Peanut Butter Monster Cookies

Short Description
Peanut Butter Monster Cookies are the ultimate treat for cookie lovers—chewy, nutty, and bursting with chocolatey goodness. Packed with oats, chocolate chips, M&Ms, and creamy peanut butter, these cookies deliver the perfect blend of sweet and salty in every bite. Ideal for bake sales, lunchboxes, or just a cozy evening indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Packed with Flavor: The combination of peanut butter, oats, chocolate chips, and M&Ms creates a cookie that’s rich, sweet, and slightly salty.

Perfectly Chewy Texture: Thanks to a mix of butter and brown sugar, these cookies have just the right amount of softness and bite.

Crowd-Pleasing: Bright M&Ms and a comforting flavor profile make these cookies loved by kids and adults alike.

Customizable: Swap in your favorite candy or add-ins for a unique twist.

Easy to Make: Straightforward steps and pantry staples make these cookies a reliable go-to treat.

Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup creamy peanut butter

1½ cups light brown sugar, packed

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

1½ cups M&Ms (plus more for topping)

½ cup peanut butter chips (optional but recommended)

Directions
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.

Cream the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).

Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.

Mix in the Add-ins:
Stir in the oats, semi-sweet chocolate chips, M&Ms, and peanut butter chips by hand, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Shape and Bake:
Scoop out 2-tablespoon portions of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Press a few extra M&Ms on top of each dough ball for a colorful finish.

Bake:
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look slightly underbaked (they’ll continue to set as they cool).

Cool and Serve:
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing
Yield: About 36 cookies

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10–12 minutes per batch

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: Approximately 230 kcal per cookie

Variations
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute and gluten-free oats.

Holiday Version: Use seasonal M&M colors to match holidays and celebrations.

Nuts: Add chopped peanuts or walnuts for added crunch.

White Chocolate: Substitute white chocolate chips for the semi-sweet chips for a milder sweetness.

Mini Cookies: Use a 1-tablespoon scoop and reduce bake time to 8–9 minutes for smaller treats.

Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Freezing Dough: Scoop dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.

Reheating: For a fresh-from-the-oven taste, warm cookies in the microwave for 10 seconds.

FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but make sure it’s well-stirred and not too oily. Natural peanut butter may result in slightly denser cookies.

What type of oats should I use?
Old-fashioned rolled oats provide the best texture. Avoid quick oats or steel-cut oats.

Can I use chunky peanut butter?
Yes, chunky peanut butter can be used if you want a bit more crunch in your cookies.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?
Make sure your butter isn’t overly soft or melted. You can also chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.

Can I use other candies besides M&Ms?
Absolutely. Try chopped peanut butter cups, chocolate chunks, or candy-coated sunflower seeds.

How do I make the cookies extra chewy?
Do not overbake them. Take them out when they are just barely golden on the edges.

Can I make these cookies without peanut butter chips?
Yes, the peanut butter chips are optional but add extra peanut butter flavor.

Can I halve the recipe?
Yes, simply divide all the ingredients in half for a smaller batch.

How do I keep the cookies soft?
Store them with a slice of bread in the container to help maintain moisture.

Are these cookies freezer-friendly?
Yes, both the baked cookies and raw dough freeze very well.

Conclusion
Peanut Butter Monster Cookies are the perfect indulgence for peanut butter lovers and cookie enthusiasts alike. Loaded with texture, color, and irresistible sweetness, these cookies strike the perfect balance between fun and delicious. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or sneaking a late-night snack, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy.

[tasty-recipe id=”18177″]