When it comes to cookies, few can rival the delightful indulgence of Monster Cookies. Combining wholesome oats with rich, creamy peanut butter and a rainbow of chocolate, these cookies offer a perfect balance of sweet and savory. Whether you’re a cookie enthusiast or just someone looking for a special treat, Monster Cookies are sure to impress. They capture the essence of comfort food while also bringing a joyful explosion of flavors in every bite. The blend of chocolate chips and candy-coated chocolates like M&M’s creates a fun texture that’s hard to resist. Whether enjoyed as an afternoon snack or dessert, these cookies will put a smile on your face. Plus, they are simple to make and come together in just about 30 minutes! Once you take a bite, you’ll understand why they are so loved. Let’s jump into how to make these delicious Monster Cookies at home!
Ingredients
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 1 1/4 cups brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 4 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 cups candy-coated chocolates (like M&M’s)
Instructions
Start your Monster Cookies adventure by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make for easy clean-up later on. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter using an electric mixer. You want the mixture to become light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add in the brown sugar and granulated sugar, beating until combined.
Next, it’s time to incorporate the eggs. Crack them in one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully mixed into the batter before adding the next. Don’t forget to stir in the tablespoon of vanilla extract to enhance the flavors.
In a separate bowl, mix together the old-fashioned oats, baking soda, and salt. This mixture forms the base of your cookies, contributing to that chewy texture we all adore. Gradually add this oat mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until everything is just combined – be careful not to overmix.
Now for the fun part: folding in the chocolate chips and the candy-coated chocolates! Use a spatula to gently fold them into the dough until they are evenly distributed. Now you’re ready to scoop the dough! Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form rounded balls of dough, placing them on the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave some space between each cookie, as they will spread while baking.
For a nice shape, gently flatten each cookie with your fingers, just a bit. Pop the trays into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for the edges to turn a lovely light golden brown while the centers still appear soft. This will ensure your cookies maintain that gooey, delightful texture. Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Variations
Monster Cookies are incredibly versatile, so feel free to get creative! Here are a few tweaks you might consider:
- Nut Variations: Substitute or add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
- Chocolate Alternatives: Replace semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk, dark, or white chocolate chips for different flavor profiles.
- More Candy: Mix in additional candy-coated chocolates or even swap with crushed candies like Reese’s Pieces or Snickers for a unique twist.
- Oat Alternatives: For a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free oats in place of regular old-fashioned oats.
- Flavor Boost: Stir in a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg for a warm flavor depth.
Cooking Notes
Here are some helpful cooking notes for making your Monster Cookies even better:
- Oven Calibration: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your cookies while baking, especially the first time you make them. They should be slightly golden around the edges.
- Storage Tips: These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or can be frozen for longer storage. Simply place layers of parchment paper between layers of cookies to avoid sticking.
- Chilling Dough: If you have time, chilling the cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking can intensify the flavors and improve the cookie texture.
- Baking Sheets: Use multiple baking sheets and rotate them midway through baking for even browning.
- Scooping Dough: For uniform cookies, it helps to use a cookie scoop of the same size for each mound of dough.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Monster Cookies warm with a glass of cold milk or your favorite hot beverage. They also make a fantastic addition to bake sales, parties, or simply as a sweet treat after a meal. For an extravagant dessert occasion, consider crumbling some cookies over ice cream or yogurt to create a delightful sundae!
Tips
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for the best creaming results.
- Don’t overbake; slightly underbaked cookies will continue to cook on the baking sheet after removal.
- Experiment with flavors and mix-ins to discover your favorite version of these cookies!
- Keep a close watch on your cookies, especially if you adjust ingredient ratios or baking times.
- Encourage kids to help with mixing and adding ingredients for a fun baking activity.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information
Calories: 200 per cookie (approx.)
Protein: 4 g
Sodium: 150 mg
FAQs
Can I freeze Monster Cookie Dough?
Absolutely! You can scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag for future baking. Just bake them directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
What makes Monster Cookies different from regular cookies?
Monster Cookies stand out due to their combination of oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and candy-coated chocolates, providing a unique texture and flavor that isn’t typical in traditional cookie recipes.
Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?
Yes, but keep in mind that natural peanut butter can lead to a different texture, so the cookies might not be as thick and chewy as those made with creamy peanut butter.
How do I store leftover cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week, or you can freeze them for longer use. Just ensure they’re in a sealed container to avoid freezer burn.
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
While you can use quick oats, they may lead to a different texture in the cookies. Old-fashioned oats provide a chewiness that complements the other ingredients well.
Conclusion
Monster Cookies are a delightful treat that blend the best flavors of sweet and savory. With the added fun of colorful candy-coated chocolates, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a special event, a family gathering, or just because it’s a Tuesday, everyone will enjoy their chewy texture and rich, peanut buttery goodness. Remember to share your baking experiences and tips in the comments below! We’d love to hear how your Monster Cookies turned out, or any unique variations you tried. Don’t forget to share this scrumptious recipe with your friends and family so they can enjoy it too!
Print
Monster Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
A delightful treat that blends wholesome oats, creamy peanut butter, and a colorful assortment of chocolates for a sweet and savory cookie experience.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 1 1/4 cups brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 4 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 cups candy-coated chocolates (like M&M’s)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream together the softened butter and peanut butter until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the brown sugar and granulated sugar, beating until combined.
- Incorporate the eggs one at a time and mix in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, mix the oats, baking soda, and salt, then gradually add to the wet ingredients.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and candy-coated chocolates.
- Scoop dough onto baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie, and gently flatten each.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are light golden brown and centers soft.
- Let cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Storage tips: airtight container for up to a week, or freeze with parchment paper between layers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 200 kcal per cookie
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Protein: 4 g