No-Bake Monster Cookies - An Easy and Fun No-Bake Dessert

Looking for an easy no-bake dessert that the whole family will love? Look no further than these delicious no-bake monster cookies! These cookies are super easy to make and are perfect for a fun and festive dessert.

No-Bake Monster Cookies - An Easy and Fun No-Bake Dessert

Monster cookies are made with oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and M&Ms, so they are packed with flavor. But they can be customized so, even if you have dietary restrictions, like needing to be gluten-free or dairy-free, it's way easy to modify the recipe to make accomodations.

Plus, they won't heat up the kitchen - because no baking! Yay!

What Makes These "Monster" Cookies?

There are a few key ingredients that make these cookies "monster". Monster cookies are a specific type of cookie that's like a "kitchen sink" kind of cookie with a little bit of everything.

First, you'll need plenty of oats. They're traditionally made with quick oats, but you can use old-fashioned oats if that's what you have on hand.

Second, you'll need lots of peanut butter. I like to use creamy peanut butter for these cookies, but you can use crunchy peanut butter if that's what you prefer.

Third, you'll need plenty of chocolate chips and M&Ms. I like to use a mix of milk chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate chips, but feel free to use your favorite type of chocolate.

Finally, you'll need some vanilla extract and salt to round out the flavor.

But, let's dig into the specifics because that's no type of recipe without specific measurements. LOL!

What Goes into Making No-Bake Monster Cookies?

• 3 cups oats
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 1 cup peanut butter 
• 1 cup butter softened
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup chocolate chips
• ½ cup M&M’s

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Medium saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon
• Wax paper
• Baking sheet
• Candy thermometer

How to Make No-Bake Monster Cookies

Place the butter in a medium pot over medium heat, stirring periodically until the butter melts completely.

Add the milk to the melted butter and bring it to a simmer. Turn down the heat to low. 

Add the brown sugar, salt, vanilla extract and granulated sugar. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.

Add the peanut butter to the pot and stir it until it is completely melted.

Add the oats and stir until all the ingredients are well incorporated.

Remove the pot from the heat.

Spoon cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Top with chocolate chips and M&M’s on each cookie.

Allow the cookies to cool completely before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Some Variations on This No-Bake Cookie Recipe?

There are so many ways that you can change up this no-bake cookie recipe. Here are a few of my favorite variations:

• Add in some chopped peanuts for a little crunch.
• Swap out the peanut butter for nutella for a deep chocolate and hazelnut flavor.
• Use white chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips.
• Add in some dried fruit for a little sweetness.
• Use different colored M&Ms for a fun and festive twist.

No matter how you make them, these no-bake monster cookies are sure to be a hit!

Can You Make These Monster Cookies Nut-Free?

Yes, these no-bake monster cookies can be made nut-free. Simply substitute the peanut butter for a nut-free butter or spread like sunflower butter. Just make sure to check with anyone that might have a nut allergy that you plan to serve these to - sometimes M&Ms can't be ingested by people with nut allergies because they are (or have been in the past - you always want to check) processed on the same equipment that the peanut M&Ms are processed on.

Can You Make These Monster Cookies Gluten-Free?

Yes, these no-bake monster cookies can easily be made gluten-free. Simply substitute the oats for gluten-free oats and make sure to use gluten-free chocolate chips and M&Ms. This should be a pretty easy modification to make as the primary ingredient (oats) is readily replaceable for a gluten-free alternative.

Can You Make These Monster Cookies Vegan?

Yes, these no-bake monster cookies can be made vegan. Simply substitute the butter for a a plant-based vegan butter and use vegan chocolate chips. As far as M&Ms, I've encountered some trouble finding vegan alternatives, but you can just omit them or seek out a vegan version that will suit your needs.

Tips for Storing No-Bake Monster Cookies

These no-bake monster cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can store them in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Looking for More No-Bake Desserts?

If you love the idea of a no-bake dessert so your kitchen doesn't heat up unnecessarily, join the club! We will be adding more delicious ideas here soon, but for now, check out these favorites that are often on our dessert menu. Make sure you bookmark the recipes or print them out so you will have them on hand when you need an easy treat!

• No-Bake Oreo Cheesecake Recipe
• Vegan Engery Bites Recipe
• No-Bake Chocolate Oreo Lasagna Recipe