Healthy Flourless Monster Cookies

If you’ve tried my healthy monster cookie bars, you should try their OG inspiration- my healthy monster cookies! Monster cookies, if you haven’t heard of them before, are cookies made with peanut butter, oatmeal, chocolate chips, and candy buttons (like M&M’s). They get their ‘monster’ name due to the number of different ingredients that go into the dough- chocolate chips AND candy buttons! Now, these cookies are typically packed with butter, oil, and tons of sugar but not my version- I’ve given them a healthy makeover.

Recipe highlights

4 main ingredients. Oats, bananas, peanut butter, and candy buttons. There are a couple of optional extras but they are just that- optional. Vegan and gluten-free. And by accident, too! There are no eggs or dairy in these, and you can also use gluten-free oats if needed. Ready in 12 minutes. I like to make these cookies for my family when they want something sweet, healthy, and delicious tasting.

Ingredients needed

Rolled Oats- Gives the cookies a chewy texture, while remaining soft and tender on the outside. I tried these cookies using quick oats and found them to be a little too soft. Peanut Butter- Smooth and drippy peanut butter, with no added sugar. You can use any smooth peanut butter of choice! Banana- Mashed, overripe banana to hold the cookies together, AND give the cookies extra sweetness. Chocolate Buttons of choice- M&M’s are preferred, but any kind of candy buttons work. Chocolate Chips of Choice- Optional, but perfect for chocolate lovers.

Find the printable recipe with measurements below.

How to make healthy monster cookies

Making these flourless monster cookies follows three EASY steps! Step 1- Mix your ingredients together. In a large mixing bowl, add your rolled oats, mashed banana, and peanut butter and mix well, until combined. Using a rubber spatula, fold through your candy buttons and chocolate chips, reserving a few to top the cookies with. Step 2- Form cookies and place on the cookie sheet. Lightly wet your hands and form 12 balls of dough. Place on the lined cookie sheet (or baking tray!) and press into a cookie shape. Top with extra chocolate chips or M&M’s. Step 3- Bake and enjoy. Bake the cookies in a preheated oven (at 180C/350) for 12-15 minutes, or until just cooked. Cool on the pans completely.

Recipe tips and variations

Do not overbake the cookies as they will continue to bake as they cool down. I recommend removing the cookies from the oven once the edges are golden brown. These cookies will not spread at all, so whichever shape you bake them as, that is how they will bake. These cookies aren’t super sweet, relying on the banana for sweetness. If you prefer sweeter cookies (like my kids do!), add some maple syrup or honey. Change up the base of the cookies by adding some fun mix-ins. I sometimes like to add chopped nuts, raisins, or candy pieces.

Storage instructions

To Store: Monster cookies can keep at room temperature, but to maintain freshness, you’d be best to keep them refrigerated. Refrigerate leftover cookies once they have cooled completely. Keep them in a sealed container, and they will keep for at least a week. To Freeze: These cookies are freezer friendly, and will keep frozen for up to 2 months.