These Gooey Monster Cookies are as adorable as they are delicious. They’re incredibly easy to make, require no chilling, and come together in under 30 minutes. The soft, gooey centers, crispy edges, and pops of color make them irresistible. Perfect for Halloween parties, bake sales, or fun weekend baking with the family, these cookies will disappear as soon as they hit the plate.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Unsalted butter, softened
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Green food coloring (or purple/orange for variation)
M&M candies or colorful chocolate candies
Chocolate chips (optional for extra gooeyness)
Candy eyeballs
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
Add food coloring until you reach your desired shade of green (or any spooky color you like).
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a dough forms.
Fold in M&Ms and chocolate chips.
Scoop dough balls (about 2 tablespoons each) onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
Press candy eyeballs gently into the tops of the dough balls.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are set but centers remain soft.
Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 24 cookies. Total time: 25 minutes (10 minutes prep, 12 minutes baking, 3 minutes cooling).
Variations
Color Fun: Try using purple, orange, or blue food coloring for different monsters.
Extra Gooey: Add more chocolate chips or a few mini marshmallows to the dough.
Peanut Butter Twist: Substitute part of the butter with peanut butter for a nutty flavor.
Candy Variety: Use Reese’s Pieces, chocolate chunks, or sprinkles for a festive touch.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the perfect texture.
Storage/Reheating
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to bring back that gooey texture.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours before baking. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before scooping.
Do I have to use food coloring?
No, the cookies taste just as good without it, but the color adds fun character for Halloween.
Can I use candy melts instead of M&Ms?
Yes, candy melts or chopped chocolate work just as well for color and flavor.
How do I keep the cookies soft?
Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to retain moisture.
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! Scoop dough balls and freeze them on a tray, then store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
Too much butter or not enough flour can cause spreading. Chill the dough slightly before baking if needed.
Can I make these without eggs?
Yes, use a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water) as a substitute.
What kind of eyes should I use?
Candy eyeballs are best, but you can also use small chocolate chips or white chocolate dots.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free butter and vegan chocolate candies for a plant-based version.
Are these cookies good for parties?
Definitely! They’re colorful, fun, and always a hit at Halloween gatherings, kids’ birthdays, or bake sales.
Conclusion
Gooey Monster Cookies are a delightful mix of spooky and sweet — soft, chewy, and full of color. Whether you’re baking them for Halloween or just to brighten your day, they’re a joy to make and even more fun to eat. Their playful look and irresistible texture make them a festive favorite you’ll want to bake year after year.
Gooey Monster Cookies are soft, chewy, and colorful cookies filled with M&Ms, chocolate chips, and candy eyeballs — a spooky-sweet treat perfect for Halloween or any fun occasion.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:12 minutes
Total Time:25 minutes
Yield:24 cookies
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Green food coloring (or purple/orange for variation)
1 cup M&M candies or colorful chocolate candies
1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Candy eyeballs for decoration
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
Mix in food coloring until you reach your desired shade of green or other spooky color.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until a soft dough forms.
Fold in M&Ms and chocolate chips.
Scoop 2-tablespoon portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
Press candy eyeballs gently into the tops of each dough ball.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set but centers remain soft.
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For extra gooeyness, add more chocolate chips or a few mini marshmallows.Use purple or orange food coloring for color variety.Chill the dough slightly if cookies spread too much.Store with a slice of bread in the container to keep cookies soft.Freeze dough balls for up to 3 months and bake from frozen when needed.
