These fun and colorful monster cookies are perfect for your 4th of July celebration! Packed with oats, peanut butter, and M&M’s, they’re both chewy and crunchy.
What makes these cookies really special is the way they look. You can use red, white, and blue M&M’s for the holiday! I love making a big batch and sharing them with friends. 🍪🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for flavor control. If you’re out, you can use margarine or coconut oil, but the taste might differ slightly. You can also soften it in the microwave if you’re in a hurry—just don’t melt it completely!
Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter adds a great texture, but feel free to swap it with almond butter or sunflower seed butter for nut-free options. Natural peanut butter works well too, but it may change the cookie’s consistency a bit.
M&M’s: Using red, white, and blue M&M’s gives a festive look! If you can’t find them, regular M&M’s or chocolate chips will still taste amazing. You can also use chopped-up chocolate bars for a different chocolate experience.
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats provide chewiness. If you need a gluten-free option, go for certified gluten-free oats. Quick oats can be a substitute, but they may yield a softer texture.
How Do I Make Sure My Cookies Don’t Spread Too Much?
Controlling how much your cookies spread is easy with just a few tips! First, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps solidify the fats, keeping the cookies from spreading too wide.
- Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to ensure uniform size.
- Don’t flatten the dough balls before baking; let them rise in the oven instead.
- Make sure your oven temperature is accurate. An oven thermometer can help find any discrepancies.
Lastly, avoid overmixing after you add the flour; this keeps your cookies tender and chewy!
Easy 4th of July Monster Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 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 candies
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet)
- 1/2 cup white marshmallows, mini or chopped if large
- Optional: red, white, and blue sprinkles for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 10-12 minutes to bake. Allow for a cooling time of about 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack. Overall, you can have delicious monster cookies ready in about 30-35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, grab your baking sheets and line them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Mix the Butters and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or a wooden spoon to mix everything together until it becomes light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Peanut Butter and Wet Ingredients:
Next, mix in the creamy peanut butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Continue to beat until everything is well combined and smooth.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that all your dry ingredients are evenly distributed and helps avoid any clumps when mixing.
5. Mix It All Together:
Now, gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients. Mix just until combined; don’t overmix! It’s okay if there are a few flour streaks left.
6. Stir in the Oats and Fun Stuff:
Fold in the rolled oats until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Then, gently stir in the red, white, and blue M&M’s, chocolate chips, and marshmallows. This is where the fun begins—your dough should look colorful and inviting!
7. Scoop and Shape the Cookies:
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough balls (about 2 tablespoons each) onto the lined baking sheets. Be sure to space them about 2 inches apart so they have room to spread while baking.
8. Add Extra Festive Touches:
If you like, press a few extra M&M’s or some sprinkles on top of each cookie before baking. They’ll add extra color and a festive look!
9. Bake the Cookies:
Place your baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the centers are set but still soft. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking!
10. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Grab a cookie (or two!) and enjoy your fun, chewy, and colorful 4th of July Monster Cookies!
These cookies are perfect for celebrating Independence Day—enjoy sharing them with family and friends!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Sugar?
Yes! You can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar for a slight caramel flavor or use all granulated sugar if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep in mind that using only granulated sugar may affect the chewiness of the cookies.
Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum, which helps improve texture and binding in baked goods.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
To store leftover cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, they can be frozen in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Can I Mix and Match the Add-Ins?
Definitely! Feel free to customize the add-ins based on your preference. You can use nuts, dried fruits, or swap the M&M’s for chocolate chunks or caramel bits for a different twist. Just be mindful of the total amount of mix-ins so the dough stays balanced!
