Description
These Gluten-Free Monster Cookies are a chewy, hearty treat packed with creamy peanut butter, gluten-free rolled oats, colorful M&M’s, and optional semi-sweet chocolate chips. Perfectly balanced with sweetness and a delightful texture, they make a delicious snack or dessert that caters to gluten-free diets without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients
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
Dry Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups Gluten-Free Rolled Oats
- 1 1/4 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
Add-ins
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups M&M’s (divided, 1/4 cup reserved for topping)
- 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 light and fluffy. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
- Add Peanut Butter and Eggs: Mix in the creamy peanut butter for an additional minute. Then, add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix-ins: Stir in the gluten-free rolled oats, baking soda, and salt until just combined. Set aside 1/4 cup of M&M’s for topping later. Fold the remaining M&M’s and the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the dough gently.
- Chill Dough: Wrap the cookie dough tightly in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to reduce stickiness and prevent excessive spreading during baking. For even better flavor and texture, chill overnight or up to 24 hours.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a light-colored baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat liner to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Shape and Bake Cookies: Drop scoops of the chilled cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them to allow for spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set and just beginning to turn golden.
- Add Toppings and Cool: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, carefully press the reserved 1/4 cup of M&M’s onto the tops of the cookies for an extra colorful finish. Let the cookies set on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is essential to prevent cookies from spreading too thin and to enhance flavor.
- For a less sweet version, you can reduce the sugar quantities slightly or omit the chocolate chips.
- Substitute peanut butter with any other creamy nut or seed butter if desired, but adjust salt accordingly.
- Make sure to use certified gluten-free rolled oats to maintain the gluten-free status.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
