These fun and colorful Monster Cookies are a perfect treat for your 4th of July celebration! Packed with oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and festive M&M’s, they’re sure to delight everyone.
They’re like a little party in your mouth! I love making these with my kids; they have a blast mixing everything and adding the M&M’s. Just be ready to share, because they disappear quickly! 🎆
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter gives great flavor. If you’re out, you can use salted butter but skip the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavor.
Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter adds richness and texture. You can substitute it with almond butter or sun butter for a nut-free version.
Oats: Old-fashioned oats provide chewiness. Quick oats can be used instead, but the texture will be softer. I’d recommend sticking with old-fashioned for that classic cookie bite!
M&M’s: The red, white, and blue M&M’s make these festive! Feel free to use any color or type you have on hand or swap them for chocolate candies if you’re looking for less sugar.
Marshmallows: Mini marshmallows add a fun chewy surprise. If you don’t have any, you can skip them or use chocolate-covered marshmallows for a twist!
What’s the Best Way to Cream Butter and Sugar?
Creaming butter and sugar properly is key for light and fluffy cookies. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with softened butter; it should be cool to the touch but not melted.
- Use a mixer on medium speed and beat for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything mixes evenly.
- Incorporate sugars slowly, mixing after each addition for the best results.
This step helps create air pockets in the dough, which leads to a lighter cookie. Remember, patience pays off!
Easy 4th of July Monster Cookies
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
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup red, white, and blue M&M candy pieces
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake. You’ll want to allow for another 5 minutes of cooling on the baking sheet. In total, you’re looking at around 30-35 minutes from start to finish! Perfect for a quick and tasty treat.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
2. Cream Together the Butter and Sugars:
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to cream the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together. Beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy—this should take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs, one at a time. After fully incorporating each egg, stir in the vanilla extract until everything is well blended.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to ensure that your cookies rise properly and have an even texture.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix!
6. Fold in the Fun Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add the rolled oats, M&M’s, chocolate chips, and mini marshmallows. Gently fold them in with a spatula until they’re evenly dispersed throughout the dough.
7. Shape the Cookies:
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie because they will spread out while baking.
8. Bake the Cookies:
Pop them in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should look a little soft, which is just perfect!
9. Cool the Cookies:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Enjoy!
Your festive 4th of July Monster Cookies are ready! Share them with friends and family, or enjoy a few yourself. They’re colorful, delicious, and perfect for celebrating!
FAQ for Easy 4th of July Monster Cookies
Can I Use Different Types of Nut Butter?
Absolutely! You can substitute the creamy peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or even sun butter for a nut-free option. Just keep in mind that different nut butters may slightly change the flavor and texture of the cookies.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay good for about 3-5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just place them in a freezer bag, and they’ll last for up to 3 months.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Just make sure to cover it tightly so it doesn’t dry out. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to soften slightly before scooping and baking.
What If I Don’t Have Mini Marshmallows?
No problem! If you’re out of mini marshmallows, you can either skip them or use chocolate-covered marshmallows for a fun twist. Alternatively, you could experiment with chopped dried fruit for a different flavor and texture!
