These fun Monster Cookies are a hit for the 4th of July! With oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and colorful candies, they are as tasty as they are festive!
Making these cookies is a breeze! I like to toss in extra sprinkles for the holiday cheer. They are perfect for sharing in the sun or taking to a picnic with friends. Enjoy! 🎆
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter gives these cookies a lovely texture. If you’re out of butter, you can use equal parts vegetable oil or coconut oil, but it may change the texture slightly.
Peeanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter is perfect here for that rich taste. If you’re looking for a nut-free option, sunflower seed butter works well as a substitute!
Oats: Quick-cooking oats are ideal for these cookies. You can swap them for rolled oats, but the cookies might be chewier than expected.
M&M Candies: The red, white, and blue M&Ms are festive for the 4th of July! You can also use regular M&Ms or even chocolate-covered almonds for a crunch—but they won’t be quite as colorful.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Cookie Texture?
Getting the right texture in your Monster Cookies is key! Here are some tips to ensure they come out just right:
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature—this helps create a fluffy dough.
- Avoid overmixing once you add the flour mixture; mix until just combined to keep them tender.
- Don’t skip the cooling time! Allowing cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet helps them set up properly.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a batch of cookies that are chewy, colorful, and perfect for celebrating! Enjoy baking!
Easy 4th of July Monster Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 cups quick-cooking oats
- 1 cup red, white, and blue M&M candies
- 3/4 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
For Garnish:
- Red, white, and blue sprinkles
Time Needed:
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 10-12 minutes to bake. Allow some extra time for the cookies to cool after baking. In total, you’re looking at about 30-40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a fun day in the kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Cream the Butters and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter. Add the granulated sugar and packed brown sugar to the bowl, mixing thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring they are fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps ensure that the baking soda is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
5. Mix Everything Together:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just blended. Be sure not to overmix! Gently fold in the oats, red, white, and blue M&M candies, chocolate chips, and white chocolate chips, if you’re using them.
6. Scoop the Dough:
Using a medium cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking.
7. Add Festive Sprinkles:
For an extra touch of patriotism, sprinkle some red, white, and blue sprinkles on top of each cookie before baking.
8. Bake the Cookies:
Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn lightly golden and the centers are set. Keep an eye on them—you want them to be soft and chewy!
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Now they’re ready to enjoy!
10. Celebrate and Enjoy!
Share these colorful 4th of July Monster Cookies with family and friends during your celebration and watch them disappear! Enjoy every chewy, chocolaty, and festive bite!
Happy Independence Day! 🎆
FAQ for Easy 4th of July Monster Cookies
Can I Use Gluten-Free Flour in This Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend! Just ensure it’s a 1:1 substitute designed for baking, as it will help maintain the right texture.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them soft, you can add a slice of bread to the container; it helps retain moisture!
Can I Make These Cookies Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, just scoop and bake directly from the fridge, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
What Can I Use Instead of Peanut Butter?
If you’re looking for a nut-free alternative, sunflower seed butter is a great option that will still give the cookies a similar texture and taste. You can also use almond butter if there are no nut allergies.
