These Thick and Chewy Monster Cookies are a colorful explosion of flavor and texture in every single bite. Packed with oats, creamy peanut butter, melty mini chocolate chips, and vibrant mini M&Ms, they hit the sweet spot between a hearty snack and a dreamy dessert.
Whether you’re baking for a party, treating your family, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, these cookies will not disappoint. Their slightly crisp edges, soft and chewy centers, and generous mix-ins make them absolutely addictive. Plus, they’re easy to customize with your favorite candies and chocolate chips!
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, room temperature
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1 cup (200g) light brown sugar, packed
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1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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1 1/2 cups (210g) all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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2 1/2 cups (250g) old-fashioned oats
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1 cup (180g) mini chocolate chips
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1 cup (180g) mini M&Ms
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1/2 cup (120g) peanut butter
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, beat together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add in the eggs and vanilla extract and beat until combined.
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Mix in the peanut butter until fully incorporated.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
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Fold in the oats, mini chocolate chips, and mini M&Ms.
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Scoop large portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them out to allow room to spread.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft.
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Allow to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 27 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 24 cookies
Thick and Chewy Monster Cookies: A Classic Treat Reinvented
If there’s one cookie recipe that brings pure joy to both kids and adults alike, it’s the Monster Cookie. These Thick and Chewy Monster Cookies are everything you could ever want in a dessert indulgent, satisfying, packed with fun textures, and bursting with a colorful medley of ingredients. Perfectly soft in the center with just the right amount of chew on the outside, they’re a true celebration of everything we love about home baking.
What makes these cookies so “monstrous” isn’t just their size but the sheer amount of goodness packed into each bite. Think hearty oats, creamy peanut butter, melty mini chocolate chips, and vibrant pops of candy-coated M&Ms all wrapped up in a golden-brown cookie with a satisfyingly thick and tender texture. It’s impossible to have just one!
Why Monster Cookies Are So Special
Monster cookies have been around for decades, making regular appearances at bake sales, potlucks, and family gatherings. They’re a nostalgic treat for many, offering a little bit of everything in one perfect cookie. The beauty of monster cookies lies in their versatility they’re easy to customize based on your favorite mix-ins, dietary needs, or whatever you have stocked in your pantry.
Unlike traditional chocolate chip cookies, monster cookies don’t limit you to just chocolate. They embrace peanut butter for extra richness, oats for a hearty bite, and candy pieces that add playful color and crunch. It’s this anything-goes attitude that makes monster cookies so unique and beloved.
The version we’re highlighting today takes all the classic elements and turns them up a notch, focusing on creating a cookie that’s thick enough to satisfy but soft and chewy enough to melt in your mouth.
The Secrets Behind Thick and Chewy Monster Cookies
Creating the ideal monster cookie one that’s thick, chewy, flavorful, and sturdy enough to hold its mountain of mix-ins takes a few important techniques. Here’s what makes these cookies stand out:
Creamed Butter and Sugars
By properly creaming the butter with both brown and white sugar, you introduce air into the batter, which helps create a lighter, fluffier dough. Brown sugar, rich in molasses, also adds depth of flavor and enhances moisture, ensuring each bite stays chewy rather than becoming dry.
The Perfect Balance of Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is a star player in monster cookies, but it’s important not to let it overpower the other flavors. Using just the right amount allows the nuttiness to come through subtly without making the cookies too dense. A creamy, unsweetened peanut butter is ideal for the best texture.
The Importance of Old-Fashioned Oats
Oats are key to achieving the hearty, rustic texture that sets monster cookies apart from standard cookies. Old-fashioned oats (not quick oats) provide a chewier bite and hold up better in baking, contributing to that thick, satisfying mouthfeel.
Mini Mix-ins for Maximum Coverage
Instead of regular-sized chocolate chips and M&Ms, this recipe uses mini versions. Smaller pieces mean you get more in every bite, ensuring a perfect balance of chocolate, peanut butter, oats, and candy throughout the entire cookie.
Slightly Underbaking for the Perfect Texture
One of the biggest secrets to achieving soft, chewy cookies is to pull them out of the oven when the centers still look a little underdone. They’ll continue cooking from residual heat as they cool on the baking sheet, setting up perfectly without drying out.
Creative Variations to Try
One of the best things about monster cookies is how easy they are to customize. Here are a few fun variations you might want to try:
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Nut-Free Version: Omit the peanut butter and substitute with sunflower seed butter or another safe alternative.
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Chocolate Overload: Swap half of the oats for cocoa powder to create Chocolate Monster Cookies.
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Holiday Themes: Use seasonal M&M colors for holidays red and green for Christmas, pastel for Easter, orange and brown for Halloween.
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Trail Mix Version: Add raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts for a trail mix-inspired cookie.
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Protein-Packed Monster Cookies: Stir in a scoop of your favorite vanilla or chocolate protein powder for an extra boost.
The possibilities are truly endless, and every version brings a new personality to the classic.
Storing and Freezing Tips
These cookies store beautifully, making them a great option for make-ahead treats. Once baked and cooled, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To maintain their chewy texture, consider placing a slice of bread in the container to help retain moisture.
If you want to freeze the cookies, you have two options:
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Freeze the baked cookies: Place cooled cookies in a single layer in a freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.
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Freeze the unbaked dough: Portion out the cookie dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 2–3 extra minutes to the baking time.
Having a stash of monster cookies in the freezer means you’re never more than a few minutes away from fresh, warm cookies on demand!
Ideal Occasions for Serving Monster Cookies
Monster cookies are one of those all-purpose recipes you’ll find yourself making again and again because they fit so many occasions:
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Bake Sales: Eye-catching and irresistible, they’re guaranteed to sell out fast.
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Birthday Parties: Kids adore the bright colors and sweet mix-ins.
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Road Trips and Hikes: Oats and peanut butter offer some substance and energy, making these a perfect treat for adventures.
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Holiday Gifting: Pack them in festive tins or treat bags for an easy, heartfelt homemade gift.
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Weeknight Treats: Sometimes you just need a cookie. These are easy enough to whip up even on a busy evening.
Their rustic, homemade look and unbeatable flavor make them a hit wherever you bring them.
Conclusion:
Thick and Chewy Monster Cookies are the definition of comfort food. They’re vibrant, hearty, and packed with flavor perfect for satisfying a sweet craving while offering a little more substance than your average cookie. Whether you’re baking for a crowd, your family, or simply treating yourself, these cookies deliver an unbeatable experience with their nostalgic flavors and delightful textures.
Best of all, they’re as fun to make as they are to eat. Kids can help scoop the dough and press extra candies on top before baking, making this recipe a wonderful way to create memories in the kitchen.
Next time you’re craving a cookie that’s just as bold and colorful as your mood, give these Thick and Chewy Monster Cookies a try. You’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again and don’t be surprised if it becomes a beloved tradition in your home, just like it has in countless others!