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Cozy Monster Cookies Recipe with M&Ms and Oats Perfect for Back to School

monster cookies recipe - featured image

These cozy monster cookies combine toasted rolled oats, creamy peanut butter, and colorful M&Ms for a chewy, nostalgic treat perfect for back-to-school snacks or anytime comfort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (180g) rolled oats, toasted
  • 1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter (natural, no added sugar preferred)
  • 1 cup (200g) brown sugar (light or dark)
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ cups (270g) M&Ms (mix of classic and peanut preferred)
  • Optional: ½ cup (60g) chopped walnuts or pecans
  • Optional: ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Toast the rolled oats in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until slightly golden and fragrant.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon (if using). Set aside.
  3. In a separate medium bowl, combine peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix with a wooden spoon until creamy and smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until no flour streaks remain. Then fold in the toasted oats thoroughly.
  5. Gently fold in the M&Ms and nuts (if using), being careful not to crush the candies.
  6. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart. A 1 ½ tablespoon scoop is recommended for uniform cookies.
  7. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until edges are set but centers still look soft. Avoid overbaking as cookies will firm up while cooling.
  8. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Notes

Toast the oats to enhance nuttiness and flavor. Do not overmix the dough to keep cookies chewy. Chill dough for 15 minutes if too sticky for easier scooping. Watch baking time closely to avoid overbaking. Adding M&Ms on top before baking helps keep their shape.

Nutrition

Keywords: monster cookies, M&Ms cookies, oatmeal cookies, peanut butter cookies, back to school snacks, easy cookies, chewy cookies