Monster cookies are soft baked peanut butter monster cookies loaded with oats, chocolate chips, and m&ms. They're a little crispy on the outside and very moist and chewy on the inside. This is a flourless treat that uses peanut butter and oats to make a hit of a texture.
They're famously kid pleasers, but we're not even gonna pretend that monster cookies aren't a summation of all the good stuff.
When deciding about what Oats to Use for Monster Cookies?
You need quick cooking oats for this recipe. The reason I had to have quick cooking oats, which adds to the flourless in the cookies, is because the cookies are flourless. You'll need to pulse old fashioned oats a few times in a food processor to break them down so they resemble quick cooking oats.
A Note on Nut Butter
The classic monster cookie base is creamy peanut butter. Chunky will work (it just gives an extra crunch to every bite), but I find it better to go thicker. If you are allergic to peanuts, and are just looking for a new food, almond butter is a good substitute. You'll notice that the cookies you make with almond butter will be flatter, but will still be a chewy middle cookie.
In any case, make sure to thoroughly emulsify your nut butter. There's nothing wrong with natural nut butters (nuts and salt with the oil separated), but I would not recommend natural nut butters (nuts and salt with the oil mixed in). Instead, look for creamy no stir nut butter. If its nut-free entirely as well? Go for sunflower seed butter.
Mixing Up the Mix-Ins
Without M&Ms and chocolate chips, there is no monster cookie... But as always put your own twist on it! You can continue to try M&Ms in countless flavors, or there are other candies like Reese's Pieces and Heath Bar bits.
Without the M&Ms and chocolate chips, it isn't a monster cookie but you can put your twist on it! M&Ms has loads of flavors to choose from, along with Reese's Pieces, Heath Bar bits, and still so much more.
We are using semi sweet chocolate chips here, but they can be milk, dark or even tutti fruits or toffee depending on how sweet you'd like your cookies to be. Toss some rolled oats in with your flour, or chopped nuts, like pecans, or raisins for a good chew.
Naturally Gluten-Free
Oats themselves are gluten free but can contact gluten in their production and processing. To be sure these cookies are totally gluten free, make sure you use labeled gluten free oats. All of the other ingredients listed are naturally gluten free.
How to Store and Freeze Monster Cookies
Monster cookies will keep well, baked or unbaked, for 3 to 5 days in an airtight container stored at room temperature. When you freeze them, put your completely cooled cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag and they will keep for up to two months if frozen. If you want to eat them straightaway, place them in microwave for about 30 secs or leave at room for them.
Raw cookie dough can remain in the fridge, for up to 3 days, or in the freezer, for up to 2 months, before baking. Roll the dough out into a square, portion into balls and top with M&Ms and chocolate chips, then freeze in a single layer. Then you'll want to transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw it first and refrigerate until cold, preheat oven and bake straight from frozen, adding 2 minutes or so to the total baking time.
