Healthy Monster Cookies are a wholesome spin on the classic! Made with almond flour, oats, peanut butter and packed with chocolate! Such a satisfying holiday cookie. Gluten free and vegan!
The cookie monster is here!!
Ok ok ok. These monster cookies are next level. I've been on a monster cookie kick, trying every recipe in sight, so at this point I think I know my stuff. I used my Peanut Butter Cup Cookies as the base and then added the classic additions!
They turned out exactly as I'd hoped! Crispy edges, soft in the middle, perfectly sweet, and irresistibly delish.
Ingredients tips and substitutions
What is a monster cookie, you ask? The batter is made with a combination of flour, oats, peanut butter, and fun add ins like coconut, chocolate chips, candy pieces, and sometimes nuts.
- Almond flour: The base of this dough is my favorite combo of super fine blanched almond and oat flour for optimal texture and flavor. I get three pound bags at Costco for about $12—crazy good deal! Most store brands now sell almond flour, like ALDI and Kroger’s Simple Truth brand. For more everyday flours (not gluten-free), you can use my Peanut Butter Blossoms as the base.
- Oat flour: You can find this under Bob's Red Mill brand at pretty much any grocery store these days. Or make your own at home by grinding old-fashioned oats in the blender until you reach a fine powder. Use certified gluten free if needed!
- Coconut oil: We’re using solid coconut oil for the fat here, which is buttery and delish. Don’t melt it! Use refined for zero coconut flavor. I suppose you may be able to use butter or non-dairy buttery spread but I haven't tried this myself.
- Peanut butter: We’ve got ⅓ cup of creamy salted peanut butter (I get the Kirkland brand at Costco) for stupendous pb flavor. It should be drippy and easily pour into the measuring cup. I never refrigerate it!
- Coconut sugar: For sweetness, structure, and moisture! Ahhh, the power of sugar. I imagine brown sugar would also work here. I have not tested this recipe with maple syrup or granulated sugar.
- Add ins: Candy pieces, chocolate chips, and coconut! Go wild here. You can use your favorite chocolate bar or whatever you have on hand. What makes them fun is the difference in flavors and textures.
Tools to make monster cookies
- Silicone baking mat: reusable and makes for the easiest clean up. I make roasted vegetables, cookies, and more on this!
- Cookie sheet: because everyone needs a few. This extra large one is the best!
- Cookie scoop: for easy cookie portioning. I use the scoop and then roll the dough into balls so they’re smooth.
- Hand mixer: less than $20 and my go-to appliance for mixing since I don’t have a stand mixer.
- Air tight container: my storage solution for just about everything.
Storage tips
This recipe yields about 20 cookies. I doubt they'll last on the counter for long, but you can keep them sealed on the counter for about four days. After that, you can refrigerate them.
Can you freeze cookies?
Yes! Freeze in an even layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer baggie and freeze for up to 3 months.
You can also freeze unbaked dough and bake from frozen. Just add two extra minutes to the baking time.
More holiday treats to love
- Perfect Vegan and Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Vegan Ginger Molasses Cookies
- Vegan Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
- Coconut Oil Chocolate Chip Cookies with Pomegranate
If you make these healthy monster cookies, please let me know by leaving a comment and star rating. I’m so grateful for your feedback!
PrintHealthy Monster Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 11 min
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Healthy Monster cookies are a wholesome spin on the classic! Made with almond flour, oats, peanut butter and packed with chocolate goodness! Gluten free and vegan.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups almond flour
- ½ cup quick oats (certified GF if needed)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- ⅔ cup coconut sugar
- ¼ cup solid coconut oil, not melted
- ⅓ cup natural salted peanut butter*
- 3 tbsp non-dairy milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup semi sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup milk chocolate candies (I used Trader Joe's chocolate drops, can use M&Ms)
- ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line one large or two regular cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mat. In a mixing bowl, whisk together almond flour, oats, baking soda, and salt.
- Add coconut oil, coconut sugar, peanut butter, vanilla extract, and milk. Cream together using a hand mixer or a stand mixer until dough comes together into large, moist crumbles that easily form a dough. Use a wooden spoon to fold in chocolate chips, candies, and coconut.
- Use a cookie scoop to roll dough into round balls, using about 2 tbsp of dough each. Place cookies evenly on baking sheets 2 inches apart. Press any remaining candies at the bottom of the bowl onto cookie tops. For flatter cookies, you can gently press down each cookie with the palm of your hand (they won't spread much while baking). The photographed cookies were not pressed.
