Monster Cookies without Peanut Butter

I think one of my favorite cookies is the monster cookie. You know, the peanut butter, oats, m&m’s and chocolate chips in an irresistible chewy cookie! It is such a crowd pleaser. I don’t think I have met anyone who took a bite out of a monster cookie and didn’t love it. And I always find a monster cookie recipe very forgiving. You kind of just mix up all of the ingredients in a mixer and scoop onto baking sheets and bake. It’s simple and hard to mess up. I bake a lot with my kids and this is also a great one to make with kids. The colorful m&m’s make it seem more fun.

However, sometimes you need a nut-free cookie, whether it be for an allergy or for a party or school function and you didn’t want to have to worry about there being nuts in the cookies. Enter this monster cookie without peanut butter.

This recipe is that same AMAZING monster cookie taste, but made without any peanut butter! And this is also made without any kind of nut or seed butter. It’s completely nut-free. And to be honest, you don’t notice because you still get that chewy flavor and really great taste that you get with a monster cookie!

The ingredients you will need:

• white sugar

• dark brown sugar

• unsalted butter

• pure vanilla extract

• eggs

• quick cooking oats

• all-purpose flour

• baking soda

• salt

• M&M’s

• semi-sweet chocolate chips (mini or regular sized both work)

I personally think these are perfect for a party, such as a birthday party and it will make about 40-45 cookies, so it’s great for a crowd. If I ever need a cookie for a crowd, this is one of my go-to’s. And if you have leftovers, the baked cookies freeze really well. You can put in the freezer for up to 4 months. Just thaw and enjoy.

If you make these monster cookies without peanut butter and share it, be sure to tag me @urban.apron so I can see your creations. I love connecting.

Monster Cookies Without Peanut Butter

• 1 cup white sugar

• 1 cup dark brown sugar

• 1 cup (two sticks) unsalted butter

• 1/2 Tablespoon pure vanilla extract

• 3 eggs

• 4 cups oats (I prefer the quick cooking oats for this cookie)

• 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons baking soda

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 1/2 cups M&M’s (I use one 10-ounce bag)

• 1 cup mini chocolate chips (regular size also works!)

Instructions:

1. Beat the sugars with the butter until creamy. Add in the eggs and vanilla and mix.

2. Slowly add in the oats and flour until combine, also add in the baking soda and salt and combine.

3. Mix in the M&M’s and chocolate chips.

4. Put tablespoon size dough balls on baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

5. Bake at 350 degrees for about 11-13 minutes! (I check the cookies around 11 minutes and then bake 1-2 minutes longer depending on how golden brown the edges are). Bake until edges are golden and middle appears baked. Take out and let cool on the sheet for 5-10 minutes!