Name: 4th of July Monster Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 21 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter, room temperature; 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar, packed; 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar; 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter, room temperature; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 egg yolk, room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled; 3/4 cup (60 g) quick oats; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 3/4 cup to 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1/2 cup white chocolate chips; 1 cup M&M candies

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 35 reviews

If you are looking for a festive, colorful, and absolutely scrumptious treat to celebrate with friends and family, this 4th of July Monster Cookies Recipe has got you covered. Bursting with peanut butter, rich chocolate chips, vibrant M&M candies, and chewy oats, these cookies bring together classic Americana flavors and textures in one spectacular bite. Perfectly soft and chewy with a delightful crunch, this recipe is a joyful way to add some sweetness to your Independence Day festivities or any summer gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl holds thick, light brown cookie dough pressed around the sides with a rough and sticky texture, leaving an open center filled with three types of small candies: red, white, and blue round candies with a smooth shiny surface, and dark brown chocolate chips scattered among them. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and the image is brightly lit, highlighting the contrast between the dough and colorful candies. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients may seem straightforward, but each one plays an essential role in crafting the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and festive color that makes this cookie recipe truly special.

Butter (3/4 cup, room temperature): Provides richness and helps create the soft, tender texture we love.
Light brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds warmth and moisture for chewy cookies with a hint of caramel.
Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Balances sweetness and helps with cookie spread.
Smooth peanut butter (1/2 cup, room temperature): The star flavor that gives these monster cookies their iconic taste.
Large egg plus one egg yolk (room temperature): Binds everything together and adds richness.
Vanilla (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors with its sweet aroma.
All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups, spooned and leveled): Provides structure without weighing the cookies down.
Quick oats (3/4 cup): Adds chewy texture and a slight nuttiness.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Gives the cookies their lift and helps with browning.
Kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and amplifies flavors.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips (3/4 to 1 cup): For melty chocolate pockets in every bite.
White chocolate chips (1/2 cup): Adds creamy sweetness and a lovely contrast to semi-sweet chips.
M&M candies (1 cup): This is the pop of patriotic color that makes these cookies a 4th of July celebration in your mouth.

How to Make 4th of July Monster Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your cookies won’t stick and come off easily after baking. Setting up your workspace now will make the rest of the process smooth and stress-free.

Step 2: Cream the Butter, Sugars, and Peanut Butter

In the bowl of your electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the butter, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and peanut butter on medium-high speed until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3 minutes. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides once or twice — you want everything perfectly combined for that smooth cookie dough base.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Next, drop in the large egg and the additional egg yolk one at a time, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated. Then add the vanilla extract and mix until the dough smells heavenly and the wet ingredients are well combined.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, quick oats, baking soda, and kosher salt. This ensures that all those dry ingredients are evenly distributed and ready to mingle with your wet ingredients.

Step 5: Combine the Dry and Wet Mixtures

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in your mixer and stir on low speed until the dough mostly comes together, but still has a few streaks of flour. Resist the urge to overmix; otherwise, your cookies might become tough instead of chewy.

Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips and M&M’s

Remove your mixing bowl from the stand and gently fold in the M&M candies, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and white chocolate chips with a spatula. Make sure the colorful candies are evenly distributed for maximum festive fun in every cookie.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Using a two tablespoon cookie scoop (or about 2 ounces per cookie), portion out the dough onto your prepared baking sheets. For perfectly even baking, you can weigh each dough ball if you like. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until the edges are just turning golden, but the centers stay a little pale and puffy. To get that signature chewy texture, try the fun trick of lifting your cookie sheet a few inches above the oven rack and dropping it halfway through baking – it helps flatten and stretch the cookies beautifully.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes so they firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This little bit of patience will reward you with cookies that hold their shape perfectly but still have that irresistible chew.

How to Serve 4th of July Monster Cookies Recipe

The image shows several round cookies with a light golden-brown color and a slightly rough texture. Each cookie is topped with colorful red, blue, and white candy-coated chocolates scattered across the surface, with some visible melted brown chocolate chips embedded within. One cookie in the center is broken into two pieces, revealing a soft, chewy inside. Around the cookies are loose candy-coated chocolates in the same red, blue, and white colors, resting on a white marbled textured background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the cookies are already vibrant and festive, you can elevate them with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate for extra visual appeal. For an adult twist, sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt on top just before serving to highlight the peanut butter and chocolate flavors even more.

Side Dishes

Serve these monster cookies alongside a tall glass of cold milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even some homemade berry compote for a fun and indulgent dessert spread. Their sturdy yet soft texture pairs wonderfully with creamy or fresh accompaniments.

Creative Ways to Present

For your 4th of July party, arrange these cookies on a festive tray with red, white, and blue decorations or place them in a clear jar layered with miniature patriotic candies. Another fun idea is to tie homemade cookies individually with small ribbons in the theme colors for take-home party favors your guests will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your monster cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to keep them soft and fresh. Placing a slice of bread inside the container can help maintain moisture and prevent drying out.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these delicious treats later, these cookies freeze beautifully. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll last up to 3 months and can be thawed at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

To revive that fresh-baked warmth, simply pop a cookie in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This will soften the cookie and slightly melt the chocolate chips for that irresistible gooey texture.

FAQs

Can I substitute peanut butter with another nut butter?

Absolutely! While peanut butter gives the classic flavor, almond or cashew butter can be used for a different but equally delicious twist. Just note that the texture might vary slightly.

Why do some cookies come out too flat?

This can happen if the dough is too warm or overmixed. Chilling your dough before baking can help, or reducing the butter slightly if needed.

Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?

Yes, you can swap in a gluten-free all-purpose blend, but be sure it includes xanthan gum or another binder to mimic the structure gluten provides.

What is the purpose of dropping the cookie sheet during baking?

This technique helps flatten the cookies for a thinner, chewier texture and encourages those perfect melty chocolate pools on top.

How do I make the cookies more colorful for the holiday?

In addition to M&M candies, you can add red and blue sprinkles or use festive-themed chocolate pieces to make these monster cookies stand out even more for your 4th of July celebrations.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend the 4th of July Monster Cookies Recipe enough—it’s the perfect blend of classic flavors, fun colors, and that nostalgic monster cookie charm we all love. Whether you’re baking for a party, a picnic, or just a weekend treat, these cookies will bring smiles and sweet memories to the table. Give them a try, and watch how quickly they disappear!