Prepare to meet your new favorite dessert: the ultimate Monster Cookies! This truly colossal batch of cookies is a beloved family recipe, cherished for its irresistible combination of rich peanut butter, hearty oatmeal, and vibrant chocolate candies. Each bite delivers a delightfully chewy texture and a burst of flavor that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re baking for a crowd, stocking up your freezer for future cravings, or simply seeking the perfect after-school snack, these monster cookies are guaranteed to be a hit. Even better, this recipe makes a generous quantity, ensuring you always have a delicious treat on hand. And if the batch is simply too abundant (which, let’s be honest, is rarely the case!), you can easily freeze the dough or the baked cookies to enjoy a quick, convenient indulgence whenever the mood strikes.
If your quest is for a substantial quantity of exquisitely chewy cookies, brimming with the classic flavors of peanut butter, wholesome oats, and delightful chocolate, then your search ends here. These peanut butter oatmeal monster cookies are versatile enough for any occasion. Imagine them as the perfect fuel for hungry kids after a long day at school, a standout treat for parties and gatherings, or even customized with festive, holiday-colored M&Ms to add a special touch to seasonal celebrations. Their universal appeal and satisfying richness make them an ideal choice for every event.
One of the many fantastic qualities of these cookies is that they are inherently flour-free. This means that by simply opting for gluten-free certified oatmeal, you can effortlessly transform them into a naturally gluten-free monster cookie recipe, catering to various dietary needs without sacrificing any flavor or texture. This adaptability, combined with their incredible taste and the sheer volume of deliciousness this recipe produces, makes preparing a large batch not just sensible, but an absolute must!
It’s genuinely surprising that it has taken us this long to share our beloved family secret for these phenomenal big batch monster cookies on the blog. Despite making them countless times over the past year and even capturing several mouth-watering photos, the recipe somehow eluded its rightful place here. The main reason, I confess, is that my wonderful MiMi usually takes the helm in the kitchen when it comes to baking these beauties. Her expertise ensures they are always perfect, but it also meant I wasn’t always documenting the process myself. Well, better late than never, as they say! It’s high time this incredible recipe was shared with the world, so everyone can experience the joy of these truly epic cookies.
Why You’ll Adore This Easy Monster Cookie Recipe
There are countless reasons why these monster cookies have earned their coveted spot as a family favorite, and why they’re sure to become a staple in your home too:
- Abundant Yield, Unmatched Flavor: This recipe isn’t just about quantity; it’s about quality. You’ll produce a significant number of truly delicious cookies, each boasting that ideal soft, chewy, and perfectly textured center that defines a superior homemade cookie. They are incredibly satisfying and delightful.
- No Chill Time Required: Forget the frustration of recipes that demand hours of chilling dough. Our monster cookie dough is ready to go straight from the mixing bowl to the baking sheet, making your baking process incredibly efficient and allowing you to enjoy fresh cookies sooner.
- Effortless Preparation with Melted Butter: The secret to their quick and easy assembly lies in using melted butter. This simple trick not only speeds up the mixing process but also contributes to the cookies’ wonderfully soft and chewy consistency. The dough comes together in a snap, meaning less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your incredible creations.
The Fascinating History of Monster Cookies: Our Family’s Version
Our introduction to this magnificent recipe for homemade monster cookies dates back to 2004, when my parents’ old parish released a community cookbook. Among its treasured pages was a submission from Norma Wellman Obert, whose recipe for “monster cookies” lived up to its name, promising an absolutely monstrous yield of deliciousness. Her original creation was truly a testament to baking in bulk!
Norma’s legendary recipe called for an astonishing 12 eggs, three pounds of rich peanut butter, a full pound of butter, and a whopping 18 cups of wholesome oatmeal, alongside all the other essential ingredients, of course. Just imagine the size of the mixing bowl you would need to tackle such a monumental task! She proudly stated that her recipe would produce an incredible 15 to 20 dozen cookies when scooped by the tablespoonful. And having made similar large batches over the years, I wholeheartedly believe her! It’s a recipe designed to feed an army, or simply ensure you have an endless supply of these delightful treats.
Honestly, it would be an exciting adventure to tackle a full-size batch like Norma’s sometime. Imagine baking some off immediately to satisfy those urgent cookie cravings and then freezing the remaining dough in convenient balls for future baking sessions. This method would allow you to enjoy warm, freshly baked cookies on demand, whenever you desire. While we usually exercise a bit more restraint and prepare half batches, even that still yields a substantial amount of cookies! There are always plenty to share, and more than enough to freeze, ensuring you’re never far from a delightful, chewy monster cookie. This recipe truly embraces the spirit of generous baking.
Pro Tip for a Truly Monstrous Batch: If you are feeling ambitious and want to recreate Norma Obert’s original, enormous monster cookie recipe that calls for a dozen eggs, simply double the ingredients listed in the recipe card below. Adjust the quantities as needed to achieve your desired yield, and prepare for an epic baking experience!
Expert Tips for Baking the Best Monster Cookies
Working with a large batch of cookie dough, especially one as rich and loaded as these chewy monster cookies, comes with a few considerations:
A friendly word of caution: while these cookies are surprisingly easy to mix by hand, you might want to consider going that route from the start. This recipe produces such a generous amount of dough that it nearly overflowed my 4.5-quart stand mixer! In the end, I found myself stirring in the M&Ms by hand anyway, as they were in danger of being flung out of the bowl by the mixer. So, grab your largest mixing bowl, a sturdy spoon, and embrace the joy of hand-mixing this magnificent dough. It’s a great arm workout and ensures everything is perfectly incorporated.
