When I was younger, my family and I used to bake together on rainy afternoons. Weâd fill the kitchen with laughter, the scent of melting chocolate, and the sound of mixing bowls clinking. One of the recipes that always made an appearance in our baking sessions was M&M Monster Cookies. These cookies were a family favorite, and I quickly learned they were not only delicious but also so simple to make. The combination of peanut butter, oats, and candy-coated M&Mâs turned these cookies into a colorful, chewy treat that everyone loved. If youâre a beginner cook or just someone looking for an easy and fun recipe, M&M Monster Cookies are a great place to start.
PrintM&M Monster Cookies: A Fun and Irresistible Treat for Beginners
Bright, colorful, and packed with chocolatey goodness! đȘđ These M&M Monster Cookies are a fun, chewy treat loaded with gooey chocolate chips and crunchy M&Ms. đ Perfect for beginner bakers and cookie lovers alike, these cookies are sure to be a hit at any gathering! đ„ Whether for a party, snack, or sweet craving, theyâre always a crowd-pleaser. Whoâs ready to bake some monster-sized fun? đđŹ #MonsterCookies #MMLovers #ChewyGoodness #BakingFun #CookieTime #ColorfulTreats #BeginnerBakers #ChocolateCravings #SweetAndSimple #CookieDelight đȘ
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 3/4 cup M&M candies (feel free to use more or less based on preference)
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to make clean-up easier.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and peanut butter together with both the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Youâll want to beat them until the mixture is smooth and creamyâthis will help give your cookies a soft, chewy texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the eggs, one at a time, and add the vanilla extract. Be sure to mix until fully incorporated. These ingredients help bind everything together and infuse your cookies with flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. The baking soda will help the cookies rise and spread evenly. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until fully combined. Donât overmix, as that could result in denser cookies.
- Fold in Mix-Ins: Gently fold in the oats, M&M candies, chocolate chips, and chopped nuts (if using). Be careful not to overwork the dough here. The mix-ins should be evenly distributed, but you still want to preserve the soft, doughy texture of the batter.
- Form the Cookies: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie and roll it into a ball. Place the cookie dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This gives the cookies room to spread while baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden, while the centers might appear a little underbakedâthatâs perfectly fine. The cookies will continue to set as they cool.
- Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step helps the cookies firm up and ensures they wonât break apart when you move them.
Notes
- Checking Doneness: If youâre not sure whether the cookies are done, give them a light tap on the top. If they feel firm to the touch, theyâre ready to come out. Remember, theyâll continue to cook a little while cooling.
- Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Since ovens vary, you may need to adjust the baking time slightly. If your cookies start to brown too quickly, consider lowering the oven temperature by 10 to 15 degrees.
- Perfectly Soft Cookies: If you prefer your cookies extra soft and chewy, take them out of the oven a minute or two earlier. Theyâll finish cooking on the baking sheet and retain their softness.
- Chill the Dough: If you find that your dough is too sticky to handle, pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes. Chilled dough is much easier to scoop and roll into balls.
- How to Store Leftovers: If you have any cookies left (though that might be unlikely!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months, perfect for having a treat ready to go whenever you need it!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
Perfect for beginners, this recipe is straightforward, requires minimal equipment, and delivers big results. Itâs an ideal option if youâre in need of a quick dessert or snack that will impress everyone. Whether youâre baking for a family gathering, a school bake sale, or simply to enjoy at home, these cookies check all the boxes: easy, delicious, and endlessly customizable. Plus, theyâre packed with peanut butter and oats, making them a bit more wholesome than your average cookie!
Ingredients and Preparation
To make these M&M Monster Cookies, youâll need the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 3/4 cup M&M candies (feel free to use more or less based on preference)
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Ingredient Alternatives:
- If youâre not a fan of peanut butter or have allergies, you can swap it out for almond butter, sunbutter, or any nut butter of your choice.
- For the oats, you can substitute old-fashioned oats with quick oats if thatâs what you have on hand, but note that the texture of the cookies may change slightly.
- Instead of M&Ms, you can use colorful chocolate candies or even chocolate-covered raisins for a twist.
- If you prefer to make your cookies nut-free, simply leave out the chopped pecans or walnuts.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to make clean-up easier.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and peanut butter together with both the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Youâll want to beat them until the mixture is smooth and creamyâthis will help give your cookies a soft, chewy texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the eggs, one at a time, and add the vanilla extract. Be sure to mix until fully incorporated. These ingredients help bind everything together and infuse your cookies with flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. The baking soda will help the cookies rise and spread evenly. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until fully combined. Donât overmix, as that could result in denser cookies.
- Fold in Mix-Ins: Gently fold in the oats, M&M candies, chocolate chips, and chopped nuts (if using). Be careful not to overwork the dough here. The mix-ins should be evenly distributed, but you still want to preserve the soft, doughy texture of the batter.
- Form the Cookies: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie and roll it into a ball. Place the cookie dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This gives the cookies room to spread while baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden, while the centers might appear a little underbakedâthatâs perfectly fine. The cookies will continue to set as they cool.
- Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step helps the cookies firm up and ensures they wonât break apart when you move them.
Beginner Tips and Notes
- Checking Doneness: If youâre not sure whether the cookies are done, give them a light tap on the top. If they feel firm to the touch, theyâre ready to come out. Remember, theyâll continue to cook a little while cooling.
- Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Since ovens vary, you may need to adjust the baking time slightly. If your cookies start to brown too quickly, consider lowering the oven temperature by 10 to 15 degrees.
- Perfectly Soft Cookies: If you prefer your cookies extra soft and chewy, take them out of the oven a minute or two earlier. Theyâll finish cooking on the baking sheet and retain their softness.
- Chill the Dough: If you find that your dough is too sticky to handle, pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes. Chilled dough is much easier to scoop and roll into balls.
- How to Store Leftovers: If you have any cookies left (though that might be unlikely!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months, perfect for having a treat ready to go whenever you need it!
Serving Suggestions
These M&M Monster Cookies are already packed with flavor, but you can take them to the next level by serving them with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a fun twist, you can even crumble a couple of cookies over a bowl of ice cream for a âcookie crumble sundae.â
If youâre serving these cookies as part of a larger spread, they pair beautifully with other classic treats like brownies, fruit tarts, or even a simple fruit salad. These cookies also make a fun addition to a bake sale or party table, and their bright colors are sure to catch everyoneâs eye!
Conclusion
Baking M&M Monster Cookies is a fantastic way to get started in the kitchen, especially if youâre looking for a recipe thatâs simple yet delicious. With just a few ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a fun and chewy cookie thatâs sure to become a family favorite. The best part is that these cookies are endlessly customizableâswap in your favorite candy, nuts, or chocolate chips to make them uniquely yours!
I encourage you to try this recipe and experiment with different flavors. Donât forget to share your creations in the comments below or on social media, and feel free to ask any questions if youâre unsure about any steps. Remember, baking is all about having fun and enjoying the process, so donât be afraid to get creative with your monster cookies. Happy baking!