This fun 4th of July Monster Cookie is packed with peanut butter, chocolate chips, and colorful M&Ms! It’s the perfect treat for celebrating with friends and family.
These cookies are big, chewy, and oh-so-delicious! I love making a batch to share while we watch fireworks—just remember to save some for yourself! 🎆
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peanut Butter: I prefer creamy peanut butter for a smoother texture, but chunky works too! If you have a nut allergy, try using sun butter or a seed butter as a great alternative.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate is my go-to, but feel free to swap in dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips. You could even try white chocolate for a fun variation!
M&M’s: While red, white, and blue M&M’s are perfect for the holiday, use plain or other candy-coated chocolates if those aren’t available. You can always mix in some chocolate-covered nuts too.
Oats: Quick oats give a good chewy texture, but rolled oats will work as well if that’s what you have. I wouldn’t recommend steel-cut oats, as they’ll be too hard in cookies.
Want to Know How to Get Perfectly Soft Cookies?
The trick to keep your Monster Cookies soft is not to overbake them. Even if they look a little underbaked in the center, they’ll continue to cook while cooling. Here’s how to do it:
- Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake, and pull them out when the edges are golden.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack—this helps them set without drying out.
Remember, cookies will firm up a bit as they cool down from the hot baking sheet! Enjoy your delicious celebration! 🎉
How to Make Easy 4th of July Monster Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup quick oats
- 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup red, white, and blue M&M’s (or red, white, and blue candy-coated chocolates)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Optional: red, white, and blue sprinkles for decoration
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake. Plus, allow a little time for cooling. Total time: around 30-40 minutes. It’s quick and easy, perfect for a festive treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prep:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.
2. Cream the Butters and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use a mixer to beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this should take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the Eggs:
Crack in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition to fully incorporate them into the batter.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to distribute the baking soda evenly throughout the flour.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—it’s okay if some flour bits are still visible!
6. Stir in the Fun Stuff:
Gently fold in the quick oats, mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and about 3/4 of the red, white, and blue M&M’s (saving the rest for on top!). This is the fun part where all the textures come together!
7. Shape the Cookies:
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop heaping tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart.
8. Decorate with M&M’s:
Press a few of the reserved M&M’s gently on top of each cookie dough ball for that festive 4th of July touch!
9. Optional Sprinkles:
If you want to add even more fun, sprinkle some red, white, and blue sprinkles over the tops of the cookies.
10. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the trays in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Look for lightly golden edges, while the centers should still appear soft—this ensures that chewy texture we love!
11. Cool and Transfer:
Once baked, remove the trays from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Serve and Enjoy!
Your 4th of July Monster Cookies are ready! Serve them at your picnic, BBQ, or fireworks viewing party, and enjoy these delicious, festive treats with friends and family. Happy Independence Day!
FAQ for Easy 4th of July Monster Cookies
Can I Use Natural Peanut Butter in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that natural peanut butter can be a bit more oily. If using it, give it a good stir before measuring to mix in the oils and prevent overly greasy cookies.
What Can I Substitute for the Mini Marshmallows?
If you don’t have mini marshmallows on hand, you can skip them or use chopped marshmallows or even butterscotch chips for a different flavor. Just be aware that the texture will change slightly.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them! Just place them in a freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper, and they’ll last for up to 3 months.
Can I Make Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 2 days in advance. Just cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before scooping and baking.
