Christmas Monster Cookies Recipe
Monster cookies are a fun and festive treat that brings together the best of cookies, with the addition of colorful candy, oats, and peanut butter. For Christmas, we’ll give these delightful cookies a holiday twist by incorporating seasonal colors and flavors. Here’s a detailed guide to making your own Christmas Monster Cookies from scratch!
Why You’ll Love These Christmas Monster Cookies
- Versatile: Perfect for holiday cookie swaps, gifting, or Christmas dessert tables.
- Festive Touch: Red and green candies and sprinkles add a festive charm.
- Simple Yet Indulgent: A straightforward recipe that yields chewy, rich, and delicious cookies.
- Customizable: Adjust the mix-ins to include your favorite holiday flavors.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients:
1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1 cup (220g) brown sugar, packed
1 ½ cups (380g) creamy peanut butter
3 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
2 ½ cups (225g) old-fashioned oats
Mix-ins:
1 cup (180g) holiday-colored chocolate candies (red and green M&Ms or similar)
1 cup (170g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup (100g) white chocolate chips
½ cup (60g) crushed peppermint candies (optional)
¼ cup (40g) holiday sprinkles
Equipment
Large mixing bowls
Hand or stand mixer
Baking sheets
Parchment paper
Cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Workspace
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Measure all ingredients and set them aside.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Add peanut butter and mix until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Add Oats and Mix-ins
- Stir in the oats with a spatula or mixer on low speed.
- Fold in chocolate candies, chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and crushed peppermint candies. Reserve a few candies for topping.
- Shape the Cookies
- Using a medium cookie scoop or spoon, portion dough into 2-tablespoon-sized balls.
- Place dough balls 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
- Gently press a few reserved candies and sprinkles onto the tops of each cookie.
- Bake
- Bake cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate (Optional)
Drizzle melted white chocolate over the cookies for an extra festive look.
Storage Tips
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezing the Dough: Roll dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 2–3 minutes to the baking time.
Freezing Baked Cookies: Freeze in layers separated by parchment paper for up to 2 months.
Tips for the Best Christmas Monster Cookies
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can make the cookies dense.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If your dough feels too soft, chill it for 30 minutes before baking.
- Customize Mix-ins: Swap or add ingredients like dried cranberries, chopped nuts, or mini marshmallows.
- Monitor Baking Time: Cookies may look underbaked when removed but will firm up as they cool.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per cookie)
Calories: 220
Fat: 12g
Carbs: 25g
Protein: 4g
Festive Variations
- Peppermint Monster Cookies: Add ½ teaspoon peppermint extract to the dough and top with crushed candy canes.
- Gluten-Free Version: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure oats are certified gluten-free.
- Nut-Free Option: Substitute sunflower seed butter for peanut butter and use nut-free candies.
Serving Ideas
Arrange these cookies on a Christmas dessert platter with hot cocoa.
Wrap in festive cellophane bags for a thoughtful holiday gift.
Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
A: Quick oats can be used but may result in a slightly different texture.
Q: Can I make these cookies smaller?
A: Yes, use a smaller cookie scoop and reduce the baking time by 1–2 minutes.
Q: Can I omit the peanut butter?
A: Peanut butter is essential for the signature flavor, but you can replace it with almond or sunflower seed butter.
Conclusion
These Christmas Monster Cookies are a delightful treat that combines nostalgia and festive cheer. With their chewy texture, bursts of chocolate, and colorful holiday toppings, they’re bound to become a favorite in your holiday baking repertoire. Whether you’re making them for family, friends, or yourself, they’re sure to spread joy with every bite.
Happy Baking and Merry Christmas!
