This fun Monster Cookie recipe is perfect for the 4th of July! Packed with oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and M&M’s, it’s a colorful treat that everyone will love.
They look like a party on a plate! 🎉 I love making these with the kids; it’s so much fun to mix in the colorful M&M’s. Perfect for sharing at your holiday BBQ!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This forms the base of your cookie dough. I recommend unsalted butter to control the saltiness. If you’re out of butter, coconut oil works well as a substitute for a dairy-free option.
Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter gives the cookies their rich flavor. If you have nut allergies, use sunbutter or a nut-free alternative instead.
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats add texture. Quick or instant oats can be used, but they might make the cookies chewier. If gluten is a concern, ensure to use gluten-free oats.
M&M’s: The red, white, and blue M&M’s make these cookies festive! Use any color mix you have on hand, or swap them out for chocolate chips or dried fruit for a different vibe.
Chocolate Chips: A mix of semisweet and white chocolate chips brings sweetness. You can adjust the types of chocolate based on your preference, like dark chocolate for a richer taste.
How Do I Get My Cookies Chewy and Not Overbaked?
To achieve chewy Monster Cookies, it’s important to keep an eye on the baking time. Here are some simple steps:
- Bake just until the edges are golden brown and the centers look slightly underbaked; they will firm up as they cool.
- Using a cookie scoop helps maintain even size, ensuring uniform baking.
- Let them rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes after you pull them out of the oven. This helps them set perfectly.
Remember, the cooling time is key to getting that chewy texture! Enjoy baking these festive treats!
Easy 4th of July Monster Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup red, white, and blue M&M’s
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (for extra sweetness and festive look)
- Red, white, and blue sprinkles (optional, for decoration)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cookie recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and roughly 10-12 minutes to bake. Plus, you’ll want to let them cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet. In total, set aside approximately 30 minutes to whip these up and get them ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly. While the oven heats up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to make cleanup easy.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream them together until the mixture is fluffy and well combined.
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until everything is smooth.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This will ensure the baking soda is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until everything is combined—don’t over mix!
6. Stir in the Oats:
Fold in the rolled oats gently until they are fully incorporated into the dough.
7. Add the Fun Stuff:
Gently fold in the M&M’s, semisweet chocolate chips, and white chocolate chips until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
8. Shape the Cookies:
Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the lined baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each ball for spreading.
9. Add a Festive Touch:
If you’d like, sprinkle a few red, white, and blue sprinkles on top of each dough ball to make them even more festive!
10. Bake the Cookies:
Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. They should be lightly browned around the edges but still soft in the center.
11. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. They will be perfect for sharing and enjoying at your 4th of July celebrations!
12. Serve Up the Fun:
Get ready to serve these colorful, chewy, and festive Monster Cookies to friends and family. Enjoy the smiles and compliments that come your way!
These cookies are the perfect festive treat to celebrate the 4th of July—full of flavor and fun!
FAQ for Easy 4th of July Monster Cookies
Can I Use Natural Peanut Butter Instead of Creamy?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly, making the cookies a bit denser. Stir it well before measuring to ensure the oil is fully mixed in!
Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that your oats are certified gluten-free as well for a safe option!
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw before enjoying!
Can I Customize the Mix-Ins?
Definitely! Feel free to change the M&M’s to your favorite candies, nuts, or dried fruits. Get creative! Just try to keep the total amount of mix-ins close to 2 cups for the best texture.
