No-Guilt Monster Treats

Craving a delightful treat that’s bursting with flavor but also meets your gluten-free needs? Look no further! These Gluten Free Monster Cookies are the epitome of indulgence, offering a perfectly chewy texture and an explosion of taste in every bite. Each cookie is generously loaded with vibrant chocolate candies, creamy peanut butter, wholesome oats, and much more, culminating in what we proudly call the *ultimate oatmeal cookie* experience.

If you’re a fan of the classic Monster Cookie recipe but require a gluten-free alternative, this new recipe is precisely what you’ve been searching for. It captures all the beloved, irresistible flavors of the original without any of the gluten. Prepare to fall in love with this extraordinary cookie recipe, designed to satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth.

Having perfected Gluten Free Shortbread Cookies for over 15 years, I can confidently say that this new Monster Cookie recipe holds its own. It’s equally amazing and promises not to disappoint. For those expanding their gluten-free baking repertoire, another highly recommended favorite is our Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread.

Why This Recipe Works: The Magic Behind Our Gluten-Free Monster Cookies

Our Gluten Free Monster Cookies aren’t just a gluten-free adaptation; they’re a carefully crafted masterpiece that ensures incredible taste and texture, proving that you don’t need traditional flour to create an unforgettable dessert. This recipe truly shines for several reasons, making it a staple for anyone seeking a delicious, chewy, and satisfying cookie experience.

Firstly, the combination of creamy peanut butter and hearty old-fashioned oats forms the perfect base, contributing to the irresistible chewiness and a rich, nutty flavor profile. Unlike many gluten-free baked goods that can sometimes be dry or crumbly, these cookies remain wonderfully moist and tender. The oats provide structure and a delightful texture, while the peanut butter adds richness and helps bind everything together, eliminating the need for any gluten-containing flour.

Secondly, these cookies are a celebration of mix-ins! From luscious chocolate chips to colorful M&M’s, every bite offers a delightful surprise. The semi-sweet chocolate chips perfectly balance the sweetness, while the M&M’s add a playful crunch and a pop of color that makes these cookies genuinely “monster” in appeal. This abundance of flavorful additions means that no one will even notice the absence of gluten; they’ll simply be too busy savoring the delicious combination of flavors and textures.

Finally, this recipe is incredibly straightforward and forgiving, even for novice bakers. The step-by-step instructions are easy to follow, and the ingredients are readily available. Whether you’re new to gluten-free baking or a seasoned pro, you’ll appreciate how effortlessly these cookies come together. Say goodbye to complicated gluten-free flour blends and hello to simple, delicious baking. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll discover that making the best gluten-free cookies can be both enjoyable and incredibly rewarding!

Essential Ingredients for Irresistible Gluten Free Monster Cookies

Creating these sensational Gluten Free Monster Cookies starts with a selection of quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and chewiness that makes these cookies truly special. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

• Butter: Start with unsalted butter, softened at room temperature. This is crucial for achieving a smooth, well-creamed base for your cookie dough, which contributes to the cookies’ tender crumb.
• Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter is highly recommended. Brands like Jif or Skippy work wonderfully, providing a consistent texture and rich flavor. Avoid natural peanut butter that separates, as it can affect the cookie’s structure.
• Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar adds moisture and a delicious molasses-like depth of flavor, enhancing the chewiness of the cookies. For tips on substitutes, refer to The Best Brown Sugar Substitutes.
• Granulated Sugar: A touch of white granulated sugar helps with spreading and crisping the edges, balancing the richness of the brown sugar and peanut butter.
• Eggs: Use large eggs, as they act as a binder, helping to hold the cookies together and contributing to their structure and richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract is essential for adding a warm, aromatic note that complements the other flavors beautifully. Don’t skimp on quality here.
• Baking Soda: This leavening agent helps the cookies rise slightly and contributes to their characteristic chewy texture. Find Best Baking Soda Substitutes if needed.
• Old Fashioned Rolled Oats: This is a key ingredient for texture! Make sure to use old-fashioned rolled oats, not quick-cooking oats. Rolled oats provide a heartier, chewier texture that is characteristic of classic monster cookies. For those with strict dietary needs, ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
• Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are perfect for cutting through some of the cookie’s overall sweetness, offering a balanced chocolate flavor.
• M&M’s: These colorful candies add a fun crunch and burst of extra chocolatey goodness. Feel free to use seasonal M&M’s to customize your cookies for any holiday or occasion throughout the year.

You’ll find the complete, precise measurements for all these ingredients in the detailed recipe card located at the bottom of this page.

