Monster Cookies

If you’re looking for a cookie that brings joy to any occasion, look no further than Monster Cookies! These delightful treats are not just your average cookie; they’re a celebration of flavors and textures. With chewy oats and creamy peanut butter, plus the irresistible crunch of chocolate chips and Reese’s Pieces, every bite is a little piece of heaven. They’re perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or even as a fun Halloween treat. Trust me, once you bake these Monster Cookies, you’ll want to share them with everyone!

There’s something so special about baking cookies at home. The warm aroma fills the kitchen and creates a cozy atmosphere that invites everyone to gather around. Plus, the kids will love helping mix the ingredients or pressing in those colorful candies. Monster Cookies are truly a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: This recipe comes together quickly with simple steps that anyone can follow.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the combination of peanut butter and chocolate.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake a batch ahead of time and store them for up to a week—if they last that long!
• Customizable Fun: Add your favorite mix-ins or try different candy combinations to make them your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! You’ll find that these are simple and wholesome items you probably already have in your kitchen. They come together beautifully to create those delicious Monster Cookies we all adore.

For the Cookie Base

• 1/2 cup softened butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup peanut butter – creamy or crunchy
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cup all purpose flour
• 1 cup old fashioned oats
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Mix-Ins

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup Reese’s Pieces candies
• candy eyeball sprinkles (optional)

Variations

The beauty of Monster Cookies is how flexible this recipe can be! Feel free to get creative with your mix-ins or tweak it to fit your taste preferences.

• Swap the nut butter: Use almond or cashew butter instead of peanut butter for a different flavor.
• Add dried fruit: Toss in some raisins or cranberries for a sweet twist.
• Change the candy: Substitute M&M’s or other chocolate candies for variety.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour to adapt this recipe for gluten-sensitive friends.

How to Make Monster Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This step ensures that your cookies bake evenly and become perfectly golden brown when they’re ready.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and brown sugar. Beat them together with an electric mixer for about 2 minutes until it’s light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, which helps create soft cookies.

Step 3: Mix in Peanut Butter, Eggs, and Vanilla

Next, add in your peanut butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined. The peanut butter adds richness while the vanilla enhances all those wonderful flavors!

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to add the flour, oats, baking soda, and salt into the bowl. Mix everything thoroughly until just combined. Make sure not to overmix; we want our cookies to stay tender.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. This step makes sure every cookie has that delightful burst of chocolate in each bite!

Step 6: Scoop and Shape Dough

Using a medium cookie scoop, place dough balls about 2 inches apart on a greased or lined baking sheet. If you find the dough is sticky, sprinkle it lightly with granulated sugar before pressing down gently with a fork in a crisscross pattern.

Step 7: Bake Your Cookies

Bake in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned. Keep an eye on them; you want them soft but set!

Step 8: Add Candy Eyeballs (Optional)

As soon as they come out of the oven, press in some extra Reese’s Pieces and those fun candy eyeball sprinkles if you like! It makes them look extra special.

Step 9: Cool Down

Let your Monster Cookies cool on a wire rack before storing them away (if there’s any left!). They’ll be nice and chewy once cooled down.

Now you have everything you need to whip up these delightful Monster Cookies! Enjoy every moment of baking—and eating!

Pro Tips for Making Monster Cookies

Making the perfect Monster Cookies is all about the little details! Here are some tips to ensure your cookies come out chewy, flavorful, and irresistible every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Starting with softened butter and eggs at room temperature allows for better mixing, resulting in a smoother dough that bakes evenly.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Once you add the flour mixture, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies instead of the chewy texture we love.

• Chill the dough if needed: If your dough feels too sticky, chilling it for 30 minutes can make it easier to scoop and handle. This step helps prevent spreading during baking.

• Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to swap out the Reese’s Pieces or chocolate chips with your favorite candies or nuts. This flexibility lets you customize flavors to suit your taste!

• Check for doneness carefully: The cookies should look slightly underbaked when you take them out of the oven. They will firm up as they cool, ensuring a perfect chewy texture.

How to Serve Monster Cookies

When it comes to serving Monster Cookies, presentation can elevate this delightful treat even further! Here are some creative ideas to make them truly shine.

Garnishes

• Candy eyeballs: Adding these fun sprinkles on top right after baking gives your cookies a playful touch, perfect for Halloween or any festive occasion.
• Drizzle of chocolate: A quick drizzle of melted chocolate over the cooled cookies can enhance both their appearance and flavor, making them even more decadent.

Side Dishes

• Milk: The classic pairing with any cookie! A cold glass of milk complements the peanut butter and chocolate flavors beautifully.
• Ice cream: Serve these warm cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an indulgent dessert that will impress everyone.
• Fruit platter: Fresh fruit provides a refreshing contrast and balances out the sweetness of the cookies, making it a lighter option on your dessert table.
• Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea serves as a cozy accompaniment, enhancing the flavors of these delicious cookies while inviting relaxation.

Now you’re all set to bake up some delightful Monster Cookies that are sure to be a hit with family and friends! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Monster Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a big batch in no time and have delicious treats on hand for the week ahead.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for up to 7 days.
• For longer freshness, consider placing a slice of bread in the container to keep them moist.

Freezing

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the desired number of cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-8 minutes.
• Alternatively, you can microwave individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Monster Cookies.

What makes Monster Cookies different from regular peanut butter cookies?

Monster Cookies are unique because they combine peanut butter with oats, chocolate chips, and Reese’s Pieces, giving them a chewy texture and delightful mix of flavors that sets them apart from traditional peanut butter cookies.

Can I make Monster Cookies without eggs?

Yes! You can replace eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce. For each egg, mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit until it thickens, or use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce as an alternative.

How do I ensure my Monster Cookies stay soft?

To keep your Monster Cookies soft, avoid overbaking them. Remove them from the oven when the edges are lightly browned but the centers still look slightly underbaked. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

Can I customize my Monster Cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the chocolate chips or Reese’s Pieces for your favorite mix-ins like nuts, dried fruit, or different kinds of candies. The possibilities are endless!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Monster Cookies as much as I do! They’re not just tasty; they bring a smile to anyone who takes a bite. Remember that baking is all about having fun in the kitchen—experimenting with flavors and sharing these sweet treats with loved ones makes it even more special. Happy baking!