Delicious & Healthy Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Monster Cookies: Your New Favorite Allergy-Friendly Treat!
Craving a cookie that’s both incredibly satisfying and mindful of dietary restrictions? Look no further! These Gluten-Free Monster Cookies are also completely dairy-free, making them a fantastic option for those with allergies or anyone seeking a healthier dessert alternative. Despite their “healthy” label, they deliver on all fronts: gooey, chewy, and bursting with flavor, proving that delicious treats don’t need to be loaded with unhealthy ingredients. This delightful Monster Cookie Recipe is crafted with wholesome oats, rich peanut butter, a hint of warm cinnamon, and vibrant, dairy-free chocolate candies, ensuring every bite is a joyful experience without the guilt.
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Gluten Free Monster Cookies: A Dairy-Free Delight
Monster cookies, in their classic form, are a delightful explosion of flavor and texture, traditionally featuring a rich peanut butter cookie base studded with hearty oats, decadent chocolate chips, and colorful M&Ms. For many, this combination represents everything wonderful about a homemade cookie. However, for families navigating dietary restrictions, enjoying these classic treats can be a challenge.
What Makes These Cookies Healthy and Delicious?
This recipe transforms the beloved monster cookie into a healthier, allergy-friendly version without sacrificing any of its signature appeal. By opting for gluten-free oats and dairy-free alternatives, we create a cookie that’s not only safe for sensitive stomachs but also packed with wholesome ingredients. The natural sweetness from coconut sugar, the healthy fats from peanut butter, and the fiber from oats contribute to a treat that’s genuinely good for you, making them a regular, guilt-free indulgence in any kitchen.
Why Choose Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free?
In our household, we often face the challenge of gluten and dairy sensitivities. My little one thrives on a diet free from these common allergens, which means traditional wheat-based flours and typical M&Ms are off-limits. Beyond allergies, we also strive to minimize excessive sugar and artificial dyes in our diet. It can be particularly tough for children to see colorful candies on top of cookies and know they can’t partake. This recipe was born out of a desire to create an inclusive treat, allowing everyone to enjoy the fun and flavor of monster cookies without compromise.
The Magic of Unreal Chocolate Candies
The secret to achieving that classic “M&M” look and taste in a healthy, allergy-friendly way lies in these incredible dairy-free, gluten-free, dye-free, dark chocolate quinoa candies from Unreal. They are a game-changer! Honestly, they taste just like (if not better than, in my opinion) M&Ms, but with a super clean ingredient list. I’m fortunate enough to find them at a local health food store, but they are also readily available on Amazon, making them accessible to everyone. These candies add the perfect pop of color and chocolatey goodness, turning these cookies into a true monster cookie experience for all.
Beyond being healthy, these Monster Cookies offer a genuinely satisfying, ooey-gooey, all-in-one cookie experience. The harmonious blend of chewy oats, rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and a warm hint of cinnamon ensures there’s a flavor profile for everyone to adore. Plus, they are incredibly versatile! Feel free to customize them with your favorite mix-ins like shredded coconut, crunchy chopped pecans, or even extra dairy-free chocolate chunks to play with the flavor and texture. My family devoured the first batch, and they quickly became a regular, cherished recipe in our kitchen, proving that healthy can indeed be incredibly delicious!
Looking for another delightful gluten and dairy-free cookie recipe? These Pistachio Cookies from The Foreign Fork look absolutely incredible and are definitely next on our baking list!
Ingredients for Your Healthy Monster Cookie Masterpiece
Crafting these delicious gluten-free and dairy-free monster cookies requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
- Old Fashioned Oats: The heart of our monster cookies, these provide a fantastic chewy texture and are an excellent source of soluble fiber, helping you feel full and satisfied. For a truly gluten-free cookie, make sure to use certified gluten-free oats, such as those from Bob’s Red Mill, to avoid cross-contamination.
- Coconut Sugar or Brown Sugar: These natural sweeteners lend a deep, caramel-like flavor that perfectly complements the peanut butter and chocolate. Coconut sugar is a less processed alternative, but brown sugar works just as well. You can also experiment with maple sugar, turbinado sugar, or raw sugar for similar delightful results.
- Baking Soda: This essential leavening agent ensures your cookies achieve that desirable soft and chewy texture while spreading just enough on the baking sheet to create perfectly sized treats. It contributes to the classic cookie crumb we all love.
