Monster Cookies
The moment you step into the kitchen and whip up a batch of Monster Cookies, you’re greeted by the mouthwatering aroma of buttery goodness, nutty peanut butter, and sweet chocolate. These are not just any cookies; they are big, chewy delights loaded with colorful M&Ms and hearty oats. Picture a warm cookie, slightly crisp at the edges, knowing the center is soft enough to bring bliss with each bite. I remember the first time I baked these; it was a rainy afternoon, and the memory of my little ones eagerly waiting by the oven, eyes wide with anticipation, fills my heart with joy. Every time I make them, I’m transported back to those cozy moments, reminding me that certain recipes carry not just flavor, but also warmth. Regardless of the season, these cookies are an instant hit—whether for an impromptu gathering or a cozy evening at home. Get ready to indulge in a treat that’s sure to steal the spotlight!
Table of Contents
Why This Is The Best Monster Cookies Recipe
You’re going to love this Monster Cookies recipe because it captures the essence of what a cookie should be: simple yet deliciously satisfying. With just 15 minutes of prep and another 15 for baking, you’ll have fresh cookies in less than an hour. Each bite bursts with sweet chocolate, crunchy oats, and a creamy peanut butter undertone that makes them irresistible. They have that appealing, bakery-style look, thanks to the extra sprinkle of M&Ms on top. These cookies are perfectly versatile, making them suitable for breakfast, as a snack, or alongside ice cream for dessert. Better yet, they can easily accommodate dietary restrictions, proving that delicious doesn’t have to mean complex.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- All-Purpose Flour (1 ½ cups): This is your main structure-building ingredient, helping create the perfect chewy texture. Always spoon it into your measuring cup and level off for accuracy.
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): A vital component that helps these cookies rise and become soft and chewy. Make sure it’s fresh for the best results.
- Baking Powder (1 teaspoon): Works alongside the baking soda to create lift, ensuring these cookies don’t turn out flat.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): A small but mighty ingredient that heightens the sweetness and balances the flavors. Always use fine salt for even distribution.
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): This adds rich flavor and a tender texture. Softened butter incorporates easily into the sugar mixture, ensuring your cookies are smooth and creamy.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup): This sweetener creates that signature crispy exterior while contributing to softness inside.
- Light Brown Sugar (¾ cup, packed): It brings moisture and a hint of caramel flavor, enhancing overall richness.
- Large Eggs (2, room temperature): They bind the ingredients together. Room temperature eggs mix more easily into the dough.
- Creamy Peanut Butter (1 ¼ cups): This ingredient is the star of the show, offering an irresistibly nutty flavor and creamy texture.
- Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): The warmth of pure vanilla essence enhances the overall flavor profile, making cookies taste even better.
- Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats (2 ¼ cups): They add chewiness and heartiness, making these cookies more wholesome.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1 cup + ½ cup for topping): These add pockets of melty goodness, perfectly contrasting the peanut butter flavor.
- Mini M&Ms (1 cup + ½ cup for topping): Not only do they contribute sweetness and color, but they also make these cookies visually appealing.
How to Make Monster Cookies
Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This step is crucial because it ensures an even bake and easy release from the baking sheet. While the oven warms up, let’s quickly gather everything you need—having all ingredients out makes the process flow beautifully.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the measured flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until thoroughly combined. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is key to achieving that perfect cookie rise. It’s a simple yet important step that can make all the difference in your cookie’s texture.
Whisk Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat this mixture for about two minutes until it’s light and fluffy. Add the eggs in one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until everything is well blended. This creamy blend is where the cookie magic begins!
Fold Together Gently
Once your wet ingredients are puffed and fluffy, it’s time to add the dry ingredients. Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the wet ingredients at low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to denser cookies. The dough will be thick, but it should hold its shape well.
Add the Goodies
Now comes the fun part! Using a spatula, gently fold in the old-fashioned oats, one cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips, and one cup of mini M&Ms. The dough will be quite thick, making it easy to scoop. If you notice it’s too soft to hold a ball shape well, pop it in the freezer for 15 minutes. This step can be a lifesaver for achieving perfectly shaped cookies.
