Gluten Free Monster Cookies – a healthy peanut butter oatmeal cookie made flourless with M&Ms, inspired by a classic monster trail mix.
Gluten Free Monster Cookies
These monster cookies bring back memories of family road trips and the homemade trail mix we always packed. Traveling in an RV shaped those summers—crowded at times, yes, but full of simple pleasures: board games during long drives, dinners cooked in the motorhome kitchen, and evenings by a campfire with fireflies. One thing we never forgot to pack was a big tub of monster trail mix, and this cookie recipe recreates that familiar combination in a flourless, gluten-free cookie.
There are trade-offs to RV life—limited bathrooms and lots of cleaning when you get home—but the travel perks were worth it: the convenience of a stocked fridge, fewer stops on the road, and the comfort of cooking and eating together wherever we parked. On football weekends we’d tailgate from the motorhome and enjoy the same snacks that kept us going on long drives.
To celebrate the end of summer, back-to-school season, and football in the fall, here’s a gluten-free take on classic monster cookies. These peanut butter oatmeal cookies are moist, flourless, and have just the right amount of chocolate and crunch from peanuts and coconut.
A favorite snack that was always on board was our homemade monster trail mix. These cookies are inspired by that mix and are perfect for sharing.
Whether you’re packing snacks for a trip, hosting a tailgate, or just craving a nostalgic treat, these cookies are quick to make and disappear fast. They’re great warm from the oven or packed for later.
How to make gluten free monster cookies
- Start by creaming together the softened butter and peanut butter. Using a bit of unsalted butter with natural peanut butter helps the cookies develop a lightly crisp exterior while staying soft inside.
- Add the brown sugar and cream until smooth. Beat in the eggs for about a minute to incorporate air, which helps create tender cookies.
- Stir in vanilla, salt, baking soda, and baking powder until combined.
- Mix in the oats, almond flour, and shredded coconut. Fold in chopped peanuts, chocolate chips, and M&Ms.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to help the cookies hold their shape while baking.
- Scoop portions of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes. Let cookies cool on the pan for 2 minutes, then transfer to a rack to finish cooling.
Whip up a batch this weekend — they’re easy to make and go fast.
If you try this flourless cookie recipe, please leave a comment and rate it. Feedback is appreciated—tag photos with #loveandzest on social media if you share your cookies.
More Gluten Free Cookie Recipes
Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies
Irresistible Grain Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Balls
Carrot Cake Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
Best Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies
Monster Trail Mix Cookies
- Author: Kristina LaRue, RD, CSSD
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 13 cookies 1x
Description
Gluten Free Monster Cookies – a healthy peanut butter oatmeal cookie with M&Ms, turning your favorite monster trail mix into a flourless cookie.
Scale
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup natural peanut butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup gluten free old fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup peanuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup M&Ms
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs and beat until fluffy, about 1 minute.
- Stir in vanilla, salt, baking soda, and baking powder until combined.
- Fold in oats, almond flour, and coconut. Mix in peanuts, chocolate chips, and M&Ms. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
- Scoop dough onto the prepared sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Cool on the pan for 2 minutes, then transfer to a rack to finish cooling.
Equipment
Measuring Cups
Mixing Bowls
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (1/13 recipe)
- Calories: 186
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 109mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 38mg
Keywords: M&M cookies, oatmeal cookies, peanut butter cookies, gluten free, almond flour, trail mix
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links to products referenced in the recipe.