Prepare to be amazed by the ultimate cookie experience with these incredibly soft, delightfully chewy, and utterly irresistible Peanut Butter Monster Cookies. Crafted from a no-chill peanut butter cookie dough base, these treats are generously packed with hearty oats, rich chocolate chips, and vibrant M&Ms, then baked to golden-brown perfection. They offer a harmonious blend of sweet and salty, making them an undeniable crowd-pleaser that’s both quick to prepare and remarkably easy to bake. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, these monster cookies are guaranteed to become a cherished addition to your recipe collection, delivering joy with every single bite.
Why These Peanut Butter Monster Cookies Will Be Your New Favorite
Our Peanut Butter Monster Cookies aren’t just another dessert; they’re an experience designed for convenience, flavor, and pure cookie bliss. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with them:
- No Chill Required: Say goodbye to impatient waiting! This cookie dough comes together quickly and doesn’t require any chilling time before baking. This means you can go from craving to enjoying freshly baked cookies in under 30 minutes. The dough is perfectly formulated to spread just the right amount, ensuring each cookie is thick, chewy, and holds its shape beautifully without excessive spreading. It’s instant gratification in the most delicious way possible, making them ideal for spontaneous baking sessions or when you need a quick dessert.
- Naturally Flourless & Gluten-Free Friendly: A fantastic option for those with dietary sensitivities, this recipe is naturally flourless. This not only makes it a great choice for friends avoiding gluten (when using certified gluten-free oats) but also contributes to the intensely rich and pure peanut butter flavor profile. Without flour to dilute the taste, the star ingredient truly shines, offering a deeper, more satisfying peanut butter experience in every chew. It’s a win-win for flavor and dietary needs.
- The Perfect Sweet & Salty Harmony: These cookies strike an exquisite balance between sweet and salty, a combination that keeps you coming back for more. The savory depth of peanut butter beautifully complements the sugary crunch of M&Ms and the decadent sweetness of chocolate chips. For those who crave an extra layer of saltiness, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking elevates the flavors, creating a gourmet touch. This delightful contrast makes them an addictive treat for any occasion, satisfying all your cravings in one bite.
- Effortless One-Bowl Preparation: We understand the importance of simplicity in baking, and this recipe delivers. All the ingredients come together seamlessly in a single mixing bowl, drastically cutting down on cleanup time. A one-bowl recipe is a true game-changer for busy individuals, allowing you to whip up a batch of these incredible cookies with minimal fuss. Less time washing dishes means more time enjoying your delicious creations, making this recipe a winner in every home kitchen.
Essential Ingredients for Your Monster Cookies
Crafting these legendary Peanut Butter Monster Cookies requires a simple lineup of pantry staples. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving their signature taste and texture:
- Unsalted Butter: At room temperature, for a smooth, creamy base.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: A conventional variety like Skippy or Jif works best for texture and sweetness.
- Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: A blend that contributes to both sweetness and chewiness.
- Large Egg + 1 Large Egg Yolk: The egg provides structure, while the extra yolk adds richness and chewiness.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Old-Fashioned Oats: Crucial for the classic chewy texture of monster cookies.
- Baking Soda: The leavening agent that helps the cookies spread and puff.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Dark or Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: For rich, melty pockets of chocolate.
- M&Ms: Adding a burst of color, chocolate, and a satisfying candy crunch.
Crafting Your Irresistible Peanut Butter Monster Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making these monster cookies is a straightforward process that yields spectacular results. Follow these simple steps for cookie perfection:
- Prepare Your Workspace and Dough Base: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the softened unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat these ingredients together on medium speed for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. This creaming process incorporates air, contributing to the cookies’ soft texture. Remember to stop and scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients and Dry Staples: After creaming, add the large egg, an additional large egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the mixture. Beat again until everything is fully combined, scraping the bowl once more to catch any lingering unmixed portions. Next, gradually add the old-fashioned oats, baking soda, and salt. Mix on low speed until the dry ingredients are just incorporated into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix at this stage; overmixing can develop gluten in the oats and lead to tougher cookies. The dough should come together into a cohesive, thick mass.
- Fold in the Iconic Mix-Ins: With a rubber spatula, gently fold in the chocolate chips and M&Ms. The key here is to fold by hand rather than using the mixer, as this prevents crushing the candies and ensures an even distribution without overworking the dough. For an extra touch of visual appeal, reserve about ¼ cup of both the chocolate chips and M&Ms to press onto the tops of the cookie dough balls before baking. This makes for beautifully adorned cookies that look as good as they taste.
- Portion and Adorn Your Cookies: Achieving uniform cookies is essential for consistent baking. We recommend using a 3-Tablespoon cookie scoop (a size 24 or 1.33 oz scoop) to portion the dough. This ensures each cookie is roughly the same size and bakes evenly. Scoop the dough balls onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each to allow for spreading. You can gently roll each scooped portion between your palms to create perfectly round balls with smoother edges, although this is optional. Lastly, take some of your reserved chocolate chips and M&Ms and gently press them onto the top of each dough ball. Remember, do not press the dough balls down; they will spread naturally during baking.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place your baking sheets in the preheated oven. Bake the cookies for approximately 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges turn a lovely golden brown, and the centers are still slightly soft and puffed. Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary. Once baked, remove the sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This crucial cooling time on the hot sheet pan allows the cookies to finish baking gently and set, resulting in that signature chewy texture. Serve them warm for a gooey delight or let them cool for the perfect chew.
