These Easy 4th of July Monster Cookies are loaded with colorful M&Ms, oats, and peanut butter—perfect for celebrating! They’re chewy, sweet, and full of fun!
Making these cookies is a blast! I love seeing the kids help mix in the M&Ms. Plus, they make the house smell amazing when baking—who doesn’t love that?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter gives a nice creamy texture to cookies. If you’re out, you can use margarine, though the flavor may change slightly. You can try coconut oil for a dairy-free option!
Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter adds richness. If allergies are a concern, opt for almond butter or sunflower seed butter as alternatives. The flavor will shift, but they still taste great!
Red, White, and Blue M&Ms: These candies make the cookies festive! If you can’t find them, regular M&Ms work well too. You can also chop up some chocolate or add colorful sprinkles for a fun touch.
Oats: Old-fashioned oats give the cookies a chewy texture. Instant oats can also work, but they won’t provide the same chewiness. I enjoy mixing in some chocolate oats for extra flavor if I have them on hand.
How Can I Ensure My Cookies Bake to Perfection?
Getting the right cookie texture is key! Here are some tips:
- Beat the butter and sugars until fluffy for light cookies. This creates air pockets that help them rise.
- Don’t overmix once you add the flour! Stir just until everything is incorporated to keep them soft.
- Use a cookie scoop for even-sized cookies, ensuring they bake consistently.
- Keep an eye on the baking time; take them out when the edges are golden, even if they seem undercooked in the center. They’ll firm up as they cool!
Enjoy your baking and have a fantastic 4th of July with these delicious cookies!
Easy 4th of July Monster Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups old fashioned oats
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup red, white, and blue M&Ms (plus extra for topping)
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
- Red, white, and blue sprinkles (optional, for garnish)
Time Needed:
This delightful cookie recipe will take you about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to let them cool for a few minutes after baking! In total, set aside about 30-40 minutes to have these festive cookies ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, let’s get that oven going! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Make your baking sheets ready by lining them with parchment paper or silicone mats. This prevents the cookies from sticking!
2. Cream the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and peanut butter. Use a mixer or a sturdy spoon to cream them together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This will give your cookies a lovely texture!
3. Add the Wet Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to add the eggs! Crack them in one at a time, and make sure to beat well after each one. Then, mix in the vanilla extract to bring in that sweet aroma!
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the oats, baking soda, salt, and flour. This step will evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt for perfect cookies.
5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gently add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir until everything is fully combined, but don’t overmix—this keeps your cookies soft and chewy!
6. Add the Fun Stuff:
Now comes the exciting part! Fold in the red, white, and blue M&Ms along with the chocolate chips. Make sure they’re distributed evenly throughout the dough.
7. Scoop the Dough:
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop about 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie onto your prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each scoop so they have room to spread while baking!
8. Decorate:
For a festive touch, lightly press a few extra M&Ms or some sprinkles on top of each cookie before baking. They’ll look great and colorful!
9. Bake:
Pop your cookie sheets into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they’re ready when the edges are golden, and the centers look a little set!
10. Cool Them Down:
Once baked, take them out of the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them firm up a bit before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Enjoy Your Cookies!
Now it’s time to enjoy those festive 4th of July Monster Cookies! They make for a perfect treat to share with friends and family while celebrating Independence Day!
These cookies are a blend of chewy, peanut buttery goodness with vibrant chocolate and candy fun. Happy baking and enjoy your celebration!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Margarine Instead of Butter?
Yes, you can use margarine if you don’t have unsalted butter on hand. Just keep in mind that it might slightly change the flavor and texture of the cookies.
What If I Don’t Have Old Fashioned Oats?
If you don’t have old fashioned oats, you can use quick oats instead. However, they will yield a softer texture. Avoid instant oats as they won’t provide the same chewiness.
Can I Make Cookie Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just cover it tightly. When you’re ready to bake, scoop and bake directly from the fridge, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just ensure they’re in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months!
These tips will help you enjoy and tweak your 4th of July Monster Cookies for best results! Happy baking!
