This fun and colorful Monster Cookie brings all the joy to your 4th of July! With oats, chocolate chips, and M&M’s mixed in, it’s a crowd-pleaser for sure!
These cookies are so easy to make, you’ll want to whip up a batch every week. I love watching my friends’ faces light up when they see all those bright colors! 🎆
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter gives the best flavor. If you’re out, try using margarine or coconut oil, but the taste may vary a bit.
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats create great texture. Instant oats can work in a pinch, but they won’t provide the same chewiness.
M&M’s: Use red, white, and blue M&M’s for that 4th of July spirit! If you can’t find them, regular chocolate or peanut M&M’s are also tasty options.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet is classic, but you could switch to milk chocolate or dark chocolate depending on your preference.
Flour: All-purpose flour is fine, but for a healthier twist, substitute half with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
How Do You Get Chewy Cookies Every Time?
To ensure your cookies turn out chewy, follow these tips closely:
- Do not overmix the dough once you add the flour. Stir until just combined.
- Take cookies out of the oven while they still look slightly soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool.
- Cool them on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack; this helps preserve their softness.
Remember, a little patience goes a long way in baking these fun cookies!
Easy 4th of July Monster Cookie Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup red, white, and blue M&M’s (or any patriotic colors)
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
- Red, white, and blue sprinkles for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cookie recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 10-12 minutes for baking. Plan to spend a total of around 30 minutes to get these festive cookies ready to serve. Plus, let them cool for a bit before you dive in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets:
To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While your oven heats up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats so the cookies don’t stick.
2. Cream Together the Sugars and Butter:
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key to making your cookies soft!
3. Mix in the Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then pour in the vanilla extract and stir until everything is nicely combined.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda, salt, and flour. Gradually add this dry mix into your wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
5. Add in the Fun Stuff:
Now comes the fun part! Gently fold in the rolled oats, chocolate chips, M&M’s, and white chocolate chips (if you’re using them) until everything is evenly mixed. Be gentle to keep those colorful candies looking beautiful!
6. Scoop and Shape the Cookies:
Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. If you’d like, press a few extra M&M’s on top of each cookie before baking, and sprinkle some red, white, and blue sprinkles for extra festive flair!
7. Bake the Cookies:
Place your baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them—you’re looking for golden edges and slightly soft centers. Remember, they’ll firm up as they cool!
8. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. They’re perfect for sharing with friends and family!
9. Dive In!
Your colorful, chewy, festive monster cookies are finally ready for the 4th of July celebration! Enjoy every bite and feel free to get creative with the mix-ins next time!
These cookies are delightfully chewy with a fun pop of chocolate and red, white, and blue colors to celebrate Independence Day! Enjoy your baking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Sugar in This Recipe?
Yes! You can substitute granulated sugar with brown sugar for a chewier texture, or try using coconut sugar for a healthier alternative. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture might differ slightly from the original recipe.
How Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
To make gluten-free monster cookies, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour. Make sure to also check that your oats are certified gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them! Just make sure they’re completely cooled, then layer them with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months!
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins or Flavors?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize by adding nuts, dried fruits, or different types of chocolate chips. You can also experiment with adding a teaspoon of almond extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor!
