This monster cookie recipe is a fun mix of oats, chocolate chips, and peanut butter. Perfect for the 4th of July, these cookies are colorful and packed with goodies!
Making these cookies is a blast! I love to let the kids help mix the dough and add the colorful M&Ms—it turns baking into a little party! 🎉 Enjoy them fresh from the oven!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pear creamy peanut butter: This adds rich flavor and helps bind the cookies. If you’re nut-free, try sun butter or soy nut butter instead. They work really well, too!
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats bring great texture to these cookies. Quick-cooking oats are a fine substitute, but avoid instant oats as they can make cookies mushy.
M&M’s: Red, white, and blue M&M’s are festive but you can always use regular chocolate M&M’s or any themed candy that fits your celebration. Just have fun with it!
Chocolate chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are delicious, but feel free to mix in milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate for a nice twist.
How Can I Achieve the Perfect Cookie Texture?
Getting the right cookie texture means paying attention to bake time and mixing well. Don’t overmix after adding the oats, or the cookies could become tough.
- Make sure to press a few M&M’s on top before baking for that appealing look.
- Keep an eye on the cookies, pulling them out when the edges are golden but the centers look soft. They’ll firm up as they cool.
Cooling them on the baking sheet helps retain some chewiness without going too hard. Enjoy baking and sharing these festive cookies!
Easy 4th of July Monster Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup red, white, and blue M&M’s (or plain M&M’s plus red, white, and blue sprinkles)
- Optional: Red, white, and blue sprinkles for extra 4th of July flair
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and an additional 10-12 minutes of baking. After baking, you’ll want to let your cookies cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your cookies bake evenly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Sweet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is creamy and smooth. This step will help your cookies have a tasty and rich flavor.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the bowl. Continue to mix until everything is well combined and smooth. This adds moisture and a sweet aroma to the cookies!
4. Mix in Dry Ingredients:
Next, stir in the rolled oats, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything gets evenly mixed together, but don’t over-mix!
5. Fold in the Goodies:
Now it’s time for the fun part! Gently fold in the chocolate chips and red, white, and blue M&M’s. You can save a few M&M’s to press on top of the dough before baking for an extra touch of color.
6. Drop the Dough:
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread while baking. If you want, press a few extra M&M’s or sprinkles on top of each cookie.
7. Bake:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are lightly golden, but the centers are still soft and chewy. Don’t worry, they’ll firm up as they cool!
8. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures they stay deliciously chewy!
9. Share the Love:
Once your cookies are cool, it’s time to dig in! Enjoy your festive, chewy 4th of July monster cookies with friends and family!
These cookies are packed with peanut butter, oats, chocolate, and a burst of patriotic colors—a perfect sweet treat for your Independence Day celebrations!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Natural Peanut Butter Instead of Creamy?
Yes, you can! Just keep in mind that natural peanut butter tends to be a bit runnier than creamy varieties, which may affect the texture of your cookies. Make sure to stir it well before measuring to get a consistent mix.
What If I Don’t Have Oats on Hand?
If you don’t have old-fashioned oats, you can substitute them with quick-cooking oats. Just avoid instant oats, as they won’t provide the same texture and chewiness in the cookies.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time and Refrigerate It?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to bake, you may need to let the dough sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften, then scoop and bake as directed.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
