Christmas Monster Cookies (Naturally Flourless)
These Christmas Monster Cookies are soft, chewy, and loaded with old-fashioned oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and festive peanut candies, with a hint of cinnamon for cozy holiday flavor. This easy, flourless cookie recipe makes a generous batch, making it perfect for cookie swaps, holiday trays, or gifting. With their hearty texture and classic monster cookie taste, they’re a fun and nostalgic addition to any Christmas baking list.See recipe notes for gluten-free baking.
Equipment
- large baking sheets
- parchment paper
Ingredients
- 4 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 1/2 cups smooth peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated white sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup holiday blend peanut M&M's plus more for decorating
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover two or more large cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, toss together the oats and baking soda. In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream together the peanut butter and softened butter. Add the sugars and ground cinnamon and beat again.
- Add the eggs and vanilla; beat well. Pour in the oat mixture and mix on low speed until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips and candy pieces.
- Scoop about two tablespoons of dough per cookie and place on the prepared cookie sheets. Add a few extra peanut M&Ms on top of the cookies before baking, if desired. (This makes them pretty.)
- Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. Let the cookies stand on the cookie sheets until firm, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to wire racks and let them cool completely.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Notes
Peanut M&Ms: If you purchase one 10 oz. bag, you'll have enough candies for the 1 cup that gets mixed into the dough and extra for topping the cookies.
Gluten-Free Baking: This recipe is naturally flourless and can be made gluten-free with careful ingredient selection. For those who are gluten-intolerant or highly sensitive, be sure to use certified gluten-free oats and confirm that all ingredients - including baking soda, vanilla extract, chocolate chips, and candy-coated chocolates - are clearly labeled gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
While peanut M&Ms do not contain gluten ingredients according to the package, they may be produced in facilities that also process wheat. For a certified gluten-free alternative, UNREAL Dark Chocolate Peanut Gems are a great substitute and offer a similar look and flavor. They are available online and at Whole Foods Market.
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