Creative Substitutions and Delicious Additions

One of the best things about baking monster cookies is their versatility. This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to various dietary needs or simply experiment with new flavors. Here are some thoughtful substitutions and exciting additions to consider:

• Dairy-Free Options: If you need to make these cookies dairy-free, a simple swap is to substitute ghee for the butter. Ghee is clarified butter that is often well-tolerated by those with dairy sensitivities, offering a similar richness. Additionally, you’ll need to ensure your chocolate chips and candies are also dairy-free. Many brands now offer delicious dairy-free chocolate options and specialty candies that can be used in place of traditional M&M’s.
• Nut Butter Alternatives: While peanut butter is classic, you can certainly experiment with other nut or seed butters. Sunflower seed butter (like SunButter) is an excellent choice for those with peanut allergies, offering a similar creamy texture and nutty flavor. Almond butter or cashew butter can also be used, though they might impart a slightly different flavor profile and potentially alter the cookie’s texture slightly, so be prepared for minor adjustments.
• Additional Mix-Ins: Elevate your monster cookies even further with extra treats!
  • Different Chocolates: Mix in white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chunks, or a combination of various chocolates for a more complex flavor.
  • Nuts: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or even roasted peanuts for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
  • Dried Fruit: A handful of dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots can add a lovely chewiness and a hint of fruity sweetness.
  • Coconut Flakes: Toasted or untoasted coconut flakes can add an exotic flavor and unique texture.
  • Pretzels: For a sweet and salty twist, crush some gluten-free pretzels and fold them into the dough.
  • Sprinkles: Add some festive sprinkles for holidays or special occasions.

Feel free to get creative with these suggestions, but remember that altering ingredients can sometimes change the final texture or flavor. Enjoy customizing your monster cookies to perfectly suit your taste!

Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Gluten Free Monster Cookies

Making these delicious Gluten Free Monster Cookies is a straightforward process, but following these steps carefully will ensure a perfect batch every time. Let’s get baking!

• Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Environment. First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Next, line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier. Having everything ready before you start mixing will streamline the process.

Step 2: Cream Wet Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using either a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or a hand mixer, blend these ingredients together on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. This can take 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is incorporated. Next, add the large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, followed by the pure vanilla extract. Continue to mix until smooth and fully blended.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients. Reduce your mixer speed to low, or better yet, stir by hand, and add the baking soda and old-fashioned rolled oats to the cookie dough. Mix gently until the oats are just combined into the wet ingredients. It’s important not to overmix at this stage, as overmixing can lead to tougher cookies. The goal is to ensure the dry and wet ingredients are thoroughly integrated without developing too much gluten from the oats (even though they are gluten-free, gentle mixing is still best for texture).

Step 4: Fold in the Fun Mix-Ins. This is where the “monster” truly comes to life! Gently stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and the M&M’s by hand. Fold until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Avoid using the mixer for this step to prevent crushing the candies and ensure they remain intact and vibrant.

Step 5: Form and Place Cookies. Using a medium cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons), scoop uniform balls of cookie dough and place them onto the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave at least 2-3 inches of space between each cookie dough ball, as these cookies will spread slightly while baking. This ensures even cooking and prevents them from melding together.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection. Transfer the baking sheets to your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep a close eye on them! The cookies are ready when their edges are lightly golden brown, and the centers appear just set but still look soft and slightly undercooked. Remember, cookies continue to cook and set as they cool on the baking sheet, so avoid overbaking.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the hot baking sheets for approximately 10-15 minutes. This crucial step allows them to firm up and prevents them from breaking when transferred. After this initial cooling period, carefully move the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once fully cooled, they are ready to serve and savor!

Storage and Freezing Tips for Freshness

To keep your Gluten Free Monster Cookies tasting their best, proper storage is key. Whether you’re planning to enjoy them over a few days or save them for a later craving, here’s how to store them effectively:

• Room Temperature Storage: Store any leftover baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Placing a slice of plain bread in the container can help keep the cookies soft and moist. Ensure they are completely cooled before storing to prevent condensation, which can make them soggy.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: These cookies freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour until firm. Then, transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature, or warm them briefly in the microwave for a fresh-baked feel.
• Freezing Cookie Dough: For a convenient future treat, you can freeze the cookie dough! Scoop the cookie dough into balls as directed in Step 5, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until solid (about 2-3 hours). Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, place the frozen dough balls on a prepared baking sheet and bake as usual, adding an extra 2-4 minutes to the baking time.

