Description
No-Bake Monster Cookies are a simple and delicious treat featuring a chewy peanut butter and oat base studded with colorful M&M’s, topped with a smooth chocolate ganache. Perfect for when you want a quick, no-oven-required dessert that’s bursting with texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons butter, softened
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
- 6 tablespoons quick cooking oats, pulsed in food processor
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups quick cooking oats (not pulsed)
- 8 tablespoons miniature M&M’s
Chocolate Topping
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons miniature M&M’s
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Line an 8-inch baking dish with foil or parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easy. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This helps dissolve the sugars and creates a smooth base.
- Add peanut butter and dry ingredients: Mix in the creamy peanut butter until fully combined. Stir in the pulsed quick oats, vanilla extract, and salt for flavor. Then gradually fold in the remaining 1½ cups of whole quick cooking oats and 8 tablespoons of miniature M&M’s, distributing them evenly without overmixing.
- Press mixture into pan: Evenly press the sticky dough mixture into the prepared baking dish, forming a compact layer to ensure the cookies will hold their shape after chilling.
- Make chocolate ganache topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy cream. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each until smooth and fully melted. Pour and spread the chocolate mixture evenly over the cookie base. Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of M&M’s on top for extra color and crunch.
- Chill to set: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the cookies to firm up and the chocolate topping to solidify. Once set, cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- For best results, use quick cooking oats as specified to get the right texture.
- You can substitute miniature M&M’s with any colorful candy or chocolate chips as desired.
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature to ease mixing.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
- These cookies are perfect for parties or as an easy-to-make dessert for kids.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: No-Bake Cookies
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: No-Bake Cookies, Monster Cookies, Peanut Butter Cookies, Chocolate Ganache, Easy Dessert, Quick Cookies, M&M Cookies