Scoop and Bake
Scoop about three tablespoons of dough for each cookie and place them two to three inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Now, it’s time to bake! Slide the trays into the oven and bake for approximately 13-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the edges to be golden and set but the centers to remain a little soft. This combination yields that lovely chewy texture we all adore.
Top and Cool
As soon as you pull the cookies from the oven, gently press in the extra chocolate chips and M&Ms on top for an enticing bakery-style finish. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. I know it’s challenging, but resist the temptation to taste one right away—trust me, they will be mega delicious once they are fully cooled.
Tips for Success
- Use room temperature ingredients; it helps them blend more easily and creates a smoother dough.
- Ensure your baking soda and baking powder are fresh for optimal lift.
- Don’t overmix your dough—it should come together but still be thick and sturdy.
- Keep an eye on baking time; ovens can vary significantly. Remove cookies when they’re just set for that chewy texture.
- For extra depth of flavor, consider using dark chocolate chips or a mix of chocolate types.
Serve It With
For an even more delightful experience, consider pairing your Monster Cookies with a tall glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee. They’re perfect for breaking apart over conversations with friends, or why not serve them at your next brunch spread? Dust them lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant touch, and do consider placing them on a beautiful platter to really showcase those vibrant M&Ms.
How To Store & Reheat Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’ll retain their delightful chewiness! For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. If you want to freeze, wrap each cookie in plastic wrap and place them in a zip-top freezer bag; they’re good for up to three months. To reheat, pop them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
Tips & Variations
Feel free to mix things up a bit! You can easily switch up the peanut butter for almond or cashew butter if you’re feeling adventurous. For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Introducing different chocolate flavors, like white or milk chocolate, can also provide a new twist. If you’re in the mood for something seasonal, add in some chopped dried cranberries or pumpkin spice for a fall-inspired treat. Lastly, consider adding crushed nuts for an added crunch!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours before baking. This not only saves you time but also enhances the flavors. If you decide to freeze the dough, form it into balls and freeze. When you’re ready to bake, just add a couple of additional minutes to the baking time.
What can I use if I don’t have creamy peanut butter?
If creamy peanut butter isn’t available, you can substitute with crunchy peanut butter for added texture. Alternatively, sun butter works well for a nut-free version, or almond butter for a different flavor profile.
Why are my cookies flat?
Cookies may flatten if your dough is too warm or if you’ve overmixed it. Always chill the dough if it feels too soft before scooping and baking. Additionally, ensure that your baking powder and baking soda are fresh; old leavening agents can affect the cookie’s rise.
How can I make these cookies vegan?
For a vegan version, swap the eggs for flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon of flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water equals one egg) and use a vegan butter substitute. Ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free as well.
In summary, this Monster Cookies recipe is all about capturing the joy of home baking. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. I hope you find as much happiness in making and sharing these delightful cookies as I do. Happy baking, and savor every bite!
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📖 Recipe Card
Monster Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Monster Cookies are big, chewy treats filled with peanut butter, oats, and colorful M&Ms, making them perfect for a cozy snack or dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter, softened
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- ¾ cup Light Brown Sugar, packed
- 2 Large Eggs, room temperature
- 1 ¼ cups Creamy Peanut Butter
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- 2 ¼ cups Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats
- 1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
- ½ cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips for topping
- 1 cup Mini M&Ms
- ½ cup Mini M&Ms for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, then mix in peanut butter and vanilla extract.
- Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in oats, chocolate chips, and M&Ms gently.
- Scoop about three tablespoons of dough for each cookie and place on baking sheets.
- Bake for 13-15 minutes until edges are golden and centers are soft.
- Press in extra chocolate chips and M&Ms, cool on a wire rack.
Notes
Use room temperature ingredients for better blending.
Don’t overmix the dough to maintain chewy texture.
Chill the dough if it’s too soft to hold shape.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
