These fun and colorful Monster Cookies are perfect for your 4th of July celebration! Packed with oats, M&M’s, and chocolate chips, they’re crunchy on the outside and chewy inside.
I love making these with family—the more sprinkles, the better! They’re a hit at every party, and I can’t resist stealing a warm cookie before they even cool down! 🍪🇺🇸
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling the salt in your cookies. If you’re out of butter, coconut oil or margarine can work in a pinch, but they may change the texture a bit.
M&M’s: Get the festive look with red, white, and blue M&M’s. If they aren’t available, regular M&M’s or even chocolate chips can be great substitutes. You could also use chopped dried fruits for a different flavor!
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats give the best texture—thick and chewy. You can use quick oats if that’s all you have, but the texture will be slightly different. Steel-cut oats aren’t suitable as they don’t soften the same way.
Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch, but if you’re nut-free or have allergies, feel free to skip them or use seeds like sunflower seeds instead!
How Do I Make Sure My Cookies Stay Chewy?
To get that perfect chewy cookie texture, follow these tips. First, avoid overmixing when combining the wet and dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Use a fork or spatula and mix until just combined.
- Underbaking slightly is key—remove cookies when the edges are golden and the centers appear soft. They’ll continue to cook on the baking sheet.
- Letting the dough chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking can help improve texture and flavor.
Easy 4th of July Monster Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
For the Festive Touch:
- 1 cup red, white, and blue M&M’s candies (or plain M&M’s with added red and blue ones)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup red, white, and blue sprinkles
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 10-12 minutes to bake, plus a little time for cooling. In total, you can expect about 30-40 minutes for these delicious cookies to be ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large bowl, add the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use a mixer or a wooden spoon to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Mix in the Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each egg. Stir in the vanilla extract until everything is combined nicely.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking soda and salt throughout the flour.
5. Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix just until combined—don’t overmix!
6. Add the Fun Ingredients:
Gently fold in the rolled oats, M&M’s, chocolate chips, sprinkles, and nuts (if using) until everything is evenly mixed into the dough.
7. Scoop and Bake:
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake Your Cookies:
Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You’ll want the edges to be golden brown while the centers still look a bit soft.
9. Cool It Down:
Once baked, take the cookies out of the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then carefully transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
10. Enjoy Your Festive Treats:
After cooling, your colorful 4th of July Monster Cookies are ready to be enjoyed! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Happy baking and celebrating!
FAQ for Easy 4th of July Monster Cookies
Can I Use Substitutes for the Butter?
Absolutely! If you don’t have unsalted butter, you can substitute it with coconut oil or margarine. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.
What Can I Use Instead of M&M’s?
If you’re out of red, white, and blue M&M’s, feel free to use regular M&M’s or chocolate chips. For a different twist, consider adding chopped dried fruits or any colorful candy you have on hand!
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them! Just place the cookies in a single layer in a container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the cookie dough ahead of time! Just prepare it, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping and baking, as it will be quite firm.
