Momma's Favorite Monster Cookies (Gluten-Free)

These are my all-time favorite cookies. I grew up making them with my mom, and now I am making them for my kids. They are great as they can be made gluten-free if you use GF oats, or are tolerant to regular oatmeal.

• Ready In: 15 mins
• Yields: 48 cookies

Ingredients

• 1  cup white sugar
• 1 1⁄8 cups brown sugar, firmly packed
• 1⁄2 cup shortening (can use up to 1/4 cup margarine)
• 3  eggs
• 1 1⁄2 cups creamy peanut butter
• 1  teaspoon vanilla
• 4 1⁄2 cups quick oats
• 2  teaspoons baking soda
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 lb  M&M's plain chocolate candy
• 1⁄2 cup chocolate chips
• 1⁄4 cup  chopped  nuts (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Cream shortening and sugars together.
3. Add eggs, peanut butter and vanilla, mix well.
4. Mix in quick oats, baking soda and salt, mix well.
5. Stir in M and Ms, chocolate chips and nuts.
6. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls (or by rounded tablespoonfuls for extra large cookies) on ungreased cookie sheet.
7. Bake for 13 minutes for softer cookies and 14-15 minutes for crisper cookies.
8. Remove to wire rack to cool.