Peanut Butter Monster Cookie FAQs
Got questions about mastering these delightful treats? Here are some common queries and our expert answers to help you bake the best Peanut Butter Monster Cookies every time.
What kind of peanut butter should I use for Monster Cookies?
For the best texture and flavor in this Monster Cookie recipe, we highly recommend using a conventional, processed peanut butter like Skippy or Jif. These types of peanut butter typically have added sugars and oils, which contribute to a more consistent dough, a desirable spread during baking, and a chewier cookie. Natural peanut butter, while delicious, often separates and has a different oil content and less added sugar, which can result in a drier, less predictable cookie texture and potentially affect how much they spread. If you opt for natural peanut butter, be aware that the final texture might be slightly different. We used creamy peanut butter for a smooth cookie, but if you love an extra textural element, crunchy peanut butter would also be a fantastic choice!
What are the best kind of oats to use in this recipe?
To achieve that signature chewy texture that makes Monster Cookies so satisfying, old-fashioned rolled oats are your best bet. Their larger, flatter flakes hold their shape well during baking and contribute significantly to the cookie’s structure and chew. While quick oats can be substituted in a pinch, they have a finer texture and are more processed, which will result in a slightly softer cookie with less chewiness. We strongly advise against using instant oats, as their highly processed nature will lead to a mushy texture and won’t provide the desired structural integrity for these cookies. Stick with old-fashioned or quick oats for optimal results.
Do these cookies need to chill before baking?
Absolutely not! One of the fantastic advantages of this Peanut Butter Monster Cookie recipe is that the dough does not require any chilling time. While many cookie recipes benefit from chilling to prevent excessive spreading or to deepen flavors, this particular dough is formulated to spread perfectly on its own without it. You’ll still achieve a wonderfully thick, soft, and chewy cookie without the extra waiting step. This makes them a perfect last-minute treat and streamlines the baking process, getting you to warm, fresh cookies faster.
Can I add other mix-ins to the cookie dough?
Yes, absolutely! Monster cookies are known for their versatility, and you can certainly customize them with your favorite additions. Chopped walnuts or pecans are excellent choices that complement the peanut butter flavor beautifully, adding a delightful crunch. For an even more intense peanut butter experience, consider adding peanut butter chips. White chocolate chips can also be a wonderful addition, offering a creamy contrast. If you’re feeling adventurous, mini pretzel pieces can introduce an extra salty crunch, or even toffee bits for a buttery, caramelized sweetness. Feel free to experiment and make these monster cookies truly your own!
Storing and Freezing Your Peanut Butter Monster Cookies
Proper storage is key to keeping your Peanut Butter Monster Cookies fresh and delicious for as long as possible, whether you plan to enjoy them now or save some for later.
For short-term storage, place any leftover cookies in an airtight container or a zip-top bag at room temperature. They will maintain their incredible taste and chewy texture for up to 3 days. To preserve their freshness even longer, consider refrigerating them, which can extend their shelf life by a few more days, though they are best enjoyed at room temperature.
These cookies also freeze beautifully, making them perfect for meal prepping desserts or ensuring you always have a delicious treat on hand. To freeze, arrange the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for a couple of hours until they are firm. This crucial step prevents them from sticking together when layered. Once firm, transfer the frozen cookies to an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer-safe zip-top bag, layering them with parchment paper if desired to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply remove the desired number of cookies from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for 3-4 hours, or overnight, before serving. They will retain their delightful chewy texture almost as if they were freshly baked!
More Delicious Cookie Recipes You’ll Love
If you’ve fallen in love with these Peanut Butter Monster Cookies, you’re in for a treat! Explore more delightful cookie creations to satisfy your sweet cravings:
- Peanut Butter Oreo Cookies
- Lemon Curd Cookies
- Caramel Cone Crunch Cookies
- Ginger Molasses Cookie Sandwiches
- Chewy Coconut Macaroons
We hope you enjoy baking and savoring these incredible Peanut Butter Monster Cookies as much as we do. If you make this recipe, we’d love to hear from you! Please leave a comment below and be sure to tag @sweetkitchencravings on Instagram or TikTok to share your creations. You can also save our recipes to your collection on Pinterest. Happy baking!
Peanut Butter Monster Cookies
Soft and chewy Peanut Butter Monster Cookies are loaded up with peanut butter, oats, chocolate chips, and M&Ms. This no-chill dough means you are just 30 minutes away from enjoying these sweet, salty treats!
Author: Rachel
Prep Time: 12 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 24 mins
Yield: 17 cookies
Ingredients
- ½ cup (1 stick or 113g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- ¾ cup (180g) creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
- 1 large egg + 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (200g) old-fashioned oats
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (100g) dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ⅔ cup (145g) M&Ms
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy and light in color, about 1-2 minutes.
- Scrape the bowl then add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla. Mix until well combined. Scrape the bowl again.
- Add the oats, baking soda, and salt and mix on low speed until just combined.
- Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the chocolate chips and M&Ms, reserving some of each for the tops of the cookies.
- With a 3 Tablespoon (size 24 or 1.33 oz.) cookie scoop, portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently press a few pieces of the reserved chocolate chips and M&Ms on top of each scoop.
- Bake the cookies for about 12 minutes, until the edges start to turn golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5-10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
Notes
- Peanut Butter: For the best results, we recommend using a conventional variety of peanut butter, such as Skippy or Jif. Natural peanut butter may affect the sweetness, spread, and overall texture of the cookie.
- Storing: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze according to the instructions above.
Did you make this recipe? Be sure to tag @sweetkitchencravings on Instagram!