Name: Monster Cookies with Coconut Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter (softened); 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 3 large eggs; 1 cup light brown sugar (packed); 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 1/2 cups quick 1-minute oats; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 1/2 cups M&Ms; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate); 1/2 cup toffee bits; 1/2 cup shredded coconut

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If you have a sweet tooth and love a cookie packed with flavor and texture, then you are in for a serious treat with this Monster Cookies with Coconut Recipe. These cookies bring together the perfect blend of chewy oats, rich peanut butter, a delightful hint of coconut, and bursts of colorful M&Ms that make every bite a celebration. Whether you want a crowd-pleasing dessert or a fun snack that energizes your day, these monster cookies deliver on all fronts, balancing sweetness and heartiness in the most irresistible way.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A metal mixing bowl filled with thick, light brown cookie dough that has small dark chocolate bits and colorful red, blue, green, yellow, and orange candy pieces mixed in throughout. The dough has a rough texture with visible oats, and the sides of the bowl are coated in sticky dough. Scattered around the bowl on a white marbled surface are loose colorful candy pieces in similar colors to those in the dough. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Monster Cookies with Coconut Recipe is in its simplicity and the thoughtful combination of ingredients. Each one plays a vital role—whether it’s the softness from butter, the nutty richness of peanut butter, or the chewy texture from oats and coconut—that makes these cookies truly memorable.

1/2 cup butter (softened): Provides a creamy base that helps bind the cookies and adds moisture for softness.
1 cup creamy peanut butter: Delivers that signature nutty flavor and richness that define monster cookies.
1 cup light brown sugar (packed): Adds sweetness with a hint of molasses, enhancing moisture and creating chewiness.
1 cup granulated sugar: Brings crispness and balances sweetness alongside the brown sugar.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth to bring all flavors together.
3 large eggs: Help bind ingredients and contribute to the cookie’s structure.
2 1/2 cups quick 1-minute oats: Adds hearty chew and wholesome texture; quick oats keep the cookies soft and tender.
1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the foundation to give the cookies structure.
2 teaspoons baking soda: Makes the cookies light and slightly puffed without being cakey.
1 1/2 cups M&Ms: Loads of colorful candy for fun pops of sweetness and crunch.
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melty pockets of chocolate that complement the peanut butter perfectly.
1/2 cup toffee bits: Adds a buttery crunch that delivers extra texture and flavor.
1/2 cup shredded coconut: Gives a subtle tropical flair and chewy texture that makes these monster cookies unforgettable.

How to Make Monster Cookies with Coconut Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat, which will ensure your Monster Cookies with Coconut Recipe have a smooth release and an even bake. Having everything prepped early keeps the process seamless and enjoyable.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and velvety. This step is crucial because it aerates the fats and sugars, setting the stage for tender, flavorful cookies.

Step 3: Add the Eggs

Turn the mixer speed down to low and add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Scrape down the bowl’s sides if needed to ensure everything is fully incorporated. Eggs not only bind the dough but also contribute to the structure and richness of each cookie.

Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the quick oats, all-purpose flour, and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients in two parts, mixing after each addition just until combined. Overmixing can make cookies tough, so keep it gentle to maintain the right texture.

Step 5: Fold in the Fun Ingredients

Now comes the best part: folding in the M&Ms, chocolate chips, toffee bits, and shredded coconut. Use a rubber spatula or wooden spoon to gently mix them into your dough, ensuring they’re evenly distributed so every cookie has a little bit of everything delicious.

Step 6: Portion and Shape the Cookies

Using a medium cookie scoop (around 1.5 tablespoons), portion out the dough and roll it between your palms into neat balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared cookie sheet, spacing them at least 2 inches apart—these monster cookies will spread, and giving them room helps them bake evenly with lovely edges.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake your cookies for 11 to 13 minutes until the edges start to turn golden brown. They may look slightly underdone in the center, which is exactly how they should be to stay soft and chewy. Let them rest on the baking sheet for 2 to 3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool thoroughly.

How to Serve Monster Cookies with Coconut Recipe

Twelve cookie dough balls are placed evenly spaced in a 3 by 4 grid on a baking tray lined with white parchment paper. Each dough ball is light brown with visible chocolate chips mixed throughout. On the surface of each dough ball, colorful candy-coated chocolates in blue, green, orange, red, and yellow are pressed into the dough, adding bright spots of color. The baking tray has a pale greenish color with small dark speckles, and the background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

If you want to add a bit of flair when serving, sprinkle a few extra shredded coconut flakes or a handful of mini M&Ms on top of warm cookies just before cooling. This adds a fun visual punch and highlights the coconut and candy inside.

Side Dishes

Monster cookies with coconut pair fantastically with a cold glass of milk, a cup of rich coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. The combination of warm cookies and creamy sides creates a comforting experience that’s hard to resist.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or special occasions, arrange your monster cookies on a tiered dessert stand or in a colorful basket lined with parchment paper. You can also sandwich two cookies with a dollop of peanut butter or cream cheese frosting for a playful twist that invites everyone to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Monster Cookies with Coconut stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and fresh for up to 5 days, making them an excellent make-ahead option for snacking throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to stash some cookies for future cravings, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet initially, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing their delicious texture.

Reheating

To enjoy frozen or stored cookies fresh out of the oven, simply warm them in a 300-degree F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. This revives the soft texture and melts the chocolate chips just enough to feel warm and comforting again.

FAQs

Can I substitute the peanut butter with almond butter?

Absolutely! Almond butter makes a great alternative if you’re looking for a slightly different nutty flavor or accommodating a peanut allergy. Just be sure to use creamy almond butter to maintain the right dough consistency.

What if I don’t have toffee bits?

If you can’t find toffee bits, chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts work well too, adding a similar crunch and buttery flavor to your monster cookies.

Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats?

While quick oats give a softer texture, old-fashioned oats can be used if you prefer a heartier chew. Just remember the cookies may be a bit denser and chewier.

How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour. Double-check that your oats are certified gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.

Are these cookies suitable for freezing before baking?

Yes! You can scoop and freeze the raw dough balls on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake frozen dough balls by adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time for fresh cookies anytime.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a cookie that truly lives up to the name “monster,” I can’t recommend this Monster Cookies with Coconut Recipe enough. It’s a delicious mix of textures and flavors that feels like a warm hug in every bite. So gather your ingredients, have some fun baking, and share these gems with friends and family. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become one of your go-to cookie favorites.