If you are on the lookout for a cookie treat that combines rich texture, vibrant colors, and irresistible flavors, you have to try this Thick and Chewy Monster Cookies Recipe. These cookies deliver a perfect balance of soft, chewy oats and peanut butter goodness, studded with bursts of chocolate chips and colorful M&M candies. Every bite feels like a delightful party in your mouth, making them one of my absolute favorites to bake and share. Once you try this recipe, you’ll be reaching for these cookies again and again, whether for a cozy night in or a fun gathering with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Thick and Chewy Monster Cookies Recipe relies on a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that bring everything together. Each component plays a special role—whether it’s flavor, texture, or that inviting chewy consistency that keeps you coming back for more. Here’s what you’ll gather to whip up these crowd-pleasers:
- Butter, 1/2 cup: Using real butter adds richness and helps achieve that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated sugar, 1/2 cup: Provides sweetness and a slight crispness on the cookie edges.
- Light brown sugar, 1/2 cup: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor that deepens the cookie’s complexity.
- Peanut butter, 1/2 cup: The star of the show, giving these cookies their signature hearty flavor and chewy bite.
- Egg, 1 large: Acts as a binder, keeping all the ingredients together while adding to the softness.
- Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Elevates all the flavors with its warm aromatic notes.
- All-purpose flour, 1 cup: The structural base that keeps everything intact without weighing down the cookies.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats, 1 1/4 cups: Essential for that chewy, wholesome texture and a bit of rustic heartiness.
- Salt, 1/4 teaspoon: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the cookie’s flavors.
- Baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon: Helps the cookies rise to just the right height without becoming cakey.
- Baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon: Adds lift and spread for the perfect cookie shape.
- M&M candies, 3/4 cup: Bursts of color and crunchy chocolate that make these cookies feel festive and fun.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1/2 cup: Melty pockets of chocolate indulgence hidden in every bite.
How to Make Thick and Chewy Monster Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready for these beauties. Proper oven temperature is key to baking cookies that are perfectly soft on the inside while having a slight crispness around the edges.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for at least 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color. This process traps air that makes the dough delightfully tender and helps with the overall texture of the cookies.
Step 3: Mix in Peanut Butter, Egg, and Vanilla
Add the peanut butter to your creamed butter and sugar. Mix until fully incorporated for a rich, creamy base. Then, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and silky. This combination creates that signature flavor and chewy consistency that makes this Thick and Chewy Monster Cookies Recipe so special.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Measuring your flour carefully by spooning it into the cup and leveling will ensure your cookies come out just right—too much flour can make them dry, and too little can cause spreading.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture into your wet peanut butter batter, mixing just until combined. Overmixing here can make the cookies tough, so be gentle. Once combined, stir in the M&M candies and chocolate chips to distribute those pockets of sweetness and color throughout every bite.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Drop cookie dough by heaping tablespoonfuls or use a 1-inch cookie scoop onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, depending on the size of your cookies. Look for edges that are just set and a center that still looks slightly soft; this ensures they bake up thick and chewy without drying out.
Step 7: Cool Completely
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet. This cooling stage allows the cookies to firm up just enough to hold their shape while remaining nice and chewy when you bite in.
How to Serve Thick and Chewy Monster Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Although these cookies are colorful and fun on their own, adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate can make them feel extra special for parties or gifts. For an adult-friendly twist, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt can add a wonderful contrast to the sweetness.
Side Dishes
Serve these monster cookies alongside a tall glass of cold milk for the classic combo that never disappoints. For a more decadent treat, pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with your favorite coffee or hot chocolate to make snack time feel like a cozy celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack these cookies in a decorative jar or gift box tied with a ribbon for thoughtful presents. Or arrange them on a vibrant platter, alternating with fresh berries or nuts to add a pop of freshness and texture. Kids especially love helping to decorate cookie platters with fun toppings like extra M&Ms or sprinkles on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your monster cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They should keep their thick and chewy texture for 3 to 5 days, allowing you to enjoy them fresh without any fuss.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully. Simply arrange a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you want a treat, thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave for that just-baked feel anytime you crave them.
Reheating
If you want that freshly baked warmth, pop the cookies into a preheated 300-degree oven for about 3-5 minutes, or heat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This revives their soft, gooey texture, making every bite taste like it just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you absolutely can! Using crunchy peanut butter will add extra texture to your cookies, which some people really enjoy. Just keep in mind that it may slightly change the chewiness, but it will still be delicious.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This Thick and Chewy Monster Cookies Recipe uses all-purpose flour and regular oats, so it’s not gluten-free as written. You can experiment with gluten-free flour and certified gluten-free oats if needed, but results may vary slightly in texture.
Can I substitute the M&M candies with something else?
Definitely! You can swap M&Ms with other colorful candies, dried fruit, nuts, or simply add more chocolate chips. The best part about this recipe is how easy it is to customize to your favorite flavors.
Why do some monster cookies turn out cakey instead of chewy?
Overmixing the dough or using too much flour can lead to cakey results. This recipe emphasizes gentle mixing and precise flour measurement to keep the cookies thick and chewy like they should be.
What’s the best way to ensure the cookies bake evenly?
Using a cookie scoop ensures each portion is the same size, helping everything bake evenly. Also, spacing the dough balls evenly on the baking sheet prevents overcrowding, allowing the heat to circulate properly for perfect results.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy baking and savoring this Thick and Chewy Monster Cookies Recipe as much as I do. The combination of flavors, texture, and cheerful colors makes these cookies an unbeatable treat for any occasion. They’re simple to prepare but packed with flavor and fun, so don’t hesitate—grab your ingredients and start your next cookie adventure today!
Print
Thick and Chewy Monster Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Thick and Chewy Monster Cookies are a delicious blend of peanut butter, oats, chocolate chips, and colorful M&M candies. Perfectly soft and chewy with a satisfying thickness, they make a delightful treat for cookie lovers and are easy to prepare in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter (115 g)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 g)
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar (110 g)
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (130 g)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 ml)
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (120 g)
- 1 1/4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (112 g)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (1.5 g)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (2 g)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (2.5 g)
Add-ins
- 3/4 cup M&M candies (130 g)
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (90 g)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the cookies evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a mixer, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Peanut Butter, Egg, and Vanilla: Incorporate the peanut butter into the creamed mixture and mix well, then add the egg and vanilla extract, beating to combine all wet ingredients smoothly.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, old-fashioned rolled oats, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Measure the flour carefully by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off for accuracy.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips and M&M’s: Gently stir in the chocolate chips and M&M candies, distributing them evenly throughout the cookie dough.
- Scoop and Bake: Using a 1-inch cookie scoop, place dollops of dough onto a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Bake a little longer if making larger cookies but avoid overbaking; cookies should look just set when done.
- Cool Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking pan to set properly and develop their chewy texture.
Notes
- Do not overbake the cookies; they should look set but still soft to maintain chewiness.
- Measuring flour correctly is important: spoon into the measuring cup and level off to avoid dry, dense cookies.
- Allow cookies to cool completely on the pan — this helps the cookies firm up and enhances their chewy texture.
- Optional: For different flavors, consider swapping M&Ms for peanut butter chips or adding chopped nuts.
