Gluten-Free Monster Cookies are the ultimate treat for cookie lovers who want all the fun and flavor without the gluten. Packed with creamy peanut butter, chewy oats, chocolate chips, and colorful M&Ms, these cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with sweetness in every bite. Perfect for anyone with gluten sensitivities or Coeliac disease, this recipe proves that gluten-free desserts can be just as indulgent and delicious as traditional ones.
Easy to make in under 40 minutes, these cookies are customizable with your favorite mix-ins like nuts, coconut, or dried fruit, making them a family favorite for every occasion.
Table of Contents
What is Gluten-Free Monster Cookies?
Gluten-Free Monster Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic monster cookie, specifically designed to be enjoyed by those with gluten sensitivities or Coeliac disease. These cookies retain all the fun and deliciousness of the original, boasting a chewy texture and a mix of sweet and salty flavors, but they use gluten-free ingredients like gluten-free oat flour blend to achieve this.
Packed with peanut butter, chocolate chips, colorful M&M’s, and often oats, these cookies are a true monster of flavor! They’re soft, chewy, and incredibly satisfying. Plus, they’re super easy to customize with your favorite add-ins. Forget bland gluten-free desserts – these cookies are guaranteed to impress! Gather your ingredients and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible Gluten-Free Monster Cookies today!
Key Ingredients for Gluten-Free Monster Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Butter provides richness and helps create a tender texture in the cookies. Make sure it’s softened for easy creaming.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a crispy edge on the cookies.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: Adds moisture, chewiness, and a caramel-like flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the other ingredients.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: Contributes to the chewy texture and adds a nutty flavor. Use smooth peanut butter for best results.
- 3 cups gluten-free oat flour blend: Provides the structure for the cookies. Be sure to use a blend labelled as “gluten free.”
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and creates a light and airy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate): Adds a classic chocolatey flavor.
- 1 cup M&Ms (or other chocolate candies): Adds a pop of color and extra sweetness.
- 1 cup gluten-free rolled oats: Adds texture and a slight nutty flavor.
- Optional: Flaked unsweetened coconut, chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or other desired mix-ins (ensure these are gluten-free)
How to Make Gluten-Free Monster Cookies:
These Gluten-Free Monster Cookies are surprisingly easy to make! They’re a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising on gluten-free needs. Simply mix wet and dry ingredients, fold in the fun additions like chocolate chips and M&M’s, and bake until golden brown.
One of the best things about this dish is they are easy to enjoy anywhere with friends and family. Grab all ingredients and you can have this done in just 40 minutes! These cookies can be done in just 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the cookies.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Ensure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Mix in Peanut Butter: Add the peanut butter and mix until well combined. The mixture may become slightly thick.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the Gluten-Free oat flour blend, baking soda, and salt. Thoroughly combining these ingredients ensures even distribution throughout the cookies.
- Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure all ingredients are incorporated.
- Fold in Mix-Ins: Fold in the chocolate chips, M&Ms, and rolled oats (and any other desired mix-ins) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Drop by Rounded Tablespoons: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. Be sure to keep an eye on the cookies, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This crucial step allows the cookies to firm up, making them easier to handle. Serve and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Gluten-Free Monster Cookies:
You are sure to love this Gluten-Free Monster Cookie recipe for many reasons starting with these cookies being a flavor explosion in every bite because the combination of peanut butter, chocolate, and oats creates a symphony of sweet and salty flavors that everyone will find irresistible. Another amazing characteristic about this recipe is it is a budget-friendly dessert at home, as these cookies are significantly cheaper to make than buying pre-made gluten-free cookies from the store.
Lastly, this dish gives everyone amazing freedom of ingredient choices as these offer lots of room to customize with your favourite candies, nuts, or dried fruits. If you enjoy peanut butter and chocolate combinations, you also can try Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Blossoms! Give these Gluten-Free Monster Cookies a try and experience the joy of baking!
What to Serve Gluten-Free Monster Cookies With:
- Glass of Cold Milk: A classic pairing that perfectly complements the sweetness of the cookies.
