Ultimate Monster Cookies Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that combines chewy oats, rich chocolate, and a hint of nostalgia, then look no further than this Ultimate Monster Cookies Recipe! These cookies are the perfect blend of soft and chewy, packed with flavor, and a delightful crunch from candy-coated chocolate pieces. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and bring smiles to everyone around you. So, let’s dive into this cookie adventure!
Why This Recipe Works
This Ultimate Monster Cookies Recipe stands out for several reasons. First, the combination of peanut butter and butter creates a rich, creamy base that enhances the flavor and texture of each cookie. The oats add a chewy element, while the chocolate chips and candy-coated pieces provide bursts of sweetness in every bite. The balance of brown sugar and granulated sugar not only sweetens the cookies but also gives them a beautiful golden hue and a satisfying chewiness. Lastly, the baking soda and baking powder work together to ensure perfect rising, making these cookies fluffy yet substantial.
Ingredient Notes
- Butter (1/2 cup or 113g): Softened to room temperature, it contributes to the rich texture and flavor of the cookies.
- Peanut Butter (3/4 cup or 203g): Creamy peanut butter adds depth and enhances the chewiness of each cookie.
- Brown Sugar (1 cup or 220g): Packed brown sugar brings moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup or 213g): This adds sweetness and helps create the perfect texture.
- Eggs (2 large or 100g): Essential for binding the ingredients together and providing structure.
- Vanilla Extract (1 1/2 teaspoons or 7g): Enhances the overall flavor profile with a warm, sweet aroma.
- All-Purpose Flour (1/2 cup or 60g): A small amount helps with structure while keeping the cookies soft.
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon or 6g): Helps the cookies rise and creates a light texture.
- Baking Powder (1/2 teaspoon or 2g): Works with baking soda to give the cookies their perfect lift.
- Kosher Salt (1/2 teaspoon or 1g): Balances the sweetness and enhances other flavors.
- Rolled Oats (2 cups or 178g): Adds chewiness and heartiness to the cookies.
- Chocolate Chips (2 cups or 340g): Choose milk, semi-sweet, or dark chocolate for your preference.
- Candy-Coated Chocolate Pieces (1 cup or 164g): Adds a fun, colorful crunch, reminiscent of M&Ms.
Prep & Cook Tools
- Mixing Bowls: A large bowl for mixing wet ingredients and a smaller bowl for dry ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise measurements of all your ingredients.
- Electric Mixer: A stand or hand mixer makes creaming the butter and sugars easier.
- Baking Sheet: A sturdy sheet to bake your cookies evenly.
- Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Cookie Scoop: Helps in portioning out uniform cookie dough for even baking.
Ultimate Monster Cookies Recipe — Do This Next
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly and achieve that golden brown color.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and creamy peanut butter. Using an electric mixer, cream them together until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add in both the brown sugar and granulated sugar, beating until well combined.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, pour in the vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, kosher salt, and rolled oats until evenly mixed.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher cookies.
Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips and Candy Pieces
Gently fold in the chocolate chips and candy-coated chocolate pieces until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop, drop generous portions of dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look slightly underbaked.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!
Allergy-Friendly Swaps
- Nut-Free: Substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or a nut-free alternative.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.
- Dairy-Free: Replace the butter with a plant-based butter alternative.
- Vegan: Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) and plant-based butter.
Mistakes Even Pros Make
- Not measuring ingredients accurately can lead to inconsistent texture and flavor.
- Overmixing the dough after adding the flour can make cookies tough instead of soft and chewy.
- Skipping the cooling time on the baking sheet can cause cookies to break apart when transferring.
- Using cold butter instead of softened can affect how well the dough comes together and the final texture.
Meal Prep & Storage Notes
These Ultimate Monster Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make the dough ahead of time and freeze it for later use. Simply scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just add a couple of minutes to the baking time.
For storage, keep the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer freshness, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks or freeze them for up to three months. Just let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Popular Questions
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes! While creamy peanut butter is preferred for its smooth texture, you can absolutely use crunchy peanut butter for added texture and flavor.
What can I substitute for the eggs in this recipe?
For each egg, you can use 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens to mimic the binding properties of eggs.
How can I make these cookies less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of granulated sugar slightly, but keep in mind that sugar contributes to the texture. A good starting point is to decrease it by 1/4 cup and see how you like the results.
Can I add other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your Ultimate Monster Cookies by adding nuts, dried fruits, or other types of chocolate. The possibilities are endless!
Save & Share
If you love this Ultimate Monster Cookies Recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family! These cookies are perfect for parties, bake sales, or just a cozy night at home. Snap a picture of your delicious creations and tag your favorite food bloggers – they’ll love to see your baking adventures!
Baking is all about joy and sharing, and there’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to indulge in these scrumptious Ultimate Monster Cookies. Happy baking!
Ultimate Monster Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and creamy peanut butter. Cream them together until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add in both the brown sugar and granulated sugar, beating until well combined.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, pour in the vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, kosher salt, and rolled oats until evenly mixed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips and candy-coated chocolate pieces until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Using a cookie scoop, drop portions of dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Notes
- For nut-free, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.
- Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
