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If you’re looking for a cookie that’s bursting with color, texture, and flavor while being safe for gluten-sensitive friends, this Gluten-Free Monster Cookies Recipe is about to become your go-to treat. Packed with hearty gluten-free oats, creamy peanut butter, and vibrant M&M’s, these cookies deliver a scrumptious balance of chewy and crunchy that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Whether for an afternoon snack or a festive party platter, these monster cookies manage to be downright irresistible and delightfully simple to whip up!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Gluten-Free Monster Cookies Recipe plays a crucial role in creating that perfect blend of flavor and texture. From the creamy peanut butter that adds richness to the oats’ natural chewiness, every element contributes to the magic.
- 1/2 cup Butter (softened): Provides a tender, melt-in-your-mouth base that holds everything together.
- 3/4 cup Brown Sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness and moistness.
- 3/4 cup Sugar: Balances the brown sugar with crisp sweetness for that classic cookie taste.
- 3/4 cup Creamy Peanut Butter (Jif or Skippy’s): Infuses nutty flavor and extra creaminess.
- 2 large Eggs: Bind the ingredients and provide structure.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla: A small touch that amplifies all the other flavors beautifully.
- 2 3/4 cups Gluten-Free Rolled Oats: The chewy, wholesome heart of the cookie.
- 1 1/4 teaspoon Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and get that perfect texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups M&M’s: Bring a pop of color and melty chocolate that everyone loves.
- 1/2 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (optional): Extra chocolate indulgence for those who want it.
How to Make Gluten-Free Monster Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Start by beating the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together for about 3 to 4 minutes. You’ll want a light, fluffy mixture that looks smooth and creamy. Make sure to scrape down the sides of your bowl so everything blends evenly – this is the foundation for wonderfully tender cookies.
Step 2: Add Peanut Butter, Eggs, and Vanilla
Next, stir in the peanut butter and beat for an additional minute until fully combined. Then add in your eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure your dough has a consistent texture. Finally, pour in that vanilla extract and mix to harmonize all these rich, warm flavors.
Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Mix-ins
Now stir in your gluten-free oats, baking soda, and salt with care. These dry ingredients will give your cookies their chewy, monster-worthy texture. Reserve about a quarter cup of M&M’s to decorate the cookies later. Fold the rest of the M&M’s and chocolate chips gently into the dough, spreading that colorful joy throughout.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
This step is key to preventing your cookies from spreading too much during baking. Wrap your dough tightly with cling wrap and chill it for at least one hour. If you can wait longer, overnight chilling is even better, making the dough easier to handle and intensifying the flavors.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a light-colored baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Using a light-colored pan helps the bottoms of your cookies bake evenly without over-browning.
Step 6: Bake and Finish
Scoop the dough onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until golden around the edges but still soft inside. As soon as they come out of the oven, carefully press the reserved M&M’s on top for that signature colorful monster look. Let the cookies rest for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Gluten-Free Monster Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are already a feast for the eyes with their vibrant M&M’s, you can dust them lightly with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a festive touch or drizzle melted chocolate over the top for extra decadence.
Side Dishes
Monster cookies pair perfectly with a tall glass of cold milk, almond milk, or your favorite dairy-free alternative. For adults, try serving alongside a warm cup of coffee or chai tea to complement the peanut butter and chocolate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking your monster cookies into a colorful tower tied with a ribbon for a fun party centerpiece. Another idea is to sandwich two cookies together with your favorite frosting or ice cream for an indulgent gluten-free treat parade!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for up to 5 days, making them a great bake-ahead snack.
Freezing
If you want to freeze these cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, microwave cookies for about 10 to 15 seconds or warm them in a preheated 300-degree oven for 5 minutes. This quick step reactivates the gooey peanut butter and chocolate chips wonderfully.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add an extra nutty texture to your Gluten-Free Monster Cookies Recipe, giving every bite a delightful crunch beyond the oats and M&M’s.
Are these cookies safe for people with celiac disease?
Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats and gluten-free labeled baking soda and M&M’s, this recipe is safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Can I substitute the M&M’s with other candies?
Of course! Feel free to swap M&M’s for gluten-free chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts to customize your cookies while keeping them fun and monster-sized.
Do these cookies freeze well if I want to prepare them in advance?
Yes, freezing the baked cookies or even the dough works wonderfully and makes it easy to enjoy fresh cookies anytime. Just follow the freezing and thawing tips to maintain their texture and flavor.
What is the best way to prevent these cookies from spreading too much while baking?
Chilling your cookie dough for at least an hour is essential to control spreading. The cold dough holds its shape better and results in thicker, chewier monster cookies.
Final Thoughts
These Gluten-Free Monster Cookies Recipe are a perfect blend of nostalgic fun and allergy-friendly baking. I can’t encourage you enough to give them a try—whether you’re new to gluten-free treats or a seasoned pro, these cookies bring joy in every colorful, chewy bite. Once you taste them, they’re sure to become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire!
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Gluten-Free Monster Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 22 minutes (includes chilling time; longer if overnight chilling)
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Gluten-Free Monster Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic favorite, packed with creamy peanut butter, gluten-free rolled oats, and colorful M&M’s. Soft, chewy, and loaded with chocolate chips, these cookies are perfect for those avoiding gluten without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups Gluten-Free Rolled Oats
- 1 1/4 teaspoons Baking Soda
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup Brown Sugar
- 3/4 cup Sugar
- 3/4 cup Creamy Peanut Butter (Jif or Skippy’s)
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Add-ins
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups M&M’s
- 1/2 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (optional)
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and sugar for 3-4 minutes or until the mixture is light and fluffy. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- Add Peanut Butter and Eggs: Mix in the creamy peanut butter and blend for an additional minute. Then add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed in before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to combine.
- Combine Dry Ingredients and Fold in Add-ins: Stir in the gluten-free rolled oats, baking soda, and salt until fully incorporated. Reserve 1/4 cup of the M&M’s to decorate later. Fold the remaining M&M’s and optional semi-sweet chocolate chips gently into the dough.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight for better texture and reduced spreading during baking.
- Prepare to Bake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a light-colored baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat mat to ensure easy cookie removal.
- Shape and Bake Cookies: Drop spoonfuls of chilled cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them adequately. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
- Add Topping and Cool: Immediately after removing from the oven, carefully press the reserved 1/4 cup of M&M’s onto the tops of the warm cookies. Allow cookies to set on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Chilling the dough overnight yields thicker cookies with less spreading.
- Using a light-colored baking sheet prevents overbrowning on the bottom of the cookies.
- For a nut-free version, substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and omit M&M’s containing milk or nuts.
- These cookies freeze well—store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
