If your son loves these cookies, I can see why—they’re packed with all kinds of goodness: peanut butter, chocolate chips, and M&Ms! Not to mention, they have that perfect combination of chewy oats and crunchy treats, making them a fun, hearty, and delicious snack. Plus, these cookies are a hit with kids and adults alike. 😄
Let’s dive into this monster of a cookie recipe and break it down step by step.
Monster Cookies Recipe 🍪💥
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 1/2 cups quick oats
- 3/4 cup mini M&Ms
- 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven:
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your cookie sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
- Cream the sugars and butter:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and softened butter using an electric mixer or hand mixer. Mix on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs, peanut butter, and flavorings:
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Add the peanut butter, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt to the mixture. Continue beating until everything is well-combined and smooth.
- Mix in the oats:
- Gradually add the quick oats to the mixture and stir until everything is evenly combined. The dough will be thick at this point, so make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all the ingredients.
- Add the chocolatey goodness:
- Gently fold in the mini M&Ms and mini chocolate chips. These will give your cookies that perfect blend of color and flavor.
- Scoop the dough:
- Use a cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon size) to drop the dough onto the prepared cookie sheet. You should be able to get about 51 cookies from this batch. Be sure to leave enough space between each cookie as they will spread a bit while baking.
- Bake the cookies:
- Bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes. The cookies should be golden on the edges but still soft in the center.
- Press extra M&Ms:
- As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, gently press a few extra M&Ms into the tops of each cookie for an extra pop of color and sweetness. This is optional, but it makes them look super cute and festive!
- Cool and enjoy:
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. These cookies will be chewy and just the right amount of sweet!
Tips for Perfect Monster Cookies:
- Peanut butter choice: Use creamy peanut butter for a smoother texture, or crunchy peanut butter if you want a bit of extra texture. Both work great!
- Oats: Quick oats are ideal for this recipe as they give the cookies the right chewy texture. Avoid using old-fashioned oats as they might not provide the same result.
- Mix-ins: Feel free to get creative with your mix-ins. M&Ms, chocolate chips, or even chopped nuts or raisins could make great additions.
- Don’t overbake: These cookies should be slightly soft in the middle when you take them out of the oven. They will continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake them, or they might turn out too crunchy.
Storage:
- Room Temperature: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They’ll stay soft and chewy for several days.
- Freezing: These cookies freeze really well! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a ziplock bag or airtight container for up to 3 months.
Q & A:
Q: Can I use regular M&Ms instead of mini M&Ms? A: Yes, you can use regular M&Ms, but keep in mind they will be larger and may cause the cookies to spread a bit more. Mini M&Ms are great because they distribute evenly and help maintain the cookie’s shape.
Q: Can I make these cookies with chunky peanut butter? A: Definitely! Chunky peanut butter will add a little extra crunch to the cookies, which could be a fun twist. Just make sure to use the right consistency so the dough isn’t too stiff.
Q: What if I don’t have quick oats? A: You can use old-fashioned oats, but they will give a chewier, more textured cookie. Just know that the consistency might be a little different.
Q: Can I add other mix-ins? A: Absolutely! These cookies are super versatile, so feel free to add chopped nuts, raisins, or even a bit of toffee if you’re in the mood for some variety.
These monster cookies are a total hit—chewy, peanut-buttery, and loaded with fun chocolatey bits. I can totally see why they’re your son’s favorite! Enjoy baking, and I bet the family will love these as much as he does. 🍪🎉