These Monster Cookies are not just treats in our family; they are heirlooms. They are baked with generations of love. This recipe makes a wonderfully big batch, perfect for gifting to friends, delivering to neighbors, or stocking the freezer for those moments you need a little sweetness (or a late-night treat). They freeze beautifully and disappear quickly.
Monster Cookie Tradition
In our family, Monster Cookies have always meant family. My wife's mom, who we miss dearly, started this tradition in her childhood. We still have the original well well-worn recipe card. Every December, we pull out that worn card it feels like we are bringing her back to the kitchen with us.
What started with her mom's mixing bowl has turned into a ritual that she continued for our kids, and now our granddaughters are joining in on the tradition. There is nothing like tiny helpers with big smiles and sticky fingers. For us, making these cookies is as fun as eating them.
Each batch celebrates family, memories, and the simple happiness of being together. These Monster cookies are not just delicious. They are Christmas, tradition, and love wrapped into one perfect bite.
*This is our family recipe card, use detailed recipe instructions below
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Ingredients
Ingredients you'll need for Monster COokies
- Eggs: These will hold this cookie party together
- Brown Sugar: Brings a deep caramel flavor that we all love
- White Sugar: For sweetness and sparkle
- Vanilla Extract: A little splash of pure comfort
- Corn Syrup: This sticky sidekick keeps everything chewy and delightful
- Butter: I think it is science that all good things start with butter!!
- Baking soda: This tiny ingredient keeps the cookies soft and happy.
- Peanut butter: The backbone of every great Monster Cookie.
- Oatmeal: Adds texture, heartiness, and gives you permission to say, "These are practically a health food."
- Chocolate chips: A melty burst of joy in every bite.
- Holiday M&M's: The festive confetti that makes every cookie look dressed for a Christmas Party.
Pro Tip: You can make Gluten Free Monster Cookies by making sure the oatmeal says gluten-free on the package.
See recipe card for quantities.
Step-by-Step Instructions
How to make Oatmeal Monster Cookies
Everything you need to know is found in these easy-to-follow steps. These made 8 dozen cookies, but we often double the recipe to give out as teacher gifts, to our church families, neighbors and family! You can also double the M&M's amount if you're looking for more festive colors in your cookies.
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Using a large mixing bowl and a hand mixer, whisk the eggs.
- Slowly mix in melted butter, brown sugar, white sugar, vanilla, corn syrup, baking soda and softened peanut butter. It should look golden and creamy.
Pro Tip: You can microwave the peanut butter for about 15 seconds to help it mix easier.
- Still using your hand mixer, slowly mix in oatmeal. Once it becomes thick, use a spatula to combine.
- Add in M&M's and chocolate chips and mix to combine. Don't be afraid to add in more M&M's here if you'd like more festive colors.
- Measure out cookie dough into 1 ounce dough balls. Using a 1 Oz Scoop is so helpful!
- Place parchment paper onto a baking sheet and spread cookies out 2 inches apart for baking. Bake for 15 minutes.
Made this recipe? Let me know!
Equipment and Supplies
This recipe is easy to make with just the right tools!
- Glass Measuring Cups: I use these measuring cups every time I cook!
- Large stainless mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl is a must for this recipe.
- Hand Mixer: Every kitchen needs a good mixer, and I love this one.
- 1 ounce scoop: This will help make even-sized cookies!!
- Baking Sheet Pan Set: You want at least 2 of these so that you can bake multiple at a time.
- Parchment Sheet Pan Liners: These make clean-up a breeze!
Serving Ideas
How to Serve Monster Cookies
- Classic Serving
- Santa's Snack Plate: I have heard that these are Santa's favorite cookies, along with a cold glass of milk.
- Hot Cocoa Partner: Serve warm cookies along with mugs of hot chocolate. Dunking is fully encouraged.
- Fun and Creative Serving Ideas
- Cookie Charcuterie Board: Mix Monster Cookies with brownies, dipped pretzels, and candies for a fun dessert board.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Scoop vanilla, chocolate, or peppermint ice cream between two cookies. You can roll the edges in sprinkles for extra cheer.
