If you’re looking for a cookie that’s playful, chewy, and packed with irresistible flavor, Apple Monster Cookies are about to become your new favorite treat. These cookies blend the classic comfort of peanut butter and oats with the sweet crunch of diced apples, all studded with mini chocolate chips, colorful M&M’s, and, if you’re feeling festive, a pair of candy eyes peering out from each bite. They’re a crowd-pleaser for both kids and grown-ups, perfect for fall gatherings or whenever you crave a whimsical, homemade dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Apple Monster Cookies come together with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, each playing a starring role in creating their signature taste and chunky, chewy texture. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why you don’t want to skip a thing!
- Unsalted butter, softened: Creates a rich, tender base and helps the cookies spread perfectly.
- Creamy peanut butter: Adds nutty depth and a chewy, satisfying bite.
- Light brown sugar, packed: Brings moisture and a hint of caramelly sweetness.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the brown sugar and helps with crisp edges.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together for a cohesive, moist cookie.
- Vanilla extract: Lends that classic bakery aroma and warmth.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure to hold up all the delicious mix-ins.
- Baking soda: Ensures just the right amount of lift and tenderness.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances every flavor.
- Old-fashioned oats: Give the cookies their hearty chew and rustic texture.
- Quick oats: Soak up moisture and keep the cookies from spreading too thin.
- Medium apple, peeled and finely diced: Adds juicy, fresh bursts and a pop of fall flavor.
- Mini chocolate chips: Distribute melty chocolate in every bite without overpowering.
- Mini M&M’s: Bring color, crunch, and a playful twist.
- Chopped peanuts or walnuts (optional): For extra crunch and nutty flavor, if you love a little texture.
- Candy eyes for decorating (optional): Make these true “monster” cookies, especially fun for parties.
How to Make Apple Monster Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your Apple Monster Cookies bake evenly and release easily. This step is essential for that classic chewy-on-the-inside, crisp-on-the-edges cookie texture.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale. This creamy base will set the stage for the rich, chewy cookie we all crave.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mixing thoroughly at this stage ensures your cookies will hold together perfectly, and the vanilla adds that irresistible homemade aroma.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This quick step prevents clumps and helps the baking soda disperse evenly, giving every cookie just the right lift.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Stir in both types of oats, then gently fold in the diced apple, mini chocolate chips, M&M’s, and optional nuts. You’ll notice the dough is thick and packed with goodies—just as Apple Monster Cookies should be!
Step 6: Portion and Decorate
Scoop heaping tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. If you’re going for the full monster effect, gently press a pair of candy eyes into the top of each dough ball. This is a fun step for kids to help with, too!
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are just set but still a little soft. Every oven is different, so keep an eye on them during the last couple of minutes—they should look slightly underdone in the center for the chewiest results.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set up to the perfect texture and makes them easy to handle without breaking.
How to Serve Apple Monster Cookies
Garnishes
For a playful touch, sprinkle extra mini M&M’s or chocolate chips on top of the warm cookies right after baking. If you’re making these for a Halloween party or a kids’ event, the candy eyes are a must—they instantly turn your Apple Monster Cookies into grinning, friendly monsters that everyone will want to devour.
Side Dishes
Pair your cookies with cold glasses of milk, mugs of hot apple cider, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat. The combination of creamy, warm, and chewy makes Apple Monster Cookies a delightful finish to any meal or a standout snack on their own.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the cookies on a festive platter, or wrap a few in clear cellophane with colorful ribbon for adorable party favors or lunchbox surprises. For a cookie platter, alternate Apple Monster Cookies with classic chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin for a fun, colorful spread that highlights their unique character.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Apple Monster Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delightfully chewy for up to five days, making them perfect for lunchboxes, after-school treats, or midnight snacking.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later (or make a big batch ahead of time), these cookies freeze beautifully. Simply let them cool completely, then layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep their chewy texture and bold flavor for up to three months.
Reheating
For that fresh-from-the-oven experience, warm a cookie in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. This brings the chocolate chips back to their melty glory and gives the apple bits a warm, comforting softness—just like the day you baked them.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! While firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith are ideal for their texture and tartness, you can experiment with your favorite varieties. Just make sure the apple is crisp so it holds up during baking and doesn’t make the cookies soggy.
Are Apple Monster Cookies gluten-free?
As written, this recipe uses all-purpose flour and regular oats, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats to make them suitable for gluten-free diets.
Can I make these nut-free?
Yes! Substitute sunflower seed butter for the peanut butter and skip the chopped nuts. The cookies will still be delicious, chewy, and kid-friendly for classrooms or events with nut allergies.
How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?
If you notice your cookies spreading thin, make sure your butter isn’t too warm and don’t skip chilling the dough for 15–20 minutes if your kitchen is very warm. The oats and apple add moisture, so chilling can help keep them thick and chewy.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! This recipe scales up beautifully, so feel free to double (or even triple) the batch for bake sales, parties, or to stock your freezer. Just bake in batches so each cookie has room to spread out on the baking sheet.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about Apple Monster Cookies—they’re playful, packed with flavor, and an absolute joy to share. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just to treat yourself, give these cookies a try and watch them disappear faster than you can say “monster!” Happy baking!
Print
Apple Monster Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Apple Monster Cookies are chewy, festive oatmeal cookies packed with diced apples, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and colorful mini M&M’s. These kid-friendly treats combine the natural sweetness of apples with the rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate, perfect for fall or any fun occasion.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup quick oats
Add-ins
- 1 medium apple, peeled and finely diced (preferably Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 1 1/4 cups mini chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup mini M&M’s
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts or walnuts (optional)
- Candy eyes for decorating (optional, for a festive touch)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, peanut butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, ensuring proper incorporation for a tender cookie.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until fully combined, creating a smooth and uniform batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just incorporated to avoid overworking the dough.
- Add Oats and Mix-ins: Stir in the old-fashioned oats and quick oats, then fold in the diced apple, mini chocolate chips, mini M&M’s, and chopped nuts if using to evenly distribute all add-ins throughout the dough.
- Scoop Dough: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Decorate Cookies: If desired, gently press candy eyes onto the top of each dough ball for a fun and festive monster look.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the centers are set yet still soft. Monitor closely to avoid overbaking.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps maintain their chewy texture.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture and tartness that balances the sweetness.
- These cookies freeze well; store in an airtight container or freezer bag to maintain freshness and chewiness.
- Omitting candy eyes creates a more classic cookie suitable for any occasion.
- For nut allergies, omit the chopped peanuts or walnuts without compromising overall flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
