These colorful Monster Cookies are a fun treat for the 4th of July! Made with oats, peanut butter, and M&Ms, they are chewy and packed with flavor.
They’re perfect for sharing at any celebration! I like to make a big batch, so I can save a few for myself after the party—because let’s be real, who doesn’t love a cookie? 🍪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness and creaminess to these cookies. If you’re in a pinch, you can use salted butter; just reduce the added salt to 3/4 teaspoon.
Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter keeps the cookies soft. If you have nut allergies, try using sunflower seed butter or a seed-based spread for a nut-free option that works well!
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats give texture and chew. Don’t substitute instant oats, as they absorb moisture differently. You can try quick oats but they will change the texture slightly.
M&M’s: Red, white, and blue M&M’s add a festive touch! If you can’t find them, use regular M&M’s or chocolate chips in fun colors. You can even mix in different types like peanut M&M’s for added crunch!
How Can You Achieve the Perfect Cookie Texture?
To get those chewy but slightly soft Monster Cookies, ensure you mix the dough just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Here’s how to get it right:
- Make sure your butter and peanut butter are softened for easy blending.
- Don’t skip chilling the dough! It helps prevent spreading.
- Once the cookies are out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for just 5 minutes.
This helps them firm up without getting hard. Enjoy soft, chewy cookies that everyone will love!
Easy 4th of July Monster Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 cups red, white, and blue M&M’s (or any red, white, and blue candy-coated chocolates)
- Red, white, and blue sprinkles (optional, for decoration)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 10-12 minutes to bake. With a little cooling time, you’ll be ready to enjoy these festive cookies in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat The Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
2. Cream The Butters and Sugars:
In a large bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter. Add in both the granulated and brown sugars. Beat these together with an electric mixer or a sturdy wooden spoon until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure everything is well combined. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for an extra bit of flavor.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps ensure that the leaveners are evenly distributed in the dough.
5. Bring It All Together:
Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be cautious not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
6. Add the Fun Ingredients:
Carefully fold in the mini marshmallows, semisweet chocolate chips, and red, white, and blue M&M’s. This mixture is where the magic happens—your cookies will be colorful and delicious!
7. Scoop the Dough:
Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, making sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie so they have room to spread.
8. Add Extra Decorations:
If you want to make your cookies even more festive, lightly press a few extra M&M’s or sprinkles on top of each cookie before baking.
9. Bake to Perfection:
Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are golden brown but the centers still look soft.
10. Cool the Cookies:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven. Allow them to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes; this helps them firm up. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Enjoy Your Cookies:
Now it’s time to serve! Gather your friends and family to enjoy these delightful, colorful Monster Cookies that are perfect for your 4th of July celebrations!
FAQ for Easy 4th of July Monster Cookies
Can I Use a Different Type of Nut Butter?
Yes, you can! If you have a nut allergy or just prefer a different flavor, try using sunbutter (sunflower seed butter) or even almond butter. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may change slightly, but they can still be delicious!
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Alternatively, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just be sure to separate them with parchment paper to avoid sticking together.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Certainly! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, just scoop and bake as usual. If the dough is cold, it might need an extra minute or two in the oven.
What If I Can’t Find Red, White, and Blue M&M’s?
Not a problem! You can use regular M&M’s, chocolate chips, or any candy you prefer. Just make sure to stick with colors or themes you enjoy, as it will still make for a festive cookie!
