Monster Cookies are the ultimate treat for those who can’t decide between their favorite cookie ingredients. This delightful combination includes oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and M&M’s, creating a chewy, flavorful, and satisfying cookie. Perfect for parties, bake sales, or just a sweet indulgence at home, these cookies are easy to make and incredibly versatile. In this recipe, we will guide you through the process of making Monster Cookies, ensuring each batch is packed with all the goodies you love.
Ingredients for Monster Cookies
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 4 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (optional, for thicker cookies)
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup M&M’s or similar candy-coated chocolates
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup raisins
How to Make Monster Cookies
1. Preparing the Dough
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
Step 3: Add the creamy peanut butter to the bowl and mix until well combined. The peanut butter adds both flavor and moisture to the cookies.
Step 4: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, baking soda, and salt. If you prefer a thicker cookie, you can also add the optional all-purpose flour at this stage.
Step 6: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
Step 7: Fold in the chocolate chips, M&M’s, and any other optional add-ins you prefer, such as chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or raisins. These ingredients give Monster Cookies their signature texture and flavor variety.
2. Baking the Cookies
Step 8: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Slightly flatten the dough balls with the back of a spoon or your hand to ensure even baking.
Step 9: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should still look slightly underbaked; this helps keep the cookies chewy as they cool.
Step 10: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 11: Enjoy your Monster Cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage. These cookies store well in an airtight container for up to a week, though they rarely last that long!
About the Main Ingredients
Peanut Butter: The creamy peanut butter in Monster Cookies provides a rich and nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the other ingredients. It also adds moisture, resulting in a tender and chewy texture. For those with peanut allergies, you can substitute with almond butter or sunflower seed butter.
Oats: Rolled oats are a key component of Monster Cookies, adding a hearty texture and a mild nutty flavor. They also make the cookies more filling, making them a great snack option. Quick oats can be used if you prefer a finer texture, but avoid instant oats as they may alter the consistency of the dough.
Chocolate Chips and M&M’s: These are the fun and colorful elements that make Monster Cookies stand out. The combination of semi-sweet chocolate chips and candy-coated chocolates adds both richness and crunch. You can customize the cookies with your favorite types of chocolate or add other mix-ins like white chocolate chips or butterscotch chips.
Sugars: The blend of granulated sugar and brown sugar creates a balanced sweetness. The brown sugar adds a slight molasses flavor and helps keep the cookies soft and chewy.
Monster Cookies are a delicious and versatile treat that can be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences. Whether you enjoy them as a sweet snack or a dessert, they are sure to satisfy any cookie lover’s cravings. This recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels, and the results are always impressive. Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful cookies with family and friends!