If you happen to own a larger 6-quart stand mixer, you might be able to manage the entire batch without as much trouble. This is an excellent opportunity to put that powerful appliance to good use! However, even with a larger mixer, I still highly recommend folding in the delicate chocolate chips and M&Ms by hand. This gentle approach prevents them from breaking apart and ensures they are evenly distributed throughout the dough, giving you perfect chocolatey goodness in every bite.
Because these delightful monster cookies are flour-free, they tend to be incredibly soft and delicate when they first emerge from the oven. Resist the urge to move them immediately! Allow them to cool and set on the warm baking tray for several minutes. This crucial resting period helps them firm up slightly, making them much easier to transfer to a wire rack to cool completely without falling apart. Patience is key to achieving that perfect chewy texture.
While I know there’s an abundance of monster cookie recipes circulating out there, our family consistently returns to this particular one. It has truly stood the test of time, always delivering exceptional flavor and that satisfying chewy texture we adore. We are never disappointed, and I’m confident you won’t be either!
Frequently Asked Questions About Monster Cookies
Why are they called monster cookies?
The name “monster cookies” is quite fitting, reflecting their massive appeal and unique composition. They are often playfully referred to as the “Frankenstein” of the cookie world because they’re a delightful mashup of all the best ingredients typically found in various cookies – peanut butter, oatmeal, chocolate chips, and candies. This combination creates a truly indulgent and satisfying treat that’s a “monster” in both size and flavor. Some theories also suggest the “monster” aspect comes from the sheer size of the original recipes, which often yielded an enormous amount of cookies, much like the one shared here.
How do you store homemade monster cookies?
Proper storage is key to keeping your homemade monster cookies fresh and delicious. Once fully cooled, these cookies store beautifully at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week. For an extra trick to maintain their irresistible softness even longer, add a half slice of sandwich bread to the container with your cookies; the bread will absorb moisture and keep them perfectly tender. For longer-term storage, transfer the cooled cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze them for up to three months. They thaw beautifully at room temperature, making for a quick and easy treat!
Can you freeze monster cookie dough?
Absolutely, freezing the dough is one of the best ways to enjoy fresh monster cookies on demand! You can freeze the dough in one large chunk if you prefer, then thaw and scoop later. However, I find it much more convenient to scoop the dough into individual balls before freezing. Simply portion the dough using a cookie scoop onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper and freeze for at least an hour, or until solid. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag, label it, and store it back in the freezer for up to 3 months. When a cookie craving strikes, simply pull out a few frozen dough balls, place them on a prepared baking sheet, and add an extra minute or so to the original bake time. Bake them directly from frozen for warm, fresh cookies with minimal effort!
What other ingredients can be added to monster cookies?
The beauty of these chewy peanut butter oatmeal cookies lies in their versatility. Feel absolutely free to unleash your creativity and incorporate all of your favorite cookie stir-ins! The base recipe is incredibly forgiving, and you can easily add an extra cup or two of various ingredients to customize your monster cookies. The simplest way to personalize them is by experimenting with different types of baking chips. Consider adding creamy white chocolate chips for a milder sweetness, chunky chocolate chunks for bigger pockets of melted chocolate, delightful butterscotch chips for a different flavor profile, or even more peanut butter chips to amplify that rich peanut butter flavor even further.
While we personally adore our monster cookies to be a classic blend of chocolate, peanut butter, and oatmeal, we know many people who love to add other elements like raisins for a touch of chewiness or chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts) for added crunch and earthy notes. The possibilities are truly endless, allowing you to create your perfectly customized batch of monster cookies every time.
Monster Cookies – Big Batch Recipe
Equipment
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Montana Jar with Brushed Metal Lid, 1.5 Gallon
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Medium Cookie Scoop
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Pre-Cut Baking Parchment Paper
Ingredients
- ▢ 6 large eggs
- ▢ 2 cups granulated sugar
- ▢ 2 cups light brown sugar packed
- ▢ 1 cup butter melted
- ▢ 3 cups creamy peanut butter
- ▢ 9 cups oatmeal
- ▢ 4 teaspoons baking soda
- ▢ 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ▢ 1 pound assorted M&M’s and chocolate chips
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
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In a very large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, granulated sugar, packed light brown sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well incorporated and smooth.6 large eggs, 2 cups granulated sugar, 2 cups light brown sugar, 1 cup butter
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Next, add the creamy peanut butter, oatmeal, baking soda, and vanilla extract to the mixture. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed and a cohesive dough forms.4 teaspoons baking soda, 3 cups creamy peanut butter, 9 cups oatmeal, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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Gently fold in the chocolate chips and M&M’s. Be careful not to overmix, which can crush the candies.1 pound assorted M&M’s and chocolate chips
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Using a medium cookie scoop (approximately 2 tablespoons of dough), drop portions onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between cookies.
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Bake for approximately 11-13 minutes. The exact baking time may vary slightly depending on the size of your cookies and your oven. You’re looking for cookies that are set around the edges and lightly golden brown, but still soft in the center. Avoid overbaking to ensure they remain wonderfully chewy.
Notes
If using a small cookie scoop, bake for 10-12 minutes. For a large cookie scoop, increase baking time to 13-15 minutes. Always monitor for light golden edges.
To freeze cookie dough for later: scoop the dough into individual balls and place them on a cookie sheet. Freeze for at least one hour until solid. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. To bake from frozen, simply place the desired number of dough balls on a baking tray, add an extra 1-2 minutes to the recommended bake time, and bake until golden brown.
Video Tutorial
Nutrition Information
“Cooking With Carlee” is not a dietitian or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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