worthey says
Hi Kylina!
Thanks for stopping by and trying out this recipe. I am sorry it did not turn out well, but you can make Monster Cookies without the flour. I was curious by your comment, so I went to find other recipes for Monster Cookies from popular sites like Food Network, and they also don’t use flour. I think the biggest thing is going in order of the ingredients. I would love for you to try this again, and we would be willing to send you a gift card to buy the ingredients and give it another try. Let me know!
Becky says
I’m a little late to the game on this recipe but I wanted you to know it’s become my go-to cookie recipe when I want a cookie! Perfection every time. Chocolate, peanut butter, oats!! Amazing!!