- Bake for 11-12 minutes. Let cookies cool for 15 minutes on baking sheet. Store cooled cookies at room temperature in an air tight container for up to four days before transferring to the refrigerator.
Notes
*Use natural, drippy peanut butter (just peanuts and salt for ingredients).
Alexis Joseph says
YESSSS
Lisa says
I told my husband I'd make him cookies today for Christmas Eve. These are on the agenda. Can't wait!
Alexis Joseph says
Yayyy let me know if you make!!
Robin says
These are one of my favorites! I have to keep TJ drops in the truck so I don't sneak a few ~ lol These are a MUST try and you wont be sorry!
Alexis Joseph says
YAYYYYY me too!!! Aren't those drops the best?
Jillian says
Quickest, easiest cookies. Ever. So tasty. I never leave a gathering with even 1 leftover. No one even notices they’re vegan. Friends/family always ask for the recipe!!
Alexis says
Yayyy thanks, Jillian! I love that people are asking for the recipe. That's the best!
Cassie says
So quick and easy. Love the healthier swaps for an otherwise rich cookie. Nice crunch on the outside and soft and chewy in the inside. The kiddos loved them, too. These will definitely be on repeat at our house!
Alexis Joseph says
Yesss thank you so much, Cassie!!
Rudi Assanie says
These cookies are delicious and come together so quickly. I have made them several time and my family loves them. Also feels good that they have several healthy ingredients!
Alexis Joseph says
Yayy!! You must try the snickerdoodles next!
Katie B says
Super tasty! I didn't have chocolate drops so I subbed in sea salt caramel chips and the result was heavenly! I also used regular rolled oats and it still worked great! Definitely going to keep this recipe around! Thanks you!
Alexis Joseph says
I love it, thanks Katie!!
Jessyca says
These were delicious! I used Monk fruit sugar instead of coconut sugar and omitted the shredded coconut. The Trader Joe’s candies aren’t vegan, but I’ll leave those out next time so I can share with my vegan friends.
Alexis Joseph says
Sounds perfect, glad that worked!
Cate Janac says
Loved them! My brother that typically doesn’t like my “healthy” recipes was devouring these. The coconut oil gave them such a great flavor. I only added dark choc as an add in but still amazing. I will definetely be making these again!
Alexis Joseph says
Fab!!
Kim Rodgers-Melnick says
HIT THE SPOT! I used to be obsessed with these cookies at my on-campus cafe in college. Haven't had them in years, and this recipe was JUST what I was craving. Perfect consistency, 5 stars from the hubs too. 🙂
Alyssa says
These turned out so good!
Couple of things:
I have no mixer so I used softened but not melted coconut oil and it turned out fine.
I put the oats through a food processor once. I am not personally a fan of a lot of oat texture so I softened it up a bit.
Used cashew butter.
Pressed my cookies so they are flatter. Just a personal preference!
Alexis Joseph says
I’m so glad they worked without a mixer, thanks for letting me know!
Mallory says
These are soo good! Made two batches within a week of finding the recipe.
Alexis Joseph says
Yayyy this is the best. Thank you so much, Mallory!
Molly says
These were delicious! The peanut butter + coconut + chocolate combo is perfect. We made them with regular rolled oats without issue.
Alexis Joseph says
Amazing, thank you Molly!! So glad regular oats worked--that's great to know.
Jackie says
These were absolutely amazing! So quick and easy to make, and they taste delicious!
Alexis Joseph says
Yayyyy thank you SO much, Jackie!!
Pamela says
I’m very excited to try these but have a question... Will it completely ruin them to use liquid coconut oil?
Alexis Joseph says
Hi! You're creaming solid fat with sugar so melted won't work. I have never tried these besides how the recipe was written so I can't vouch for the results :/
Colleen says
Recipe is amazing! Welcome addition to my holiday cookie baking.
Alexis Joseph says
Thank you so much, Colleen! Happy holiday baking 🙂
Tracy Sampson says
I made these cookies for my grown son who has to be gluten free and dairy free. They are fantastic! Used GF oats and the Enjoy Life mini chocolate chips b/c they are dairy free (and you’d never know!) The almond flour and unsweetened coconut add a perfect texture. Thanks for a winner recipe!
Alexis Joseph says
Best news ever! I'm thrilled your son loved these, he's a lucky guy to have a mom like you 🙂
Claudine Seguin says
Super easy and delicious:) my family loved them. The nice thing about these cookies too - is they were very satisfying- so you won’t feel like eating the whole batch 😉
Alexis Joseph says
Yayy I love to hear that! Thank you so much, Claudine!
