These fun Monster Cookies are packed with chocolate chips, oatmeal, and M&M’s! They’re a colorful treat perfect for the 4th of July celebrations.
Making these cookies is a blast—literally! I love how they turn out big and chewy. These are great for sharing or hiding a few for later snacks (no judgment here!).
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is best here as it lets you control the saltiness. For a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute.
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats add a nice chewy texture. If you need gluten-free cookies, use certified gluten-free oats instead.
M&M’s: The red, white, and blue M&M’s are festive for the 4th of July! If you’re looking for a healthier option, try dried fruit or nuts as substitutes.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet is my preference, but feel free to mix in milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even butterscotch chips for fun flavor variations!
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Chewy Cookies?
The key to getting chewy Monster Cookies is in the baking time and cooling process. Here’s how to nail that texture:
- Watch your baking time closely. Remove cookies from the oven when the edges are golden and the center still looks soft.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set up without becoming overly hard.
- Using room temperature ingredients, especially eggs and butter, promotes even mixing and soft cookies.
Easy 4th of July Monster Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 cups M&M’s candies (red, white, and blue for 4th of July theme)
- 1 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
- Red, white, and blue sprinkles (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 10-12 minutes to bake, plus a little cooling time. Overall, plan for about 30-40 minutes from start to finish, making it an easy treat to whip up for your 4th of July celebrations!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping Your Oven and Baking Sheets:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
2. Mixing the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2 minutes. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. You’re creating a delicious base for your cookies!
3. Combining Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix—you want your cookies to stay nice and tender!
4. Adding Oats and Mix-Ins:
Now it’s time to add those hearty rolled oats. Stir them into the cookie dough until they’re well distributed. Then gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, M&M’s, and white chocolate chips if you’re using them. This is where your dough starts looking fun and colorful!
5. Scooping and Baking:
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, scoop out rounded tablespoons of dough and place them onto the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie, as they will spread while baking. If you’d like, press a few extra M&M’s or sprinkles on top for an extra festive touch.
6. Baking Time!
Pop these delicious cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You’ll want the edges to be golden while the centers still look slightly soft. It’s okay if they look a little underbaked—this will help keep them chewy!
7. Cooling Off:
After baking, take the cookies out of the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This allows them to set before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
8. Enjoy Your Monster Cookies!
Once the cookies are fully cooled, they’re ready to be served! These colorful, chewy Monster Cookies are perfect for sharing at your 4th of July festivities. Enjoy the rave of flavors and colors!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Margarine Instead of Butter?
Yes, you can use margarine in place of butter if you prefer! Just ensure it’s softened for easy mixing, and you’ll still get deliciously chewy cookies.
How Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
To make gluten-free Monster Cookies, simply substitute all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your oats are certified gluten-free as well.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Add Different Mix-Ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your mix-ins. You can use chopped nuts, dried fruits, or any kind of chocolate chips you like. Just keep the total amount of mix-ins around 2-3 cups to ensure the dough holds together well.
