I was introduced to these thick, chewy monster cookies by my first ever “work friend,” which is another way of referring to a real friend who happens to have a cubical in the vicinity, Lindsey. Lindsey brought a batch of the most perfect monster cookies in creation to the office and, as soon as I could come up for air after devouring what I told myself was three cookies but what was mathematically closer to five, I asked her for the recipe. She told me it was her mom’s and that it has been passed down for decades. These cookies are perfect in that special way that tastes of the fine tuning of generations. Once you try them, I know you’ll be baking them for decades to come yourself.
About These Monster Cookies
While the true origin and inventor of monster cookies is unknown, I like to think that they earned the name “monster cookies” because they’re the most epic, monstrous mashup of every cookie you love in one tasty little package. Also, they’re scarily delicious! Monster cookies are supremely ooey-gooey, thick and chewy.
They’re jam-packed with bits and bites of chocolate and peanut butter in various forms (chips, candies, and straight-up PB).They also deserve the superlative statements you throw their way. Here’s one to get us started…
Best Monster Cookies EVER.
^^Said it. Standing by it. Lindsey’s original monster cookie recipe does not include M&Ms, but I’ve taken to adding them for color and crunch…and because it’s hard to imagine a good reason not to include more chocolate. Now, I can’t in good faith type that these monster cookies are quite as nutritious as say, this giant Healthy Peanut Butter Cookie, Healthy Oatmeal Cookies, or these Peanut Butter Protein Cookies. I have, however, made a few tweaks over time to put the recipe above the nutritional profile of other not-so-healthy cookies (the Pioneer Woman monster cookie recipe, for example), such as using whole wheat flour.
The Ingredients
Butter. The key to a perfectly textured monster cookie. It’s 100% worth it to use the butter in this recipe, I promise.Sugar. A combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar creates just the right texture and makes the cookies moist and chewy.Peanut Butter. Critical to any original monster cookie recipe. Creamy peanut butter adds oodles of rich flavor and complements the oats and other mix-ins. If you need a monster cookie recipe without peanut butter, you could swap in a different creamy nut butter or try sun butter (heads up: sun butter will turn your cookies a little green).Pure Vanilla Extract. One of my favorite ingredients to add to any cookie recipe. The flavor is delicious here!Whole Wheat Flour. I swapped in whole wheat flour to make these cookies slightly better for you, and the change is imperceptible. You can use all-purpose flour instead, if that’s what you have on hand.Rolled Oats. Not only do the oats add a little chewy texture and nutty flavor, but they also bring in some protein and fiber. (Nutritious!)Mix-ins. As far as mix-ins go, monster cookies traditionally call for chocolate chips and M&M candies, but I follow Lindsey and her mom’s move of adding peanut butter chips to the mix too. The double hit of PB is the secret to making these the best, most addictive cookies you’ll try.
The Directions
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
To Make Ahead. You can freeze monster cookie dough. Portion the dough into balls and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place the sheet in the freezer until the dough is firm, then transfer to an airtight freezer-safe storage container and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding to the baking time as needed. You’ll love yourself for having these on hand.To Store. Store leftover cookies in an airtight storage container for up to 1 week. (Also, how did you make them last that long??)To Freeze. Place cookies in an airtight freezer-safe storage container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then transfer to room temperature.
More Cookie Recipes with Fun Mix-ins
Cranberry Oatmeal CookiesChocolate Ginger CookiesMint Chocolate Chip CookiesTrail Mix Cookies
Recommended Tools to Bake This Monster Cookies Recipe
Cookie Sheet. Tons of space for making big batches of cookies!Silicone Baking Mats. These (or parchment paper) are great for keeping cookies from sticking.
