If you’re on the hunt for a treat that’s pure fun in every bite yet layered with autumn comfort, Apple Monster Cookies might just steal your heart. These cookies are loaded with everything you want in a hearty, whimsical homemade cookie: chewy oats, gooey peanut butter, sweet bursts of chocolate and colorful M&Ms, all balanced by the tender tartness of fresh apples. They’re perfect for a bake sale, your next party, or simple family snacking—and with their colorful, chunky appearance, no one can resist their monster appeal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For Apple Monster Cookies, you won’t find any complicated or hard-to-pronounce ingredients—just trusty classics that come together to create a magical combination. Each ingredient plays its part in the ultimate cookie experience, bringing flavor, moisture, and that signature soft-chewy bite.
- Unsalted butter, 1 cup (softened): The base of the dough for a rich, tender crumb and creamy texture.
- Creamy peanut butter, 1 cup: Brings nutty depth and extra chewiness, plus that unmistakable comfort-food flavor.
- Granulated sugar, 1 cup: For sweetness and classic cookie structure.
- Packed brown sugar, 1 cup: Adds moisture, softness, and a touch of caramel flavor.
- Large eggs, 3: They bind everything together and add richness for a lush, satisfying bite.
- Vanilla extract, 1 tsp: This brings a rounded, warm note that ties all the flavors together.
- Quick oats, 4 1/2 cups: The soul of monster cookies, oats add hearty chew and rustic texture.
- Baking soda, 2 tsp: Keeps your cookies delightfully soft and lifted.
- Salt, 1/2 tsp: Just enough to brighten the sweetness and enhance all the flavors.
- All-purpose flour, 1 cup: Provides just the right amount of structure without making things heavy.
- Chopped apples (peeled), 1 1/2 cups: Choose tart apples for a bright, juicy pop in every bite—so good with peanut butter and chocolate!
- Mini M&M candies, 1 cup: For those signature monster cookie pops of color and playful crunch.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 cup: Melty pockets of chocolate make every cookie irresistible.
How to Make Apple Monster Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F so it’s the perfect temperature by the time your dough is ready. Line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your Apple Monster Cookies come off easily and look gorgeous.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy—this step infuses your cookies with that classic chewy softness you love.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract for that warming, bakery-fresh aroma and depth of flavor.
Step 4: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the quick oats, baking soda, salt, and all-purpose flour together. This step evenly distributes the leavening and salt, so your cookies bake up perfectly every time.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry oat mixture to your creamy wet ingredients, mixing gently until everything just comes together. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps your cookies tender and soft.
Step 6: Fold in the Extras
Gently fold in the chopped apples, mini M&Ms, and semi-sweet chocolate chips. The apple chunks add juicy bursts of flavor, while the candies and chocolate ensure every bite is a little celebration.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Drop heaping tablespoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between cookies. Bake for 10–12 minutes, just until the edges are lightly golden. Don’t worry if they seem a bit soft in the center—they’ll firm up perfectly as they cool.
Step 8: Cooling
Allow your Apple Monster Cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set without overbaking, ensuring a dreamy, chewy texture.
How to Serve Apple Monster Cookies
Garnishes
For a playful finishing touch, you can press a few extra M&Ms or chocolate chips on top of each cookie right after baking. A light dusting of cinnamon-sugar never hurts, especially if you want to amplify those cozy fall flavors. If you’re a nut lover, add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts for some extra crunch and a twist.
Side Dishes
These cookies are absolutely magical with a tall glass of cold milk—classic, but so satisfying. They also pair beautifully with hot apple cider, chai lattes, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a full-on dessert experience. If you’re packing them for lunchboxes or parties, add crisp apple slices or grapes for a fresh, fruity balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Apple Monster Cookies look fantastic simply stacked high on a platter, but you can make them the star of any party by arranging them in a cookie “pizza” shape or stacking them on a cake stand. Tying a few together in cellophane bags with a cute ribbon makes for perfect homemade gifts, especially during autumn or for Halloween gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Apple Monster Cookies will keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you live somewhere humid, pop a slice of bread into the container to help maintain their soft, chewy texture (the bread will get stale, the cookies stay fresh—cookie magic!).
Freezing
These cookies freeze like a dream. Once they’re completely cool, just layer them between sheets of parchment or wax paper in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months, so you’re never more than a few minutes away from a monster cookie craving fix.
Reheating
If you love a warm, gooey cookie, zap a frozen or room-temperature Apple Monster Cookie in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. The apple bits and chocolate chips turn lusciously melty, making the cookies taste freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats?
Quick oats give Apple Monster Cookies their signature chewy-yet-soft texture, but if you only have old-fashioned oats, pulse them a few times in the food processor before using. This helps the dough hold together and bake up evenly.
What kind of apples work best in these cookies?
Tart varieties like Granny Smith lend a fresh, tangy contrast to the sweetness of the dough and the chocolate add-ins. If you prefer a sweeter apple, try Honeycrisp or Fuji—they’ll still bake up beautifully.
Can I make Apple Monster Cookies nut-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the peanut butter with sunbutter or your favorite nut-free spread. Double check your other ingredients for cross-contamination if you’re baking for someone with allergies.
How do I keep apples from making the cookies soggy?
Chop the apples finely, and if they seem especially juicy, pat them dry with a paper towel before folding into the dough. The oats in the recipe also do a great job of absorbing a bit of extra moisture for perfect texture.
Is it possible to make these cookies smaller or larger?
Of course! For bite-size cookies, use a teaspoon to scoop smaller portions and reduce the baking time a bit. For bakery-style giant cookies, use a large ice cream scoop and add an extra minute or two to the bake. Just keep an eye on the edges for doneness.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re baking them for a family gathering, classroom treat, or just to fill your kitchen with happiness, Apple Monster Cookies are the kind of nostalgic, laugh-out-loud fun dessert everyone will remember. With their perfect blend of sweet, tart, chewy, and chocolatey, you’re bound to fall in love—so grab those apples and let the cookie magic begin!
Print
Apple Monster Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Apple Monster Cookies are a delightful twist on classic monster cookies, packed with chopped apples, mini M&M candies, and chocolate chips. They are perfect for fall baking or any time you want a fun and tasty treat.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 1/2 cups quick oats
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
Mix-ins:
- 1 1/2 cups chopped apples (peeled)
- 1 cup mini M&M candies
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheets: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and mix well.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together oats, baking soda, salt, and flour.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
- Add mix-ins: Gently fold in chopped apples, M&Ms, and chocolate chips.
- Bake: Drop heaping tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool and enjoy: Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice contrast with the sweet cookie.
- You can also add 1/2 cup chopped nuts for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