Pro Tips for Perfect Gluten Free Monster Cookies Every Time

Achieving the perfect batch of Gluten Free Monster Cookies is easy with a few expert tips. These insights will help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure your cookies are consistently chewy, flavorful, and delightfully “monster-like”!

• Choosing the Right Peanut Butter: This is crucial. Always use creamy, processed peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) for this recipe. Do not use all-natural peanut butter, as its oil tends to separate from the solids, leading to a greasy dough that won’t hold its shape and cookies that might fall apart. The emulsifiers in conventional peanut butter are essential for the cookie’s structure.
• Handle Oats with Care: When incorporating the old-fashioned rolled oats and baking soda, stir them in by hand or use your mixer on a very low speed. Overmixing can toughen the cookies and affect their tender chewiness. You want the oats just combined, not pulverized.
• Avoid Overcooking for Optimal Chewiness: Monster cookies are best when they are slightly underbaked in the center. Bake them just until the edges begin to brown and the centers are set but still look soft. They will continue to cook and firm up as they cool on the baking sheet, ensuring that perfect chewy texture. Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly.
• The Importance of Old Fashioned Oats: Stick to old-fashioned rolled oats for the best results. Quick oats are processed more finely and will absorb liquids differently, resulting in cookies that are less chewy and spread more. The hearty texture of rolled oats is key to the monster cookie experience.
• Certified Gluten-Free Oats are a Must for Sensitivity: While oats are naturally gluten-free, they are often processed in facilities that also handle wheat, barley, and rye, leading to cross-contamination. If you have celiac disease or a severe gluten sensitivity, it is absolutely essential to use oats that are explicitly labeled as “certified gluten-free.” This ensures they meet strict standards for gluten content.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This allows them to cream together more easily and uniformly, creating a smooth batter that traps air effectively, leading to a lighter, more tender cookie.
• Don’t Skip the Parchment Paper: Parchment paper is a baker’s best friend. It prevents sticking, promotes even baking, and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Uniform Scooping for Even Baking: Using a cookie scoop (typically 2 tablespoons) ensures that all your cookies are the same size. This is important for even baking, so all your cookies are done at the same time and have a consistent texture.
• Cooling on the Baking Sheet: The initial cooling period on the baking sheet is crucial. Hot cookies are fragile; allowing them to cool on the sheet helps them set and firm up before you move them to a wire rack, preventing breakage.
• Customize Your Mix-Ins: Feel free to experiment with different types of M&M’s (peanut, pretzel, seasonal colors) or other small candies. You can also add chopped nuts, sprinkles, or mini chocolate chips to truly make these cookies your own unique monster creation!

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking a batch of the most incredible Gluten Free Monster Cookies your friends and family have ever tasted!

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It’s truly your turn to try one of our favorite gluten-free cookie recipes! These gluten-free chocolate chip cookies, infused with peanut butter and oats, are destined to become a new favorite in your household. We are confident you will absolutely love them. Once you’ve baked and savored these incredible cookies, please don’t hesitate to come back and leave a star rating and comment – we love hearing your feedback!

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Gluten Free Monster Cookies

5 from 1 vote

These Gluten Free Monster Cookies are packed with flavor and so chewy. Each bite is loaded with chocolate candies, peanut butter and more for the best oatmeal cookie.

Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 15 mins

Cooling Time 10 mins

Total Time 40 mins

Servings 36

Cuisine American

Course Dessert

Calories 234

Author Carrie Barnard

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Butter softened at room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups Creamy Peanut Butter
• 1 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 4 1/2 cups Old Fashioned Rolled Oats
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup M&M’s

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter, creamy peanut butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar with a hand held or stand up mixer until combined and smooth.
3. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
4. Add in the baking soda and rolled oats. Stir in by hand or on a low speed with your mixer until the oats are well mixed in.
5. Stir in the chocolate chips and M&Ms.
6. Use a cookie scoop (2 tablespoons) to scoop the mixture into balls and place on the baking sheets at least 2-3 inches apart.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges start to brown and the center of the cookies are just set but will still look soft.
8. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10-15 minutes and then move the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Then the cookies are ready to serve and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Do not use all natural peanut butter for this recipe as it will separate and not hold the cookies together.

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 234kcal, Carbohydrates 28g, Protein 5g, Fat 12g, Saturated Fat 5g, Polyunsaturated Fat 2g, Monounsaturated Fat 4g, Trans Fat 0.1g, Cholesterol 22mg, Sodium 140mg, Potassium 144mg, Fiber 2g, Sugar 18g, Vitamin A 114IU, Vitamin C 0.03mg, Calcium 31mg, Iron 1mg

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