Carrie says
These are so easy to put together! It's also fun to mix up the add ins depending on your cravings! I love a thick little pillow cookie and these fit that mold!!
Alexis Joseph says
Thick little pillow cookies--I love it! Thanks so much, Carrie!
Iz says
Roommate approved!!!
Alexis Joseph says
Amazing, thanks so much!!
Marisa says
Is it possible to mix by hand with a fork and some elbow grease? I don’t have a stand mixer or hand mixer.
Alexis Joseph says
Hmmm I cannot say for sure because I've only made these as written! I'd hate to say yes and then they don't turn out. My best advice is to google monster cookie recipes, look at the methods, and see what comes up most 🙂 That's what I like to do when I'm in a bind with equipment!
Valerie says
Made these today and they are INCREDIBLE!! Love the combo of flavors and a little bit of salty-sweet from the PB and choc mix... will be coming back to this one for sure!!
Alexis Joseph says
Yayyyy thank you tons, Valerie!! Best feedback 🙂 XO
Lauren McCabe says
Recipe was easy to follow and cookies were delicious! I highly recommend this recipe!
Alexis Joseph says
Amazing, thanks a ton for the feedback Lauren!
Kim says
Delicious! Made these with my niece and nephew and they loved them too! Will definitely be making again.
Alexis Joseph says
So sweet!! Thanks, Kim!
Jess says
So delicious!
Alexis Joseph says
Thanks, Jess!
Jesse Miller says
I was so pleased with these cookies! Being someone who gluten, dairy, and soy free I’ve had a hard time finding good recipes that still taste delicious. However this is one of them and I cannot wait to make them again 💞.
Alexis Joseph says
I'm so glad you loved them, Jesse!!
Laura says
Soooo delicious!! The perfect soft cookie! Definitely plan on making these again...this batch won’t last long!
Alexis Joseph says
Yayyy thank you so much, Laura!
Kay says
Perfection! Best PB cookie recipe I’ve made! You wouldn’t ever guess these are GF and eggless!
Alexis Joseph says
Yayyyy! High praise, thanks a ton Kay 🙂
Katie says
WOW! these cookies are SO good!
Alexis Joseph says
Yayyy thank you, Katie!!
Susan Dubose says
These are so nice! I made these for my brother to take to his school. He said everyone loved them. I’ll be making these again, for sure. Thank you.
Alexis Joseph says
Wahoooo!!
Sandra says
So good!!!
Alexis Joseph says
Thanks, Sandra!!
Sarah Stump says
Great recipe! Easy to make :).
Alexis Joseph says
Wonderful!!
Megan Dunlap says
Heck Yum!!
These are so delish! I made a batch this evening. After seeing you post about them last week, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about them, so it had to be done! I formed mine larger and ended up with 12... so they are truly MONSTERS, and I have no regrets. My husband was like a little kid, waiting for them to cool enough to eat. They’re amazing. All thumbs up from here!
Alexis Joseph says
I love the idea of making bigger cookies! SO fun and true to the name 😉 Thanks for the sweet comment, Megan!
Emily says
So delicious! I truly don’t even like coconut, and still loved this recipe. Will be making again and again for sure!
Alexis Joseph says
That's so good to know! I know some people hate coconut, but there's something magical it does to the texture 🙂
Crystal says
We loved these so much! Had a sweet time making them with my 3 yr old! I’m so thankful you mentioned the dye free m&m’s!!! Perfect for my special needs child. This was so simple to put together and really tasted so yummy! Thank you ❤️
Alexis Joseph says
Awww I'm so glad you two loved them!
Dana Rees says
Love love love!!! They were just as described and my non-vegan family loves them, too!!!!❤️👌😘
Diana says
Can l we regular oat meal instead of quick oats?
Alexis Joseph says
I have only tried with quick oats! Maybe give them a quick blitz in the food food processor? I'd say it would probably be fine...they may have a heartier texture, but let me know if you try it!
Rachel says
I made them with regular oats instead of quick. The texture is more similar to an oatmeal cookie but the flavor is delicious! Next time i will buy quick oats or pulse the oats beforehand.
Alexis Joseph says
Thanks for the helpful feedback, Rachel.
Dylan says
So good! You can’t go wrong with these!
Alexis Joseph says
Agreeeeee!!! Thanks, Dylan 🙂
Kori says
These look SO good!
Alexis Joseph says
I'm obsessed!!