Are you ready to create a cookie that’s loaded with everything good? Look no further than the classic Monster Cookie! These cookies are an irresistible mix of oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, M&M’s, and more, offering a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and chewy flavors in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a party, a family gathering, or just treating yourself, this monster cookie recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Let’s dive in and learn how to make these giant, indulgent cookies from scratch!
What Are Monster Cookies?
Monster cookies are a classic cookie recipe that originated in the United States. They are called “monster” cookies because they are loaded with a variety of delicious ingredients, making them bigger, bolder, and more satisfying than traditional cookies. This combination of oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and candies ensures each cookie is packed with flavor and texture.
Why You’ll Love This Monster Cookie Recipe
- Loaded with Flavor: Each cookie is a blend of rich chocolate, sweet candies, and hearty oats.
- Perfectly Chewy and Soft: The combination of peanut butter and oats gives these cookies a delightful chewiness.
- Customizable: You can add or swap ingredients like different types of chocolate chips, nuts, or even sprinkles to match your preferences.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch of monster cookies that’ll impress friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make approximately 24 monster cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups (160g) old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups (270g) M&M’s or other candy-coated chocolate candies
- 1 cup (175g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the peanut butter and continue mixing until well combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Add the Oats and Chocolate: Stir in the oats, chocolate chips, and M&M’s using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula. Make sure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Scoop and Shape: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop generous portions of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. Be careful not to overbake, as you want the centers to stay soft and chewy.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these cookies with a tall glass of milk or your favorite beverage!
Tips for the Best Monster Cookies
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for the best mixing and consistency.
- Don’t Overmix: When adding the flour and other dry ingredients, mix only until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies.
- Customize to Your Liking: Feel free to substitute the M&M’s with your favorite candies, chopped nuts, or even white chocolate chips for a unique twist.
Storing and Freezing Monster Cookies
- Storing: Keep your monster cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for several days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cookie dough or the baked cookies. To freeze the dough, scoop it onto a baking sheet, freeze for 1-2 hours, then transfer the scoops to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen when ready by adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. Frozen baked cookies can last up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts
Monster cookies are a treat that’s perfect for any occasion and loved by people of all ages. With their chewy texture, peanut butter flavor, and vibrant mix of chocolate and candies, they’re bound to be a hit! Whether you make them for a special event or just because, this monster cookie recipe will not disappoint. So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to make the most epic cookies you’ve ever tasted. Happy baking!
Serving and Storage Tips for Monster Cookies
Serving Tips:
- Pair with Beverages: Monster cookies are perfect when served with a cold glass of milk, coffee, or a warm cup of hot chocolate. The rich, sweet flavors of the cookie balance well with a refreshing or cozy drink.
- Presentation Matters: Arrange your cookies on a serving plate or a decorative platter, and consider garnishing with a sprinkle of sea salt or a few extra M&M’s for an appealing look.
- Warm It Up: For an extra indulgent treat, warm your monster cookie in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving. This makes the chocolate chips gooey and enhances the flavor even more.
Storage Tips:
- Room Temperature: Store your monster cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This will keep them soft and fresh, ready for a snack at any time.
- Refrigeration: If you want to extend the shelf life, store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Just remember to bring them to room temperature before eating for the best texture and flavor.
- Freezing:
- Cookie Dough: If you want to bake fresh cookies later, freeze the cookie dough. Scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet to freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, place them on a baking sheet and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Baked Cookies: You can also freeze baked monster cookies. Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag with parchment paper between each cookie to prevent sticking. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
- Avoid Stale Cookies: To prevent cookies from becoming too hard or stale, make sure they are completely cooled before storing. Adding a slice of bread to the container can help keep them moist and fresh for longer periods.
By following these serving and storage tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your monster cookies at their best, whether they’re fresh from the oven or saved for later!
1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture. It will give the cookies a bit more crunch and a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the cookies will have more of a nutty bite, so if you prefer a smoother cookie, stick with creamy peanut butter.
2. How do I make monster cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free monster cookies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to use a blend that’s designed for baking to get the best results. You can also add 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum to help with the texture and structure.
3. Can I customize the mix-ins?
Absolutely! Monster cookies are versatile, so feel free to customize the mix-ins to your liking. You can add different types of chocolate chips (white, milk, dark, or even butterscotch chips), chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even sprinkles. Just make sure not to overload the dough with too many mix-ins, as this can affect the cookie’s texture.
4. How can I make sure my monster cookies stay soft and chewy?
To keep your cookies soft and chewy, do not overbake them. Remove the cookies from the oven when the edges are just starting to turn golden, but the centers still look a little soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. The residual heat will continue to bake the cookies gently, ensuring they stay moist and chewy.
Monster Cookies
Monster Cookies are the ultimate treat, loaded with peanut butter, oats, chocolate chips, and colorful candies like M&M’s. These chewy, slightly crisp cookies are a family favorite, combining all your favorite cookie flavors in one bite. Perfect for parties, bake sales, or when you’re craving something indulgent!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes per batch
- Total Time: 30-40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened 1 cup creamy peanut butter 1 cup granulated sugar 1 cup packed brown sugar 2 large eggs 1 tsp vanilla extract 2 cups old-fashioned oats 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 tsp baking soda 1/4 tsp salt 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 cup M&M’s (plus extra for topping, if desired)
Instructions
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract. Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together oats, flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined. Add mix-ins: Stir in the chocolate chips and M&M’s until evenly distributed. Shape the cookies: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough (or use a medium cookie scoop) for each cookie. Roll into balls and place on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Press a few extra M&M’s on top of each cookie for decoration. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set but slightly soft. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and use allergy-friendly chocolate chips. Add 1/2 cup chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for extra crunch. These cookies store well in an airtight container for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.