This Easy 4th of July Monster Cookie Recipe brings together oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and festive M&Ms. It’s colorful, chewy, and perfect for summer celebrations!
These cookies are so fun to make, and the kids love helping with the mixing! I like serving them with ice-cold lemonade—it’s a party in every bite! ☀️🍪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter helps control the salt level in your cookies. If you’re in a pinch, margarine or even coconut oil can work too, but the flavor might be slightly different!
Peanut Butter: I prefer creamy peanut butter for its smooth texture. If nut allergies are a concern, almond butter or sunflower seed butter are fantastic alternatives.
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats give the cookies that chewy texture. If you only have quick oats, they can be used, but your cookies may turn out a bit softer.
M&Ms: The red, white, and blue M&Ms add a festive touch, but feel free to swap them out for regular M&Ms or chocolate chips if you want just chocolatey goodness!
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard, but for a gluten-free version, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it has xanthan gum in it!
How Can You Ensure the Perfect Cookie Texture?
Getting that ideal chewy cookie texture is key in this recipe! Here are some tips to help you succeed:
- Don’t overmix the dough after adding the flour. Mix just until combined to keep cookies tender.
- Chill your dough for about 30 minutes before baking for thicker cookies—bonus points for flavor, too!
- Keep an eye on the baking time. The cookies should look set at the edges but remain soft in the center.
Allowing cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet ensures they set without getting hard. Happy baking!
Easy 4th of July Monster Cookie Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup red, white, and blue M&M candies (or colored for holiday)
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
- Red, white, and blue sprinkles (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 10-12 minutes to bake. After baking, allow your cookies to cool for a few minutes before moving them. In total, you’ll be enjoying delicious cookies in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when your cookies are ready. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Buttery Goodness:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter. Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar, and use a mixer to cream everything together until it’s light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Crack in the eggs, adding them one at a time while mixing. Don’t forget to stir in the vanilla extract after that! Mix until everything is well combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to your wet mixture, carefully blending it in until combined.
5. Stir in the Good Stuff:
Now for the fun part! Fold in the old-fashioned rolled oats, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and festive M&M candies. If you’re using white chocolate chips, add those too. Mix just until everything is evenly distributed.
6. Shape Your Cookies:
Using a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each for spreading. If you like, press a few extra M&Ms or sprinkles on top for extra flair!
7. Bake to Perfection:
Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You want the edges to be set and golden, while the centers should still look a little soft. This will help keep your cookies chewy!
8. Cool Down:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Enjoy Your Cookies:
Once cooled, dive in and enjoy these colorful, chewy, and festive Monster Cookies! They are perfect for celebrating the 4th of July with friends and family!
These cookies are sure to be a hit at your summer party, combining classic flavors and festive colors to celebrate the holiday!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Natural Peanut Butter Instead of Creamy Peanut Butter?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but keep in mind that it may alter the texture of the cookies slightly. Natural peanut butter has less sugar and more oil, so you may need to adjust by adding a bit more flour if the dough seems too wet.
Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! To make these cookies gluten-free, simply substitute regular all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Look for one that contains xanthan gum for the best results!
How Can I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them! Just place the cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your cookies with nuts, dried fruit, or additional types of chocolate chips. Just aim to keep the total mix-ins (including oats) around 4 cups to maintain the cookie’s structure.
