Monster Cookies

One of my all-time favorite cookie recipes - Monster Cookies. I love the combination of creamy nut butter, chewy oats, and a mix of both chocolate chips and colorful candy all in one. These cookies are gluten-free, and can easily be made vegan with the substitutions suggested in the ingredients. Compared to traditional Monster Cookie recipes, my healthier version has significantly less sugar and no artificial colors.

Ingredients:

Makes 16 cookies

1 & 1/4 cup oats (quick or old-fashioned work best, not instant)

1/8 tsp salt

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 cup 100% pure maple syrup

3/4 cup creamy nut butter (like almond butter)

1 egg (for vegan, sub with 1 flax egg: 1 Tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 Tbsp water)

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 Tbsp coconut oil or butter, softened

1/4 cup dark chocolate chips

1/4 cup Unreal candy coated chocolate pieces

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2. In large bowl, mix together dry ingredients (oats, coconut or brown sugar, salt, baking soda). In another bowl, mix together wet ingredients (peanut butter, egg, vanilla extract, softened butter or melted coconut oil).

3. Combine dry with wet ingredients until well combined. Stir in dark chocolate chips and Unreal candy pieces. I use Unreal brand, found at Target and Whole Foods, over M&Ms because they do not contain artificial colors or flavors. 

4. Use your hands to form small balls of dough and flatten them onto cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Feel free to add a few additional candy pieces or chocolate chips on top. Will make approximately 16 cookies. 

5. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden on edges. Enjoy!

This recipe was originally published on June 14, 2017. Updated April 24, 2020.