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    Hummusapien » Recipes » Dessert » Healthy Monster Cookies

    ★★★★★ from 35 reviews

    Healthy Monster Cookies

    Published Dec 7, 2020 · Modified Dec 7, 2022 · by Alexis Joseph · 80 Comments

    Jump to Recipe

    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!

    plate of monster cookies

    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.
    stainless steel bowl of cookie dough

    Tools to make monster cookies

    1. Silicone baking mat: reusable and makes for the easiest clean up. I make roasted vegetables, cookies, and more on this!
    2. Cookie sheet: because everyone needs a few. This extra large one is the best!
    3. Cookie scoop: for easy cookie portioning. I use the scoop and then roll the dough into balls so they’re smooth.
    4. Hand mixer: less than $20 and my go-to appliance for mixing since I don’t have a stand mixer.
    5. Air tight container: my storage solution for just about everything.
    white plate of cookies with candies

    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
    hand holding two cookies

    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!

    Print
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    plate of monster cookies

    Healthy Monster Cookies Recipe

    ★★★★★ 5 from 35 reviews
    • Author: Alexis Joseph
    • 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
    Print Recipe
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    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

    Units Scale
    • 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

    1. 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.
    2. 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.
    3. 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.
    4. 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).

    Keywords: healthy monster cookies

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @hummusapien on Instagram. I love sharing what you make!

    About Alexis Joseph

    Oh HEY there! I'm Alexis Joseph, food writer, blogger, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), new mama, and co-founder of local restaurant group, Alchemy. I use my passion for cooking and wellness as fuel to help others ignite a more freeing and happy relationship with food. Learn more about Alexis!

    5 Secrets to Delish, Healthy Lunches

    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    1. Lisa says

      December 24, 2021 at 1:43 pm

      I told my husband I'd make him cookies today for Christmas Eve. These are on the agenda. Can't wait!

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        December 27, 2021 at 9:38 pm

        Yayyy let me know if you make!!

        Reply
    2. Shelley says

      December 21, 2021 at 7:43 pm

      These are so yummy!! I added them to my holiday rotation and they were gone before the classics! Definitely making these again 🤤

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        December 27, 2021 at 9:42 pm

        YESSSS

        Reply
    3. Robin says

      December 20, 2021 at 5:17 pm

      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!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        December 21, 2021 at 12:38 pm

        YAYYYYY me too!!! Aren't those drops the best?

        Reply
    4. Jillian says

      July 23, 2021 at 4:05 am

      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!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        July 27, 2021 at 7:13 pm

        Yayyy thanks, Jillian! I love that people are asking for the recipe. That's the best!

        Reply
    5. Cassie says

      April 23, 2021 at 7:49 pm

      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!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        April 24, 2021 at 12:30 pm

        Yesss thank you so much, Cassie!!

        Reply
    6. Rudi Assanie says

      March 21, 2021 at 5:43 pm

      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!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        March 22, 2021 at 6:47 pm

        Yayy!! You must try the snickerdoodles next!

        Reply
    7. Katie B says

      March 04, 2021 at 1:34 pm

      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!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        March 04, 2021 at 3:31 pm

        I love it, thanks Katie!!

        Reply
    8. Jessyca says

      February 07, 2021 at 5:55 pm

      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.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        February 08, 2021 at 6:34 pm

        Sounds perfect, glad that worked!

        Reply
    9. Cate Janac says

      February 01, 2021 at 8:46 pm

      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!

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        February 04, 2021 at 6:43 pm

        Fab!!

        Reply
    10. Kim Rodgers-Melnick says

      January 31, 2021 at 6:35 pm

      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. 🙂

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    11. Alyssa says

      January 20, 2021 at 10:08 pm

      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!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        January 29, 2021 at 3:43 pm

        I’m so glad they worked without a mixer, thanks for letting me know!

        Reply
    12. Mallory says

      December 26, 2020 at 4:25 pm

      These are soo good! Made two batches within a week of finding the recipe.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        December 27, 2020 at 5:04 pm

        Yayyy this is the best. Thank you so much, Mallory!

        Reply
    13. Molly says

      December 26, 2020 at 2:30 pm

      These were delicious! The peanut butter + coconut + chocolate combo is perfect. We made them with regular rolled oats without issue.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        December 27, 2020 at 5:05 pm

        Amazing, thank you Molly!! So glad regular oats worked--that's great to know.

        Reply
    14. Jackie says

      December 24, 2020 at 10:52 pm

      These were absolutely amazing! So quick and easy to make, and they taste delicious!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        December 24, 2020 at 11:27 pm

        Yayyyy thank you SO much, Jackie!!

        Reply
    15. Pamela says

      December 22, 2020 at 9:10 pm

      I’m very excited to try these but have a question... Will it completely ruin them to use liquid coconut oil?

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        December 22, 2020 at 9:15 pm

        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 :/

        Reply
    16. Colleen says

      December 21, 2020 at 6:04 pm

      Recipe is amazing! Welcome addition to my holiday cookie baking.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        December 21, 2020 at 8:56 pm

        Thank you so much, Colleen! Happy holiday baking 🙂

        Reply
    17. Tracy Sampson says

      December 21, 2020 at 1:18 pm

      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!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        December 21, 2020 at 2:26 pm

        Best news ever! I'm thrilled your son loved these, he's a lucky guy to have a mom like you 🙂

        Reply
    18. Claudine Seguin says

      December 21, 2020 at 12:23 pm

      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 😉

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        December 21, 2020 at 2:25 pm

        Yayy I love to hear that! Thank you so much, Claudine!