- Salt: Just a small pinch of salt works wonders! It acts as a flavor enhancer, bringing out the rich notes of the chocolate and peanut butter, and also contributes to the chewier consistency of the dough, making for that irresistible cookie texture.
- Cinnamon: A dash of ground cinnamon adds a warm, inviting spice that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the chocolate chips and the nuttiness of the peanut butter. It’s a subtle yet impactful addition, though you can certainly omit it if you prefer a simpler flavor profile.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: This is the foundation of our monster cookies, providing richness and moisture. Opt for creamy peanut butter over chunky to ensure a smooth batter that’s easy to mix and provides a consistent base for all the delicious mix-ins. Natural peanut butter (just peanuts and salt) is recommended for a healthier option.
- Melted Butter (Dairy-Free) or Coconut Oil: To keep these cookies dairy-free, use a high-quality dairy-free butter alternative (like Earth’s Balance) or melted coconut oil. Both options work wonderfully to bind the ingredients and add moisture, ensuring a tender crumb.
- Eggs: Eggs are crucial for binding all these “monster” ingredients together, giving the cookies structure and richness. While I haven’t personally tested it, a flax egg might work as a vegan alternative if you’re looking to make them entirely egg-free.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of pure vanilla extract elevates the overall flavor, adding a warm and aromatic note that enhances all the other ingredients. If you find yourself out of vanilla, a small amount of honey can offer a surprisingly good substitute in a pinch.
- Dairy-Free Chocolate Chips: You can’t have monster cookies without chocolate chips! I personally love the mini Enjoy Life chocolate chips for their even distribution and melty texture, but regular-sized chocolate chips or even dairy-free chocolate chunks will work perfectly. Choose your favorite for that irresistible chocolatey goodness.
- Unreal Chocolate Candy: These dairy-free, dye-free chocolate candies are the star of the show for that classic monster cookie aesthetic and flavor. They truly taste like M&Ms but with much cleaner ingredients. For an extra “monster” touch, or if you don’t have Unreal candies, consider adding shredded coconut, finely chopped pecans, or even more chocolate chips. These cookies are delicious no matter what you choose to mix in!
- Optional Toppings: For a gourmet finish, sprinkle a pinch of coarse sea salt over the cookies just before baking. This enhances the flavors and adds a beautiful textural contrast. Additional Unreal chocolate candy pieces pressed gently onto the tops of the dough balls also make for an appealing final touch.
Step-by-Step: How to Make the Best Healthy Monster Cookies
Making these healthy monster cookies is surprisingly simple, yielding a batch of delicious, allergy-friendly treats in no time. Follow these easy steps for perfect results:
- Prepare Your Workspace: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This crucial step prevents the cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup, making your baking experience much smoother.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, coconut or brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted dairy-free butter or coconut oil. Whisk these ingredients together until they are smooth and well-incorporated. This forms the rich, flavorful base of your cookies.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate, larger bowl, whisk together the old fashioned oats, baking soda, and salt. If you’re adding cinnamon, include it here as well. Once combined, gradually add the dry mixture to the wet peanut butter mixture. Stir gently until *just* combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to tougher cookies.
- Fold in the Goodies: Now for the fun part! Gently fold in your chosen candy pieces (like the Unreal chocolate candy) and dairy-free chocolate chips. If you’re adding any other extras like shredded coconut or chopped pecans, incorporate them at this stage too. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Scoop and Shape: Using a small cookie scoop (or a tablespoon if you don’t have a scoop), spoon out heaping amounts of dough and place them onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Continue until all the dough is used up; this recipe typically yields around 18 delicious cookies.
- Flatten and Top: With the back of a spoon or your fingertips, gently pat down each cookie mound just a bit. This helps them spread evenly during baking. For an extra visually appealing touch, press a few additional candy pieces or a sprinkle of coarse sea salt onto the top of each cookie before baking.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 11-13 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are just set. Remember that cookies continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven, so slightly underbaking can result in a chewier, softer cookie.
- Cool and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bottoms from overcooking and ensures a perfectly crisp exterior with a soft interior. Finally, gather your loved ones and enjoy these wholesome, delicious treats!
Tips for Perfect Gluten-Free Monster Cookies Every Time
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix only until just combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the oats (even gluten-free ones) and make your cookies tough.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and dairy-free butter (if using stick butter alternative) are at room temperature. This helps them emulsify better with the sugar and peanut butter, leading to a smoother, more uniform dough.
- Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended): If your dough feels too soft or sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes. This can prevent overspreading and result in thicker, chewier cookies.
- Customize Your Mix-ins: Feel free to get creative! Besides the Unreal candies and chocolate chips, consider adding mini marshmallows, other chopped nuts, or even a sprinkle of cocoa nibs for extra flavor and texture.
- Parchment Paper is Your Friend: Always use parchment paper. Not only does it prevent sticking, but it also ensures even baking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Rotate Baking Sheets: For consistent baking, especially if using two sheets, rotate them halfway through the baking time. This ensures all cookies brown evenly.
Speaking of Monster Cookies, how adorable are these Cookie Monster Cookies from Beth at The First Year Blog? They’re a super fun take on the classic concept!
How long will these Healthy Monster Cookies stay fresh?
These delectable Healthy Monster Cookies are best enjoyed within the first four days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For optimal freshness and to prolong their shelf life, you can also refrigerate them for up to a week. If you’ve made a large batch and want to enjoy them over an extended period, they freeze beautifully! Simply place the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm them in the microwave for a fresh-baked experience.
How do I count these cookies for the 21 Day Fix?
Given that these cookies are generously packed with dairy-free chocolate chips and those delightful Unreal Candy pieces, they would typically be considered a “treat swap” on the 21 Day Fix program. However, rest assured, these are undeniably one of the healthiest treat swap cookie options you’ll discover! They are thoughtfully crafted with a robust blend of fiber from the oats, protein from the peanut butter, and healthy fats, making them a more wholesome indulgence compared to many other treats. For a more comprehensive understanding of treat swaps and how to incorporate them into your 21 Day Fix plan, I highly recommend checking out this insightful post from my friend Teresa, who shares fantastic wisdom on her blog, Grandnanny’s House.
Looking for more Healthy Cookie Recipes? Check these out!
If you’re loving the idea of delicious yet health-conscious desserts, you’re in luck! Here are some other fantastic cookie and bar recipes that are perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings without compromising your dietary goals:
- Healthy Samoas Cookie Bars [Gluten Free]: A cleaner take on your favorite caramel-coconut-chocolate cookie!
- Homemade Tagalongs: Indulge in peanut butter and chocolate goodness, made healthier.
- Healthy Thin Mints: That refreshing mint and chocolate combination, redesigned for wellness.
- No Bake Peanut Butter Cookies: Quick, easy, and deliciously vegan and gluten-free.
- Easy Chocolate Macaroons [Allergy Friendly]: A simple, coconut-rich treat that’s friendly for many allergies.
- FIXATE Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies: The classic chocolate chip cookie, perfected for gluten-free diets.
- Pumpkin Oat Breakfast Cookies | The Foodie and the Fix: A nourishing and delicious way to start your day.
- The Yummiest Gluten and Dairy Free Christmas Cookies: Festive and flavorful treats for the holiday season.
Gluten Free Monster Cookies [Dairy Free]
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups old fashioned oats look for gluten free if necessary
- ½ cup coconut sugar or brown sugar packed (you can also sub turbinado or raw sugar)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ¼ cup dairy free chocolate chips I used mini enjoy life
- ¼ cup Unreal Chocolate Candy or other mix in: shredded coconut, chopped pecans, more choc chips, etc
Toppings
- 1 tablespoon Unreal chocolate candy pieces
- Pinch coarse sea salt
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
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In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine the creamy peanut butter, coconut sugar (or brown sugar), eggs, vanilla extract, and melted dairy-free butter or coconut oil until smooth. In a separate, larger bowl, whisk together the old fashioned oats, baking soda, and salt (and cinnamon, if using). Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the peanut butter mixture until *just* combined, being careful not to overmix. Gently fold in your dairy-free candy coated pieces and chocolate chips.
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Using a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon, spoon a heaping amount of dough for each cookie onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each. Continue until all the dough is gone; you should yield approximately 18 cookies.
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With the back of a spoon or your fingertips, gently pat down each cookie mound slightly. This helps them spread beautifully during baking. For an extra touch, press additional candy pieces and a pinch of coarse sea salt (optional) onto the tops of the cookies.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 11-13 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are set but still look slightly soft. TIP: I like to slightly undercook my cookies because they continue to cook and firm up as they cool, ensuring a perfectly chewy texture!
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Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bottoms from over-browning. Then, it’s time to enjoy your delicious, healthy monster cookies!
Notes
WW: 6 points (per cookie)
Nutrition