These Easy 4th of July Monster Cookies are colorful and fun! Packed with oats, chocolate chips, and M&M’s, they scream celebration in every bite.
Who doesn’t love a cookie that combines all the best treats? I like to whip up a batch and share them with friends. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the day! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over the cookie’s saltiness. If dairy-free, try coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats provide great texture. Quick oats can be used in a pinch, but they may make cookies a little softer.
M&M’s: For a festive touch, use red, white, and blue M&M’s. Regular chocolate M&M’s work too, or you can swap in another candy like chocolate chunks or nuts for variety.
Chocolate Chips: Semisweet chocolate chips add flavor, but feel free to substitute with dark chocolate or white chocolate chips for a different taste.
Mini Marshmallows: These add a fun, gooey texture. If you don’t have them, you can omit them or use regular marshmallows cut in smaller pieces.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure My Cookies Stay Chewy?
Achieving that perfect chewy texture is all about baking time and cooling. Be sure to take the cookies out while they’re still a bit soft in the middle. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool!
- Watch closely in the last couple of minutes of baking; look for slightly golden edges and soft centers.
- Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This ensures they set without becoming too hard.
- If you prefer an extra chewy cookie, you can refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes before baking, which helps them hold their shape.
Easy 4th of July Monster Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups red, white, and blue M&M’s candies (or plain M&M’s if colored are unavailable)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows (white)
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup red, white, and blue sprinkles (optional)
Time Needed
This recipe will take approximately 15 minutes to prepare and about 10-12 minutes to bake. Plan for an additional 5 minutes for cooling on the baking sheet. Altogether, you’ll have delicious cookies ready in about 30-35 minutes!
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will help prevent cookies from sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs to the butter mixture, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until everything is combined and smooth.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps ensure that the baking soda is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
5. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually pour the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, mixing until it’s just combined. Try not to overmix, as this can toughen the cookies.
6. Fold in the Yummy Stuff!
Now, it’s time to add the fun ingredients! Gently stir in the rolled oats, M&M’s, mini marshmallows, and chocolate chips, making sure everything is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, scoop out large spoonfuls (about 2 tablespoons) of cookie dough and place them 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets.
8. Add Decorations
If you like, gently press a few extra M&M’s and sprinkles on top of each cookie to make them extra festive!
9. Bake the Cookies
Pop the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The cookies should be golden around the edges but still slightly soft in the center.
10. Cool the Cookies
Once out of the oven, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. After that, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Enjoy!
Now your festive 4th of July Monster Cookies are ready to serve! Enjoy them with family and friends, or save a few for yourself. Happy celebrating!
These cookies are a perfect way to add some sweetness to your holiday gathering with their vibrant colors and delicious flavors!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Oats?
Yes! While old-fashioned rolled oats give the best texture, you can use quick oats if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep in mind that cookies may be slightly softer with quick oats.
How to Store Leftover Cookies?
Store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! To make gluten-free Monster Cookies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the oats are certified gluten-free as well!
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your cookies by adding nuts, dried fruit, or even peanut butter chips. Just try to keep the total quantity similar to the original recipe to maintain the best texture!