        Reply
    19. Carrie says

      December 20, 2020 at 10:48 pm

      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!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        December 20, 2020 at 10:52 pm

        Thick little pillow cookies--I love it! Thanks so much, Carrie!

        Reply
    20. Iz says

      December 20, 2020 at 8:45 pm

      Roommate approved!!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        December 20, 2020 at 10:54 pm

        Amazing, thanks so much!!

        Reply
    21. Marisa says

      December 20, 2020 at 5:21 pm

      Is it possible to mix by hand with a fork and some elbow grease? I don’t have a stand mixer or hand mixer.

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        December 20, 2020 at 6:33 pm

        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!

        Reply
    22. Valerie says

      December 19, 2020 at 6:09 am

      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!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        December 20, 2020 at 6:34 pm

        Yayyyy thank you tons, Valerie!! Best feedback 🙂 XO

        Reply
    23. Lauren McCabe says

      December 18, 2020 at 12:16 am

      Recipe was easy to follow and cookies were delicious! I highly recommend this recipe!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        December 18, 2020 at 12:34 am

        Amazing, thanks a ton for the feedback Lauren!

        Reply
    24. Kim says

      December 15, 2020 at 7:17 pm

      Delicious! Made these with my niece and nephew and they loved them too! Will definitely be making again.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        December 15, 2020 at 7:30 pm

        So sweet!! Thanks, Kim!

        Reply
    25. Jess says

      December 15, 2020 at 3:35 am

      So delicious!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        December 15, 2020 at 7:30 pm

        Thanks, Jess!

        Reply
    26. Bella says

      December 14, 2020 at 8:41 pm

      I only eat monster cookies when they are healthy! Thank goodness for these!! I made them on a Saturday and they were all gone by Sunday. Where would we be without Hummusapien?? These are the best😍

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    27. Jesse Miller says

      December 13, 2020 at 9:20 pm

      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 💞.

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        December 13, 2020 at 9:31 pm

        I'm so glad you loved them, Jesse!!

        Reply
    28. Laura says

      December 12, 2020 at 10:27 pm

      Soooo delicious!! The perfect soft cookie! Definitely plan on making these again...this batch won’t last long!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        December 12, 2020 at 11:55 pm

        Yayyy thank you so much, Laura!

        Reply
    29. Kay says

      December 10, 2020 at 8:45 pm

      Perfection! Best PB cookie recipe I’ve made! You wouldn’t ever guess these are GF and eggless!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        December 11, 2020 at 2:58 pm

        Yayyyy! High praise, thanks a ton Kay 🙂

        Reply
    30. Katie says

      December 10, 2020 at 3:35 pm

      WOW! these cookies are SO good!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        December 11, 2020 at 2:59 pm

        Yayyy thank you, Katie!!

        Reply
    31. Susan Dubose says

      December 10, 2020 at 8:50 am

      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.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        December 11, 2020 at 3:00 pm

        Wahoooo!!

        Reply
    32. Sandra says

      December 09, 2020 at 9:55 pm

      So good!!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        December 11, 2020 at 3:01 pm

        Thanks, Sandra!!

        Reply
    33. Sarah Stump says

      December 09, 2020 at 7:06 pm

      Great recipe! Easy to make :).

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        December 11, 2020 at 3:01 pm

        Wonderful!!

        Reply
    34. Megan Dunlap says

      December 09, 2020 at 1:48 am

      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!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        December 09, 2020 at 12:16 pm

        I love the idea of making bigger cookies! SO fun and true to the name 😉 Thanks for the sweet comment, Megan!

        Reply
    35. Emily says

      December 08, 2020 at 11:01 pm

      So delicious! I truly don’t even like coconut, and still loved this recipe. Will be making again and again for sure!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        December 09, 2020 at 12:33 pm

        That's so good to know! I know some people hate coconut, but there's something magical it does to the texture 🙂

        Reply
    36. Crystal says

      December 08, 2020 at 7:19 pm

      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 ❤️

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        December 09, 2020 at 12:34 pm

        Awww I'm so glad you two loved them!

        Reply
    37. Dana Rees says

      December 08, 2020 at 1:14 pm

      Love love love!!! They were just as described and my non-vegan family loves them, too!!!!❤️👌😘

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    38. Diana says

      December 08, 2020 at 7:29 am

      Can l we regular oat meal instead of quick oats?

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        December 08, 2020 at 6:47 pm

        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!

        Reply
      • Rachel says

        December 09, 2020 at 5:52 am

        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.

        ★★★★★

        Reply
        • Alexis Joseph says

          December 09, 2020 at 12:15 pm

          Thanks for the helpful feedback, Rachel.

          Reply
    39. Dylan says

      December 08, 2020 at 12:35 am

      So good! You can’t go wrong with these!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        December 09, 2020 at 12:31 pm

        Agreeeeee!!! Thanks, Dylan 🙂

        Reply
    40. Janelle says

      December 07, 2020 at 11:11 pm

      Five stars from everyone who ate them!!! SO GOOD.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    41. Kori says

      December 07, 2020 at 8:34 pm

      These look SO good!

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        December 07, 2020 at 11:10 pm

        I'm obsessed!!

        Reply

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