Monster Cookies Recipe

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Introduction:

Satisfy your craving for something sweet and hearty with our irresistible monster cookies recipe. Packed with oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and M&M’s, these cookies are a delightful treat for all ages. Whether you’re looking for a fun baking project with the kids or a tasty snack to enjoy with your afternoon coffee, our monster cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household. Let’s dive into how to whip up a batch of these wholesome and delicious treats that will leave everyone smiling.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup M&M’s candies (any variety)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and set aside.
  2. Cream Butter and Peanut Butter:
    • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and peanut butter until smooth and well combined.
  3. Add Sugars and Eggs:
    • Add the packed brown sugar and granulated sugar to the butter mixture, and beat until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
    • In a separate bowl, combine the old-fashioned oats, baking soda, and all-purpose flour. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a thick dough forms.
  5. Fold in Mix-Ins:
    • Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and M&M’s candies until evenly distributed throughout the dough. The colorful candies and chocolate chips will add bursts of sweetness and texture to the cookies.
  6. Shape Dough into Balls:
    • Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion the dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie for spreading.
  7. Bake the Cookies:
    • Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. Serve and Enjoy:
    • Once cooled, serve these delightful monster cookies as a fun and tasty treat for any occasion. Enjoy them with a glass of milk, a cup of hot cocoa, or simply on their own for a burst of sweetness in every bite.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving:

  1. Freshly Baked: Serve monster cookies warm from the oven for the ultimate indulgence. The aroma of freshly baked cookies will entice everyone around.
  2. Garnish (Optional): For an extra touch of flair, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies or sprinkle additional M&M’s on top before serving.
  3. Accompaniments: Serve these cookies with a glass of cold milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful snack or dessert experience.
  4. Presentation: Arrange the cookies on a festive platter or in a cookie jar for a charming presentation that will make them irresistible to friends and family.

Storage:

  1. Room Temperature: Store cooled monster cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Line the container with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking together.
  2. Refrigeration (Optional): If you prefer your cookies to have a firmer texture, you can store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
  3. Freezing (Optional): To extend the shelf life of monster cookies, you can freeze them for up to 2-3 months. Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw individual cookies at room temperature as needed.

Follow these serving and storage tips to ensure that your monster cookies stay fresh and delicious for whenever you’re ready to enjoy them. Whether served as a special treat or shared with loved ones, these cookies are sure to bring joy to any occasion.

Variations of Recipe:

1. Nutty Monster Cookies:

  • Add chopped nuts such as peanuts, walnuts, or almonds to the cookie dough for an extra crunch and nutty flavor. Mix them in with the chocolate chips and M&M’s for a delightful twist.

2. Trail Mix Monster Cookies:

  • Replace the chocolate chips and M&M’s with a trail mix blend containing nuts, dried fruits, and seeds. This variation adds a variety of textures and flavors to the cookies for a unique and satisfying treat.

3. Coconut Monster Cookies:

  • Stir shredded coconut into the cookie dough for a tropical flair. The coconut adds a hint of sweetness and chewiness to the cookies, complementing the chocolate and candy perfectly.

4. Peanut Butter Lover’s Monster Cookies:

  • Increase the amount of peanut butter in the dough or swirl in additional peanut butter before baking for an extra-rich and peanutty flavor. You can also top each cookie with a peanut butter cup or peanut butter drizzle for an indulgent treat.

5. Double Chocolate Monster Cookies:

  • Replace the semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips or chunks for a double dose of chocolate goodness. You can also add cocoa powder to the dough for an extra chocolatey flavor boost.

FAQs:

1. Can I use natural peanut butter in monster cookies?

  • Yes, you can use natural peanut butter in monster cookies, but keep in mind that natural peanut butter tends to have a thinner consistency and may affect the texture of the cookies slightly. You may need to adjust the amount of flour or oats to achieve the desired consistency.

2. Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

  • Yes, you can substitute quick oats for old-fashioned oats in monster cookies. However, quick oats will result in a slightly different texture, as they are more finely ground. The cookies may be slightly denser and less chewy than if you were to use old-fashioned oats.

3. Can I make monster cookies gluten-free?

  • Yes, you can make gluten-free monster cookies by using certified gluten-free oats and flour. Ensure that all other ingredients, such as the chocolate chips and M&M’s, are also gluten-free. You can also experiment with gluten-free flour blends to achieve the desired texture.

4. Can I use different types of chocolate in monster cookies?

  • Absolutely! Feel free to customize your monster cookies by using your favorite types of chocolate. You can use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate, or even flavored chocolate chips such as butterscotch or peanut butter chips.

5. Can I make monster cookies without eggs?

  • Yes, you can make egg-free monster cookies by using egg substitutes such as mashed bananas, applesauce, or commercial egg replacers. These substitutes will help bind the ingredients together and create a delicious cookie without the need for eggs.

6. How do I prevent my monster cookies from spreading too much?

  • To prevent excessive spreading, ensure that your butter is not too soft when creaming it with the sugars. Additionally, chilling the cookie dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking can help firm it up and reduce spreading.

7. Can I freeze monster cookie dough for later use?

  • Yes, you can freeze monster cookie dough by shaping it into balls and placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply thaw the dough balls in the refrigerator overnight before baking as usual.

8. How do I know when monster cookies are done baking?

  • Monster cookies are done baking when the edges are golden brown and set, and the centers are slightly soft but not gooey. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet, so be careful not to overbake them.

9. Can I add other mix-ins to my monster cookies?

  • Yes, you can customize your monster cookies by adding other mix-ins such as chopped nuts, dried fruits, coconut flakes, or even pretzel pieces. Get creative and mix and match your favorite ingredients to create your perfect cookie combination.

10. How should I store leftover monster cookies?

  • Store cooled monster cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature before enjoying.

Conclusion:

With their chewy texture, hearty oats, and bursts of chocolate and candy, our monster cookies are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Whether enjoyed as a snack, dessert, or special treat, these cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible monster cookies that will delight friends and family alike.

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