Cookies hold a special place in our hearts. They are the ultimate comfort food, a sweet treat that can instantly lift our spirits. If you’re a cookie lover and happen to follow a gluten-free diet, you might be worried that you can’t enjoy these delightful morsels anymore. Fear not, for there’s a solution: Flourless Monster Cookies. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the world of these gluten-free gems and show you how to make them at home.
What Are Flourless Monster Cookies?
Flourless Monster Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic oatmeal cookie. What sets them apart is that they are entirely gluten-free, making them a perfect treat for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. These cookies are jam-packed with a variety of delicious ingredients, giving them the name “Monster” cookies. The typical ingredients in these cookies include oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and M&M candies. The result is a cookie that’s chewy, sweet, and absolutely irresistible.
Why Flourless?
The absence of flour in these cookies is what makes them gluten-free. Instead of using wheat flour, they rely on oats to provide structure and texture. Oats are a naturally gluten-free whole grain and are an excellent choice for those seeking to avoid gluten. They also add a hearty and nutty flavor to the cookies, which complements the other ingredients perfectly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make a batch of Flourless Monster Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of old-fashioned oats (gluten-free)
- 1 cup of creamy peanut butter (or any nut butter of your choice)
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup of M&M candies (ensure they are gluten-free)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the mixture and beat until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the oats, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until everything is fully incorporated.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips and M&M candies.
- Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy your homemade Flourless Monster Cookies!
Customization and Variations
One of the great things about Flourless Monster Cookies is their versatility. While the classic recipe includes peanut butter, chocolate chips, and M&M candies, you can get creative and customize your cookies to suit your preferences. Here are some variations to consider:
- Nut Butter Choices: Experiment with different nut butters like almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for unique flavor profiles.
- Mix-ins: Feel free to add other mix-ins such as chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts), dried fruits (raisins, cranberries), shredded coconut, or even crushed pretzels for extra texture and flavor.
- Chocolate: Don’t limit yourself to just semi-sweet chocolate chips; try white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chunks, or even peanut butter chips.
- Sweeteners: If you’re looking to reduce sugar, consider using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup in place of some or all of the granulated and brown sugars.
- Gluten-Free Flour: If you want to experiment with a different texture, you can add a gluten-free flour blend to the recipe. Just ensure it’s a certified gluten-free blend.
- Flavor Extracts: Add a dash of flavor extract like almond or coconut for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
Storage Tips
Once your Flourless Monster Cookies have cooled completely, you’ll want to store them properly to maintain their freshness:
- Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months.
- To prevent cookies from sticking together when stored in a container, place a sheet of parchment paper or wax paper between the layers.
- If you’re freezing the cookies, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer until they are frozen solid, and then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. This prevents them from clumping together.
Tips for Perfect Flourless Monster Cookies
To ensure your Flourless Monster Cookies turn out perfect every time, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Use Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality peanut butter, fresh eggs, and real butter can make a significant difference in the taste and texture of your cookies.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your eggs and butter are at room temperature. This will help with even mixing and better cookie texture.
- Chill the Dough: If your dough is too sticky to handle, you can chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before scooping and baking. This will make it easier to work with and prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
- Consistent Cookie Size: Use a cookie scoop or a measuring spoon to ensure consistent cookie sizes. This will result in even baking and a uniform appearance.
- Baking Time: Be vigilant while baking. The cookies should be golden around the edges but still slightly soft in the center when you remove them from the oven. They will continue to set as they cool.
- Don’t Overmix: When adding the dry ingredients, mix just until they are incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Gluten-Free Oats: Ensure that the oats you use are labeled as gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.
- Gluten-Free Candy: Double-check that the M&M candies or any other mix-ins you use are gluten-free certified.
- Cooling Time: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set without becoming too firm.
- Enjoy Fresh: These cookies are at their best when freshly baked. Serve them warm with a glass of milk for an extra indulgent treat.
Classic Flourless Monster Cookies
| Ingredients | Quantity | Instructions | Prep Time | Baking Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peanut Butter | 1 cup | Mix with sugar and egg. | 15 mins | 12 mins |
| Sugar | 1 cup | |||
| Egg | 1 | |||
| Rolled Oats | 2 cups | Stir into the mixture. | ||
| Chocolate Chips | 1 cup | Add last. Drop onto a baking sheet. |
Gluten-Free Flourless Monster Cookies
| Ingredients | Quantity | Instructions | Prep Time | Baking Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Almond Butter | 1 cup | Mix with honey and egg. | 15 mins | 10 mins |
| Honey | 1/2 cup | |||
| Egg | 1 | |||
| Gluten-Free Oats | 2 cups | Stir into the mixture. | ||
| Dried Cranberries | 1/2 cup | Add last. Spoon onto a baking sheet. |
Vegan Flourless Monster Cookies
| Ingredients | Quantity | Instructions | Prep Time | Baking Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Almond Butter | 1 cup | Mix with maple syrup and flax egg. | 15 mins | 12 mins |
| Maple Syrup | 1/2 cup | |||
| Flax Egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) | 1 | |||
| Rolled Oats | 2 cups | Stir into the mixture. | ||
| Vegan Chocolate Chips | 1 cup | Add last. Drop onto a baking sheet. |
Protein-Packed Flourless Monster Cookies
| Ingredients | Quantity | Instructions | Prep Time | Baking Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peanut Butter | 1 cup | Mix with protein powder and egg. | 15 mins | 12 mins |
| Protein Powder | 1/2 cup | |||
| Egg | 1 | |||
| Rolled Oats | 2 cups | Stir into the mixture. | ||
| Raisins | 1/2 cup | Add last. Spoon onto a baking sheet. |
Nut-Free Flourless Monster Cookies
| Ingredients | Quantity | Instructions | Prep Time | Baking Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunflower Seed Butter | 1 cup | Mix with honey and egg. | 15 mins | 10 mins |
| Honey | 1/2 cup | |||
| Egg | 1 | |||
| Gluten-Free Oats | 2 cups | Stir into the mixture. | ||
| Dried Apricots | 1/2 cup | Add last. Spoon onto a baking sheet. |
Sharing the Love
Flourless Monster Cookies are more than just a delicious gluten-free dessert; they are a symbol of inclusivity and the joy of sharing. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion, as a surprise for a friend, or simply as a way to treat yourself, these cookies are sure to bring smiles to everyone who enjoys them.
So, go ahead and whip up a batch of Flourless Monster Cookies, and remember to share the love by passing them around at gatherings, giving them as gifts, or savoring them with your loved ones. With their delectable flavor and gluten-free goodness, these cookies are bound to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Happy baking and happy sharing!
