Oh, let me tell you about monster cookies! These delightful treats are the ultimate comfort food, combining the wholesome goodness of oats, the rich taste of peanut butter, and a fun burst of chocolate from M&M’s. Whenever I bake these, I’m instantly transported back to my childhood kitchen, where I’d stand on a stool, eagerly mixing the dough with my grandma. The smell that fills the house while they bake? Absolutely heavenly! It’s hard to resist sneaking a taste before they even cool down. Monster cookies are perfect for sharing with family and friends, or simply enjoying with a glass of milk on a cozy afternoon. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a beloved staple in your home too!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple ingredients to make your monster cookies. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare them!
- 1 cup peanut butter: Creamy or chunky, it’ll add that rich, nutty flavor.
- 1 cup brown sugar: This gives the cookies a deliciously sweet, caramel-like taste.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Just a bit more sweetness to balance everything out.
- 3 large eggs: These help bind the ingredients and give the cookies their lovely texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A must for enhancing that sweet, comforting flavor.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: This is your leavening agent, helping the cookies rise perfectly.
- 3 cups rolled oats: They provide a chewy texture and are packed with goodness.
- 1 cup chocolate chips: Choose your favorite type—dark, milk, or even white chocolate!
- 1 cup M&M’s candies: These add a fun and colorful crunch to your cookies.
Having everything ready makes the baking process a breeze! Don’t forget to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before you start mixing.
How to Prepare Monster Cookies
Making monster cookies is a delightful experience, and I’m here to guide you through each step! With a little patience and love, you’ll have a batch of warm, gooey cookies in no time. Let’s dive right in!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an important first step, as it ensures your cookies bake evenly. Trust me, you don’t want to forget this part!
- Mix the peanut butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of peanut butter with 1 cup of brown sugar and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Using a sturdy spatula or a hand mixer, blend them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This is the foundation of your cookies, so make sure it’s well combined!
- Add the eggs and vanilla: Crack in the 3 large eggs and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix everything together again until fully incorporated. The batter will start to look fluffy, and that’s exactly what you want!
- Incorporate the baking soda: Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of baking soda and mix gently. This will help your cookies rise beautifully, giving them that lovely texture.
- Add the oats and chocolate: Now it’s time to stir in the 3 cups of rolled oats, 1 cup of chocolate chips, and 1 cup of M&M’s. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to fold everything together until it’s evenly mixed. Get ready for that delightful aroma to fill your kitchen!
- Drop the cookie dough: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop generous spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space in between each one. They’ll spread a little while baking, so don’t crowd them!
- Bake to perfection: Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the edges to be golden brown while the centers remain soft and slightly underbaked. They’ll continue to cook a bit after you take them out!
- Cool and enjoy: Once baked, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up a little. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. The smell will be tempting, but give them a moment before diving in!
And there you have it! Each step brings you closer to enjoying those delightful monster cookies. If you follow these instructions, you’ll find they’re not just easy to make, but also incredibly rewarding. Happy baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These monster cookies are not just any cookies; they’re a delightful treat that brings smiles to everyone who tries them! Here’s why you’re going to adore this recipe:
- Simple preparation: With just a few easy steps, you’ll have a batch of cookies ready to bake in no time!
- Deliciously satisfying: The combination of peanut butter, oats, and chocolate creates a flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Perfect for sharing: These cookies are great for gatherings, picnics, or just a cozy night in with family. Check out more comforting recipes!
- Customizable: You can easily add your favorite nuts or swap in different types of chocolate for a personal touch.
- Comforting treat: There’s something so nostalgic about monster cookies that makes them feel like a warm hug in dessert form.
Trust me, once you bake these cookies, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your home!
Tips for Success
To ensure your monster cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:
- Measure carefully: Baking is a science, so make sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Use a kitchen scale if you have one for the best results!
- Don’t overbake: Keep a close eye on your cookies. They should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center. They’ll firm up as they cool, so take them out a minute or two early if you’re unsure.
- Adjust for altitude: If you’re baking at higher altitudes, you might need to increase the flour slightly or decrease the sugar to prevent them from spreading too much.
- Humidity matters: On humid days, your dough may be a bit stickier. If that’s the case, just add a tablespoon of flour to help it hold together better.
- Let them cool: Be patient! Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them maintain their shape.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking delicious monster cookies that everyone will love!
Ingredient Notes/Substitutions
It’s great to know that you can easily customize monster cookies to fit different dietary needs! Here are some helpful substitutions you might consider:
- Nut allergies: If you’re allergic to peanuts, feel free to swap out the peanut butter for almond butter or sunbutter. Both will still give you that rich and creamy texture!
- Gluten-free: To make these cookies gluten-free, just use certified gluten-free rolled oats. They’ll work beautifully in this recipe without compromising flavor.
- Sweetener alternatives: If you prefer a lower-sugar option, you can substitute the brown sugar and granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia, adjusting the amount to taste.
- Extra flavors: Want to mix it up? You can also add in dried fruits like raisins or cranberries, or even some chopped nuts for added crunch and flavor!
These substitutions will help you enjoy monster cookies while catering to different preferences or dietary restrictions. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying monster cookies, it’s nice to have an idea of what’s in them! Each cookie packs a delightful blend of flavors and textures, and here’s an estimate of the nutritional values:
- Calories: Approximately 150 per cookie
- Sugar: About 10g
- Fat: Roughly 7g, with 2g being saturated fat
- Protein: Around 4g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20g
- Fiber: About 2g
- Sodium: Approximately 50mg
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you choose, so it’s always a good idea to check the labels. But no matter the numbers, the joy of biting into a warm monster cookie is what truly counts!
FAQ Section
Here are some common questions I get about monster cookies and their answers to help you out:
Can I freeze monster cookies?
Absolutely! These cookies freeze beautifully. Just place them in an airtight container or zip-top bag, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature, or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up.
How should I store them?
Store your monster cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, keep them in the fridge, but trust me, they’re best enjoyed fresh!
Can I add other ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative. You can add nuts, dried fruits, or even swap in different types of chocolate. Just remember to keep the ratios similar so the dough holds together nicely.
What if my dough is too sticky?
If you find your dough a bit too sticky, don’t worry! Just add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches a workable consistency. This can happen on humid days.
Can I make these cookies without eggs?
Yes! You can substitute each egg with a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let sit for a few minutes until it thickens) or applesauce for a vegan version. Just keep in mind this may slightly change the texture!
Print
Monster Cookies: 7 Comforting Steps to Bake Bliss
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious monster cookies packed with oats, chocolate chips, and peanut butter.
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup M&M’s candies
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs, vanilla extract, and baking soda. Mix well.
- Stir in rolled oats, chocolate chips, and M&M’s until evenly combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are golden brown.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- You can substitute almond butter for peanut butter if you have nut allergies.
- Use gluten-free oats for a gluten-free version.
- Add dried fruit or nuts for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: monster cookies, cookie recipe, dessert, baking