- Iced Coffee: A refreshing and energizing beverage to enjoy with your cookies, especially on a warm day.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Create a delicious cookie sundae for an extra special treat.
- Fruit Salad: Add a touch of freshness and balance the sweetness with a colorful fruit salad.
- Hot Chocolate: A comforting and indulgent pairing, especially during the colder months.
Top Tips for Perfecting Gluten-Free Monster Cookies:
- Use Softened Butter: Softened butter is crucial for achieving a creamy and light texture in the cookies. The butter should be soft enough to easily cream with the sugars, but not melted.
- Measure Gluten-Free Oat Flour Blend Accurately: Gluten-free flours can be tricky, so be sure to measure accurately. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid packing it in.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can develop the gluten (even in gluten-free flour), resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): Chilling the dough for 30 minutes or longer can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
- Adjust Baking Time: Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Keep an eye on the cookies and adjust the baking time as needed. The edges should be golden brown and the centers should be set.
- Substitute Sweeteners: If you prefer a less sweet cookie, you can reduce the amount of sugar slightly or substitute part of the granulated sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup (adjust liquid accordingly).
- Adjust Mix-Ins: Swap chocolate chips with white chocolate chips, etc.
- Avoid Cold Ingredients: Using cold ingredients especially eggs can prevent the ingredients to emulsify properly resulting in a lumpy mixture.
Health Benefits of Gluten-Free Monster Cookies:
While cookies are generally enjoyed as a treat, these Gluten-Free Monster Cookies can offer some health benefits too, depending on the ingredients you choose. Using gluten-free oat flour blend makes them suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or Celiac disease. Oats, themselves, are a good source of fiber, which supports digestive health.
Peanut butter provides a boost of protein and healthy fats, and using dark chocolate chips can offer antioxidant benefits. Using nuts and seeds into your recipe can add protein and healthy fats. Adding fibre helps with digestion, weight management and cholesterol which is great benefit for Gluten-Free Monster Cookies!
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Storing:
- Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. To maintain optimal freshness, they are best stored under dry conditions.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating:
- Room Temperature: If the cookies are frozen, thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
- Oven: To warm the cookies, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and bake for a few minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Place a cookie on a microwave-safe plate and heat.
Final Thoughts:
Whether you’re gluten-free or simply looking for a fun and delicious cookie recipe, these Gluten-Free Monster Cookies are a guaranteed hit! The explosion of flavors and textures, combined with the ease of preparation, makes them the perfect treat for any occasion. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your mix-ins and make them your own! Happy baking!
Read also :
- Pumpkin Cream Cheese Loaf Recipe
- Apple Crisp Without Oats
- Gluten Free Apple Crisp
- Tasty Low Sugar Pumpkin Bread
- Pumpkin Protein Bread (Gluten Free)
- More in Pinterest
Gluten-Free Monster Cookies Faqs:
Q: Can I use a different type of nut butter?
A: Yes, feel free to substitute with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter. However, keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different.
Q: Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
A: Yes, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative. Also, be sure to use dairy-free chocolate chips.
Q: Can I add other mix-ins?
A: Absolutely! Get creative and add your favorite candies, nuts, dried fruits, or sprinkles.
Q: Why are my cookies flat?
A: This can happen if the butter is too soft or if the dough is overmixed. To prevent this, make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and don’t overmix the dough. Chilling the dough before baking can also help.
Q: Why are my cookies dry?
A: This can happen if you use too much flour or if you overbake the cookies. Be sure to measure your flour accurately and don’t overbake the cookies. They should be golden brown around the edges and slightly soft in the center.
Q: Can I make these cookies in advance?
A: Yes, you can make the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also freeze the dough for longer storage.
Q: How do I keep my Gluten-Free Monster Cookies soft?
A: Store the Gluten-Free Monster Cookies in an airtight container. Adding a slice of bread to the container can also help maintain their freshness.
Gluten-Free Monster Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (3-5 minutes).
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Mix in the peanut butter until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together gluten-free oat flour blend, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips, M&Ms, rolled oats, and any optional mix-ins.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto baking sheets, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are golden brown and centers are set.
- Cool cookies on baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.