Name: Monster Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 3 eggs (large); 1 1/2 cups dark brown sugar (firmly packed); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon corn syrup; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons baking soda; 1/2 cup butter; 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter; 4 1/2 cups quick-cooking oatmeal; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 cup butterscotch chips; 1 cup M & M candies

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

If you love thick, chewy cookies absolutely loaded with chocolate, peanut butter, oats, and candy, these Monster Cookies are about to become a permanent part of your baking rotation. They’re soft in the center, lightly crisp at the edges, packed with sweet mix-ins — and there’s no flour in the dough at all.

What makes this recipe work so beautifully is the balance. Peanut butter replaces flour for structure and richness, quick oats create that signature chewy texture, dark brown sugar adds deep caramel flavor, and just a teaspoon of corn syrup keeps everything soft for days. The result? A bakery-style cookie that’s hearty, flavorful, and ready in about 30 minutes — all in one bowl.

If you love big, crowd-pleasing cookies like my Almond Joy Cookies, Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, or Double Chocolate Chip Cookies, this one belongs on your must-bake list.

Let’s make them.

✨ Before You Begin

✨ Use a very large bowl. This dough is thick and loaded with mix-ins — give yourself space to stir comfortably.

✨ Add ingredients in order. Because there’s no flour, structure depends on properly blended eggs, sugars, and peanut butter.

✨ Pack the brown sugar firmly. Dark brown sugar adds moisture and chew — loose measuring will change texture.

✨ No need to grease the pan. There’s enough fat in the dough to prevent sticking.

Monster Cookies Ingredients + Key Notes

This is just a quick glance at what you’ll need. For exact measurements and the full ingredient list, head down to the recipe card below.

Eggs: Essential for structure since we aren’t using flour.
Dark Brown Sugar: Higher molasses content than light brown sugar = deeper flavor and softer cookies.
Granulated Sugar: Helps create lightly crisp edges and balance sweetness.
Corn Syrup: Just a teaspoon keeps the cookies soft and prevents dryness.
Butter: Adds richness and helps with browning.
Creamy Peanut Butter: Acts as both flavor and binder. Regular shelf-stable peanut butter works best. Natural peanut butter can make cookies spread more.
Quick-Cooking Oats: Create a uniform chew. Old-fashioned oats work but produce a slightly chunkier texture.
Chocolate Chips, Butterscotch Chips, M&M’s: The “monster” mix-ins! Swap in white chocolate, chopped nuts, raisins, or even pretzels if you’d like.

🥣 How to Make Monster Cookies

Here’s a quick look at how to assemble these easy Monster Cookies (full instructions in the recipe card below).

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. In a very large bowl, beat together the eggs and both sugars until fully combined and slightly thickened. This step builds the base structure of the cookie.

Next, stir in the vanilla, corn syrup, salt, baking soda, melted butter, and peanut butter. Mix thoroughly — you want everything smooth and evenly blended before moving on.

Add the quick oats and stir until incorporated. The dough will be thick — that’s exactly what you want.

Finally, fold in the chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and M&M’s until evenly distributed. Scoop generous portions onto an ungreased baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft.

Let them cool on the pan for a few minutes — they’ll finish setting as they rest.

⭐ Pro Tips

⭐ Don’t Overbake

Pull them when the centers look just slightly underdone. They’ll firm up as they cool, and that’s how you keep them soft.

⭐ Want Thicker Cookies?

Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking. Chilling reduces spread and creates even puffier cookies.

⭐ Use Light-Colored Baking Sheets

Dark pans can cause over-browning on the bottoms before the centers finish baking.

⭐ Customize the “Monster”

Add chopped peanuts for crunch, white chocolate chips for sweetness, or swap butterscotch for extra chocolate.

🔬 Cooking Science: Why These Cookies Work Without Flour

Traditional cookies rely on flour and gluten for structure. These don’t.

The protein in peanut butter plus the binding power of eggs create structure. Oats absorb moisture during baking, giving the cookies chew instead of cakiness. The mix of brown and granulated sugar controls spread while maintaining softness.

That balance is why adding ingredients in order — and mixing thoroughly at each stage — really matters here.

Storing + Freezing + Make-Ahead Tips

Storing

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.

Make-Ahead

Dough can be made 24 hours in advance and refrigerated.

✦ Frequently Asked Questions

✦ Why are they called Monster Cookies?

Because they’re loaded with “everything but the kitchen sink” — oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and colorful candy all in one cookie.

✦ Can I use old-fashioned oats?

Yes. The texture will be slightly heartier and less uniform, but still delicious.

✦ Can I make them gluten-free?

They’re naturally flourless, but be sure to use certified gluten-free oats.

✦ Can I make these into bars?

Absolutely. Press into a greased 9×13-inch pan and bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes until set.

✦ Can I freeze the dough?

Yes. Scoop dough balls and freeze. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes.

Still have questions? Drop them in the comments — I love helping you bake + cook with confidence! 💗

More Cookie Recipes You’ll Love

💗 Tried This Recipe?

If you enjoyed this recipe, please take a moment to leave a star rating and a quick comment — I love hearing from you!

Tip for mobile readers: scroll just a bit to tap the stars — thank you!

💌 From quick weeknight dinners to nostalgic desserts, my FREE newsletter has it all. Subscribe today so you never miss a recipe! 💌

Thanks for stopping by my kitchen today — happy baking, friends! ❤️
Kathleen

Comments

Cindy says

August 24, 2019 at 5:49 pm

Love this recipe – I can’t count how many time I have made it over the past few years! It is my go to and always requested by anyone who tries them. Thank you for sharing this!

- Kathleen says
  
  August 26, 2019 at 5:30 pm
  
  Hi Cindy!
  I’m so glad you like the recipe so much! Thank you for sharing.

✨ Before You Begin

Monster Cookies Ingredients + Key Notes

🥣 How to Make Monster Cookies