Name: Easter Monster Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks / 227g) unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup (258g) creamy peanut butter; 1 ½ cups (300g) light brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour; 1 cup (90g) old-fashioned oats; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 1 cup (203g) Easter M&M’s milk chocolate candies, pastel blend; 1 cup Easter peanut butter M&M’s eggs, pastel blend, roughly chopped; 1 ½ cups (252g) semi-sweet chocolate chips; Easter M&M candies, for topping (optional)

These Easter Monster Cookies are a fun and festive twist on a classic treat. Packed with peanut butter, oats, chocolate chips, and colorful Easter M&M’s, these cookies are soft, chewy, and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful and Festive: These cookies combine the classic flavors of monster cookies with the addition of pastel Easter M&M’s for a fun and festive touch.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, these cookies are a breeze to bake.
Perfect for Sharing: They’re great for sharing with friends and family, and they’re sure to disappear quickly!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bake a batch of these delicious cookies:

Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature, for a light and fluffy texture.
Creamy peanut butter: Adds a rich peanut butter flavor and a chewy texture.
Light brown sugar: Packed, adds sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor.
Eggs: Large, room temperature, bind the ingredients together.
Vanilla extract: Adds a touch of warmth and sweetness.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure and texture.
Old fashioned oats: Adds a slightly chewy texture and a nutty flavor.
Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and become light and airy.
Kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
Easter M&M’s milk chocolate candies: Pastel blend, adds a chocolatey crunch and a festive touch.
Easter peanut butter M&M’s eggs: Pastel blend, roughly chopped, adds another layer of peanut butter flavor and fun.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Provides a classic chocolate flavor.
Easter M&M candies: Optional, for topping the cookies.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Easter Monster Cookies

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer, beat the softened butter on medium-high speed until smooth. Add the peanut butter and beat for about 2 minutes, or until smooth and combined. Add the brown sugar and beat on medium-high speed for another 2 minutes, or until light and fluffy.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing for 30 seconds after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix again if needed.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, baking soda, and salt.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

With the mixer on low speed (or by hand), gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips and M&M’s

With the mixer still on low speed (or by hand), add the M&M’s, chopped peanut butter eggs, and chocolate chips. Mix until just incorporated.

Step 6: Scoop, Chill, and Bake

Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Use a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop to drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. If desired, press a few extra Easter M&M’s onto the top of each dough ball. Chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to prevent spreading. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) while the dough is chilling. Bake the cookies for 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are still soft.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use room temperature ingredients: Room temperature butter and eggs will cream together more easily, resulting in a lighter and fluffier cookie.
Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
Chill the dough: Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

How to Serve Easter Monster Cookies

Easter Treats: These Easter Monster Cookies are perfect for Easter parties, egg hunts, or classroom treats.
Spring Snack: Enjoy them as a fun and festive spring snack for kids and adults alike.
Dessert: Serve them as a simple yet satisfying dessert after a meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing:

You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough. Simply scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen dough balls to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of M&M’s?

Yes, you can use any type of M&M’s you like, such as plain, peanut, or pretzel M&M’s.

Can I add other ingredients to these cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped nuts, toffee bits, or other mix-ins to the dough.

Can I make these cookies smaller?

Yes, you can use a smaller cookie scoop to make smaller cookies. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.

How can I make these cookies crispier?

Bake them for a few minutes longer, or use a higher oven temperature.

There you have it! A delicious and easy-to-follow recipe for Easter Monster Cookies that will satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your friends and family. Enjoy!