Name: Gluten-Free Monster Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 22 min
Cuisine: American
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; 2 3/4 cups Gluten-Free Rolled Oats; 1 1/4 teaspoon Baking Soda; 1/2 teaspoon Salt; 1 1/2 to 2 cups M&M’s (divided, 1/4 cup reserved for topping); 1/2 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 74 reviews

There’s something truly magical about a cookie that combines hearty oats, rich peanut butter, and vibrant pops of M&M’s, especially when it’s made without any gluten. This Gluten-Free Monster Cookies Recipe brings all those flavors together into one soft, chewy, and colorful bite that’s perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself. Whether you’re new to gluten-free baking or a seasoned pro, these cookies deliver that nostalgic monster cookie experience with a wholesome twist you’ll fall head over heels for.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a pile of cookies stacked on a silver metal cooling rack over a white marbled surface. Each cookie has a golden-brown base with a rough texture filled with colorful candy-coated chocolates in bright red, yellow, blue, green, and orange colors scattered on top and embedded throughout. Some dark brown chocolate chips are visible among the candies, adding contrast. The cookies are round but uneven, showing a homemade look with a slightly bumpy surface. The photo has bright natural lighting that highlights the vibrant colors and textures of the cookies. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, essential ingredients is the key to creating these delicious monster cookies. Each element plays a vital role in building the perfect texture and flavor—from the creamy peanut butter that keeps them moist, to the gluten-free oats that add chewiness and heartiness.

1/2 cup Butter (softened): Helps create that rich, tender base with a buttery flavor.
3/4 cup Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
3/4 cup Sugar: Balances the sweetness and contributes to cookie crispness.
3/4 cup Creamy Peanut Butter (Jif or Skippy’s): Brings irresistible peanut flavor and chewiness.
2 large Eggs: Bind everything together and provide structure.
1 teaspoon Vanilla: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, fragrant note.
2 3/4 cups Gluten-Free Rolled Oats: The superstar ingredient for a hearty, chewy texture without gluten.
1 1/4 teaspoon Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and become fluffy.
1/2 teaspoon Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors.
1 1/2 to 2 cups M&M’s: Adds bursts of colorful crunch and chocolatey fun.
1/2 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (optional): For an extra layer of rich chocolate goodness.

How to Make Gluten-Free Monster Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start your cookie-making journey by beating the softened butter, brown sugar, and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, giving your cookies that wonderful texture and sweetness right from the start. Be sure to scrape down the sides of your bowl to evenly mix everything.

Step 2: Add Peanut Butter, Eggs, and Vanilla

Next, stir in the creamy peanut butter and continue mixing until it’s smoothly blended. Then, add the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. The vanilla extract is your flavor enhancer here — it makes every bite richer and more comforting.

Step 3: Mix in Dry Ingredients and Candy

Now it’s time to fold in the gluten-free rolled oats, baking soda, and salt. These dry ingredients build the structure and chewyness that monster cookies are known for. Don’t forget to set aside a small handful of M&M’s — those will get pressed on top later after baking. Gently fold in the rest of the M&M’s along with the chocolate chips if you’re using them for extra melty pockets of chocolate.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

This step is a game changer. Wrapping your dough tightly and chilling it for at least an hour (or even overnight) lets the flavors meld and firms up the dough so the cookies bake up perfectly without spreading too thin. Trust me, your patience here will be rewarded with the ideal cookie shape and texture.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or Silpat to prevent sticking. Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop the dough onto the sheets, spacing them well apart. Bake for about 10-12 minutes until the edges turn golden but the centers stay soft. Right after taking them out of the oven, press the reserved M&M’s gently on top for that signature monster look and extra pop of color.

How to Serve Gluten-Free Monster Cookies Recipe

This image shows a close top view of ten round oatmeal cookies on a metal cooling rack over a white marbled surface. Each cookie has a rough textured oatmeal base in light brown with bright colorful candy-coated chocolate pieces in red, green, blue, yellow, and brown scattered all over, some slightly melted. The cookies are thick and soft-looking with uneven edges and small chocolate chunks mixed into the cookie dough. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make these monster cookies even more irresistible, consider sprinkling a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top just before serving. It enhances the sweetness and gives a gourmet touch with minimal effort. You could also top with a drizzle of melted peanut butter or a few extra M&M’s for that festive look.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk, whether dairy or almond-based, bringing out the peanut butter and chocolate flavors. For a grown-up twist, a cup of strong coffee or a creamy latte complements their sweetness perfectly, turning any snack moment into a mini celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting a party or gifting these cookies, arrange them on a colorful platter with extra M&M’s scattered lightly around. Wrap them individually in cellophane with a ribbon for a delightful homemade gift. You can even sandwich two cookies around a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an epic gluten-free ice cream sandwich treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once baked and cooled completely, store your monster cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and delicious for up to 5 days, making them perfect for a ready-to-grab snack anytime you need a little pick-me-up.

Freezing

If you want to keep these cookies fresh for longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Reheating

To enjoy your frozen or stored cookies fresh-baked warmth, pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or heat briefly in a preheated oven at 300 degrees for 5 minutes. You’ll get that just-baked softness back instantly and melt the chocolate chips to perfection.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful texture contrast inside your monster cookies. Just keep in mind the dough might feel a little chunkier as you mix.

Are these cookies safe for someone with celiac disease?

Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified, this recipe is safe for people with celiac disease. Cross-contamination is key to avoid, so always double-check packaging.

Can I substitute M&M’s with another type of candy?

For sure! You can swap out M&M’s for gluten-free chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, raisins, or even chopped nuts to customize your monster cookies to your liking.

What’s the best way to prevent cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Chilling the dough for at least an hour is essential here. It firms up the fat in the dough so the cookies hold their shape and don’t flatten out too much while baking.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Definitely! Simply replace the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil and make sure your chocolate chips and peanut butter are free of dairy ingredients. The cookie will remain just as tasty!

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like biting into a warm, colorful cookie bursting with peanut butter, oats, and chocolatey M&M’s, especially when it’s naturally gluten-free and made with love. Give this Gluten-Free Monster Cookies Recipe a try for your next baking adventure—you might just create a new family favorite that everyone asks for again and again.