Possible Swaps
- Change the M&M color: Swap out the Christmas M&M's for Fall colors, and you have the perfect Halloween treat!
- Add a Mix-In twist: Stir in some chopped pretzels for a salty crunch or toffee bits for caramel lovers.
Pro Tip: Save a small amount of M&Ms to press into the tops of the cookies right before baking to make them look picture-perfect.
How to give cookies as gifts at Christmas!
I think homemade Christmas Cookie gifts are the best kind of gifts. My wife always makes up containers of cookies for Christmas gifts for coworkers, neighbors, and even the mailman.
- Stay-Fresh Trick: Slip a mini marshmallow in the tin of cookies, and it will keep the cookies soft during delivery without anyone even knowing your secret.
- Perfect for Cookie Tins: Christmas Monster Cookies hold up beautifully in gift tins. Layer them with parchment paper.
- Tie it back to Tradition: Attach a photo of the recipe to your cookie gift. It shares the story behind the sweet treat and may start a new tradition.
- Road Trip Ready: Heading to a holiday gathering? Store cookies in a sturdy container with a tight lid. They travel well, plus you will arrive as everyone's favorite guest.
These are perfect Christmas Box Cookies!!
Other Desserts to try for Christmas
Holiday Pairings
Oven Roasted Rosemary Potatoes | Ocean Spray Cranberry Relish | Creamy Skillet Corn | Spicy Mac and Cheese | Garlic Mashed Potatoes | Cranberry Apple Crisp | No-Bake Chocolate Pie | No-Bake Banana Pudding | Holy Smoke Chocolate Dessert | Deviled Eggs with Bacon
Storing Leftovers
Monster Cookies are champions when it comes to staying fresh!
For Counter storage: keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. (good luck on them lasting that long)
Freezer Friendly: These freeze beautifully. Store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. I do layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Pull out cookies as needed.
Lunch Box Trick: I used to pop a frozen cookie in my kid's lunchbox in the morning, making for a perfect cookie by noon.
Video of Recipe
Recipe
Monster Cookies
Equipment
- Oven for baking cookies
- Mixing Bowls You will need a large one
- Hand mixer to mix the cookie dough
- Cookie sheet for baking the cookies
- 1 ounce scoop To help create the perfect size cookie
Ingredients
- 6 Eggs
- 2 Cups Brown Sugar
- 2 Cups Granulated Sugar
- ½ Tbsp Vanilla Extract
- ½ tablespoon Kayro Syrup (Corn Syrup)
- 2 Sticks Butter melted
- 4 tsp Baking Soda
- 3 Cups Peanut Butter softened
- 9 Cups Oatmeal
- 1 Cup Chocolate Chips
- 1 Cup Holiday M&Ms
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Using a large mixing bowl and a hand mixer, whisk the eggs.
- Slowly mix in melted butter, brown sugar, white sugar, vanilla, corn syrup, baking soda and softened peanut butter. It should look golden and creamy.
- Still using your hand mixer, slowly mix in oatmeal. Once it becomes thick, use a spatula to combine.
- Add in M&M's and chocolate chips and mix to combine. Don't be afraid to add in more M&M's here if you'd like more festive colors.
- Measure out cookie dough into 1 ounce dough balls. Using a 1 Oz Scoop is so helpful!
- Place parchment paper onto a baking sheet and spread cookies out 2 inches apart for baking. Bake for 12 minutes.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, these oatmeal monster cookies are gluten-free. That makes them a perfect gift to give.
Yes, you can swap out the peanut butter with almond butter to make almond butter oat cookies. Just make sure to choose a creamy version.
Because they are big, bold, and packed with goodies. They are impossible to resist, plus they make a large batch, which is perfect for feeding a whole crew.
Reese says
I’ve had these every Christmas for years, they are amazing and you should give them a try! A super fun tradition 🙂
CookitwithTim says
You know it buddy! That's what Christmas is all about!
Jacque says
These are my favorite cookies!! I loved making them with my kids!
Chef Tim Clowers says
This is by far a classic dessert thats been around generations in our family.