Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the magic of monster cookies! They’re these gloriously chewy treats packed with oats, chocolate chips, and M&Ms that make them truly a monster of a cookie! Just thinking about them makes my heart race. I remember the first time I baked these beauties; the aroma filled my kitchen and lured everyone in like a delicious siren song. The combination of nutty peanut butter and sweet chocolate is simply irresistible, and when you add those colorful M&Ms, it’s like a party in every bite! Trust me, if you want a cookie that’s equal parts fun and indulgent, monster cookies are the way to go. Perfect for sharing—if you can bear to part with them, that is!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – This is the rich base for our cookies, giving them that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed – Adds a deep caramel flavor and moisture to the cookies.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – Balances the sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s texture.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter – The star ingredient that brings a nutty richness and helps bind everything together.
- 2 large eggs – Provides structure and moisture, crucial for the perfect chewy texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A must for enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – Forms the base of the dough, giving it structure.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cookies rise and achieve that lovely soft texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness beautifully.
- 3 cups rolled oats – Adds chewiness and heartiness to our monster cookies.
- 1 cup chocolate chips – Because who can resist gooey chocolate in every bite?
- 1 cup M&Ms – These colorful candies not only look fun but also add a playful crunch!
How to Prepare Monster Cookies
Alright, let’s dive into making these scrumptious monster cookies! You’ll want to follow these steps closely for the best results. Trust me, the joy of biting into a freshly baked cookie is so worth it!
Prepping the Dough
First things first, grab a large mixing bowl and let’s get that butter ready! Make sure your 1 cup of unsalted butter is softened to room temperature. This is key for achieving that light and fluffy texture we’re aiming for. Now, add in 1 cup of packed brown sugar and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer, cream these ingredients together until it’s light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. You want to incorporate plenty of air here, as it’ll help your cookies rise beautifully. Next, stir in 1 cup of creamy peanut butter until it’s fully blended in. Then, crack in 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, pour in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to add that lovely aroma and flavor.
Combining Dry Ingredients
Now, let’s shift gears to the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This step is super important because it ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and salt. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into your buttery goodness, mixing just until combined. We don’t want to overmix—this will keep our cookies tender and delightful!
Adding Mix-Ins
Time to amp up the fun! Gently fold in 3 cups of rolled oats, 1 cup of chocolate chips, and 1 cup of M&Ms. This is where you can get creative! If you want, you can add nuts like walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch or swap half the chocolate chips for white chocolate. Just make sure everything is evenly distributed, but don’t overdo it—keep that dough light and airy!
Baking the Cookies
Now for the best part—baking! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a large spoon or a cookie scoop, drop generous spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, giving them plenty of space to spread out. Bake the cookies for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers still look slightly underbaked. They’ll set up nicely as they cool. Speaking of cooling, let them sit on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps prevent any breakage and allows the cookies to firm up just right!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your monster cookies turn out absolutely perfect! One of my favorite tips is to chill your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This not only helps with spreading but also gives you that chewy texture that we all crave! If you’re in a pinch and don’t have butter, you can substitute it with coconut oil for a subtle flavor twist. And if you’re looking to reduce sugar a bit, feel free to cut back on the granulated sugar without sacrificing the cookie’s integrity. Just remember, the key to a great cookie is to not overmix your dough once you add the dry ingredients—this will keep them soft and delightful. Happy baking!
Variations on Monster Cookies
Let’s get creative with these monster cookies! One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. For a nutty twist, try folding in 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans—they add a delightful crunch and richness. If you’re a chocolate lover, consider swapping half of the chocolate chips with white chocolate chips or even dark chocolate chunks for a decadent touch. Feeling adventurous? Toss in some dried cranberries or raisins for a bit of chewiness and a pop of fruity flavor. You could even experiment with coconut flakes for a tropical vibe! The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to mix it up and create your own monster cookie masterpiece!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving these delightful monster cookies, the options are as fun as the cookies themselves! For a classic treat, try pairing them with a tall glass of cold milk—it’s a match made in heaven! The creaminess of the milk beautifully complements the rich flavors of the cookies. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side transforms your monster cookie experience into a delectable dessert sundae. For special occasions, consider stacking the cookies on a beautiful platter and drizzling them with melted chocolate or caramel sauce for an eye-catching presentation. You can even sprinkle a dash of sea salt on top to enhance the flavors. Whether it’s a casual family gathering or a festive celebration, these cookies will surely steal the show!
Nutritional Information
Curious about the nutritional content of these delightful monster cookies? Each cookie comes in at approximately 200 calories, with 10g of fat (of which 4g is saturated fat), 4g of protein, and 28g of carbohydrates, including 12g of sugar and 2g of fiber. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use and any variations you might include. So, whether you’re indulging or sharing, you can enjoy these cookies with a little knowledge of what’s in them!
FAQ Section
Can I store monster cookies, and if so, how?
Absolutely! To keep your monster cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just make sure to wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last for about two months in the freezer. Just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.
What can I substitute for peanut butter?
If you’re looking for a peanut-free option, you can substitute the creamy peanut butter with almond butter or sunbutter. Both will still give you that nutty flavor while accommodating dietary restrictions. Just keep in mind that the flavor will vary slightly!
How can I make these cookies chewier?
For an even chewier texture, try chilling your cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent them from spreading too much and keeps them softer. Additionally, you can slightly underbake them for a gooey center—just keep an eye on them!
What’s the best way to prevent overmixing?
To avoid overmixing, mix your wet and dry ingredients just until combined. It’s okay if there are a few small flour streaks remaining! Folding in your mix-ins gently helps maintain that light, tender texture we love in monster cookies.
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can definitely substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend! Just make sure it’s a 1:1 ratio blend that also contains xanthan gum to help with the texture. Enjoy your gluten-free monster cookies!
For more cookie recipes, check out chocolate chip peanut butter cookies or peanut butter jelly thumbprint cookies. If you’re interested in the health benefits of oats, you can read more about it here.
Print
Monster Cookies: 7 Steps to Deliciously Chewy Perfection
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and chewy cookie combining oats, chocolate chips, and M&Ms for a monster of a treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup M&Ms
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the peanut butter until well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the oats, chocolate chips, and M&Ms.
- Drop large spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a variation, try adding nuts such as walnuts or pecans.
- You can substitute half the chocolate chips with white chocolate for a different flavor.
- For a chewier texture, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: monster cookies, cookie recipe, baking, dessert