These Easy 4th of July Monster Cookies are big, colorful, and fun! They mix oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and festive sprinkles to create a treat everyone will enjoy.
Making these cookies is as easy as pie—or should I say cookie? 😄 I love baking a big batch and sharing them at barbecues. They always steal the show at any summer picnic!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter helps control the saltiness of your cookies. If you’re out, you can use margarine or coconut oil. But I prefer the rich taste of butter for the best texture.
Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter creates a smoother batter. If you have allergies, go for almond butter or sunflower seed butter instead. Just keep in mind that this will change the flavor slightly.
M&M’s: Red, white, and blue M&M’s add a festive touch! If you can’t find them, mix in regular M&M’s or even chocolate chunks for a delicious twist.
Oats: Old-fashioned oats give these cookies a nice texture. You can substitute with quick oats, but the cookies may be slightly softer.
How Can I Make Sure My Cookies Are Chewy and Delicious?
To achieve soft, chewy cookies, it’s key to not overbake them. Here are some tips:
- Keep an eye on the cookies; when the edges turn golden but the centers puff up, they’re ready.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring. This helps them set without drying out.
- Using room temperature butter and eggs also helps create a great texture, making it easier to mix and aerate the cookie dough.
Follow these steps, and your cookies will be a hit at any July 4th gathering!
Easy 4th of July Monster Cookies
Ingredients list:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 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 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Dry Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
For the Mix-ins:
- 1 ½ cups red, white, and blue M&M candies
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
- ¼ cup red, white, and blue sprinkles
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep, plus 11-13 minutes to bake. Allow some cool-down time and you’ll have delicious cookies ready to enjoy in about 30-40 minutes total. Perfect for your 4th of July celebration!
Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Cream the Butters and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar. Mix until it’s light and fluffy—this makes for wonderful cookies!
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, beat in the eggs, one at a time. After that, pour in the vanilla extract and mix until everything is well combined. You should have a nice, smooth mixture.
4. Whisk the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This helps combine the dry ingredients evenly before adding them to the wet mixture.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Slowly add the dry ingredients to your wet mix. Stir just until everything is incorporated—you don’t want to overmix!
6. Add Oats and Mix-ins:
Now, stir in the rolled oats until they’re evenly distributed. Then, gently fold in the red, white, and blue M&M candies, semisweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and sprinkles. Save a little of each for topping if you like!
7. Scoop and Shape the Cookies:
Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop generous amounts of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. For a festive touch, press a few extra candies and sprinkles on top of each ball of dough.
8. Bake:
Place the cookie sheets in the oven and bake for 11-13 minutes. Look for the edges to turn a light golden brown while the centers should still look soft. We want chewy centers!
9. Cool Down:
Take the cookies out of the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up nicely.
10. Enjoy Your Cookies!
Once they’re cool, it’s time to dive in! Serve these delicious 4th of July monster cookies to friends and family, and enjoy the festive flavors and vibrant colors!
These cookies are sure to be a hit! Soft, chewy, and absolutely loaded with colorful candies and chocolate chips, they’re perfect for celebrating Independence Day!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Natural Peanut Butter in This Recipe?
You can, but be aware that natural peanut butter can make the dough a bit drier and less cohesive due to its oil separation. If you choose to use it, you might want to add a bit more butter or a splash of milk to achieve the right consistency.
How to Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy again!
What Can I Substitute for Eggs?
If you’re looking for an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes). Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.
How Do I Make Gluten-Free Monster Cookies?
No problem! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Make sure to check that all your other ingredients, including oats and baking powder, are certified gluten-free as some brands may not be.
