Monster Cookies

If you’re looking for a cookie that brings joy to every occasion, these Monster Cookies are it! They’re not just any cookies; they’re a delightful mix of chewy oatmeal and creamy peanut butter, generously packed with chocolate chips and colorful Reese’s Pieces. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, treating yourself after a long day, or celebrating Halloween with friends, these cookies will surely be a hit.

What makes these Monster Cookies so special is their versatility. They are easy to whip up on busy weeknights or can be made ahead for those moments when sweet cravings strike. Plus, the kids can join in on the fun—who wouldn’t love adding candy eyeballs to make them extra festive?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: These cookies come together in just 20 minutes from start to finish, making them perfect for last-minute baking.
• Family-Friendly Fun: Kids will love helping out in the kitchen, especially when it comes to mixing and decorating!
• Deliciously Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite mix-ins or adjust the sweetness to suit your taste.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From snack time to parties, these cookies fit right in at any gathering.
• Make Ahead Convenience: Bake a batch and store them for up to a week—if they last that long!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Monster Cookies are made with simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need!

For the Cookie Dough

• 1/2 cup softened butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup peanut butter – creamy or crunchy
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cup all purpose flour
• 1 cup old fashioned oats
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

For the Mix-Ins

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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ways to make these cookies your own:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• Change Up the Chocolate: Use milk chocolate or white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a different flavor profile.
• Try Dried Fruit: Add raisins or dried cranberries for a fruity twist that pairs beautifully with the peanut butter.
• Make Them Vegan: Substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water or applesauce and use plant-based butter.

How to Make Monster Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial as it ensures that your cookies bake evenly and turn out perfectly chewy.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, add 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 helps incorporate air into the mixture, giving your cookies that lovely texture.

Step 3: Add Peanut Butter and Eggs

Next, add in the peanut butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined. The creamy peanut butter not only adds flavor but also moisture to the dough.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to incorporate the dry ingredients! Add all-purpose flour, oats, baking soda, and kosher salt into the bowl. Mix thoroughly until there are no dry spots left. This blend is what gives Monster Cookies their delightful chewiness.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. These little gems will melt slightly while baking, creating gooey pockets of chocolate goodness.

Step 6: Scoop and Shape

Using a medium cookie scoop, place dough balls about 2 inches apart on a greased or lined baking sheet. If your dough feels sticky, sprinkle a bit of granulated sugar over it before flattening slightly with a fork.

Step 7: Bake!

Pop those delightful cookie mounds into your preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned. Don’t worry if they look a bit soft; they’ll firm up as they cool!

Step 8: Decorate (Optional)

Once out of the oven, press a few Reese’s Pieces onto each cookie while they’re still warm. If you’re feeling playful, add some candy eyeball sprinkles on top for an extra fun touch!

Step 9: Cool Down

Let your cookies cool on a wire rack before diving in. This will help them set perfectly while keeping that chewy center.

Step 10: Store Your Cookies

Finally, store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to seven days—if they last that long!

Enjoy making these fantastic Monster Cookies! They’re sure to bring smiles all around!

Pro Tips for Making Monster Cookies

Making the perfect Monster Cookies is easier than you think! Here are some helpful tips to ensure your cookies come out chewy, delicious, and totally irresistible.

• Use room temperature butter – This helps the butter blend more easily with the sugars, ensuring a smoother texture and better flavor distribution throughout your cookies.
• Don’t overmix the dough – Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined to keep them soft and chewy.
• Scoop evenly – Using a medium cookie scoop ensures that all your cookies are the same size, which allows for even baking and consistent texture.
• Chill the cookie dough (optional) – If you have time, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes can enhance flavors and help them maintain their shape while baking.
• Experiment with mix-ins – Feel free to swap out Reese’s Pieces or chocolate chips for other favorites like M&Ms, dried fruit, or nuts to create your own unique version of Monster Cookies!

How to Serve Monster Cookies

Monster Cookies are not just fun to eat; they also make a delightful presentation at any gathering! Here are some creative ideas for serving these treat-filled delights.

Garnishes

• Candy eyeball sprinkles – Adding these playful sprinkles right after baking gives your cookies a whimsical monster look that’s perfect for parties or Halloween celebrations.
• Drizzle of melted chocolate – A quick drizzle of melted chocolate over the cooled cookies adds an extra touch of sweetness and makes them visually appealing.

Side Dishes

• Milk – A classic pairing! The creamy richness of milk balances the sweetness of Monster Cookies perfectly, making each bite even more enjoyable.
• Fresh fruit salad – The refreshing taste of fruits like berries or melon complements the rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate in the cookies.
• Ice cream – Serving your warm Monster Cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream creates a delightful dessert experience that’s hard to resist.
• Hot cocoa or coffee – These warm beverages enhance the cozy vibes when enjoying cookies, especially on chilly days.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re well on your way to impressing family and friends with your homemade Monster Cookies. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Monster Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time, ensuring you have delicious treats ready whenever the craving strikes.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for up to 7 days.
• If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing!

Freezing

• Place baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F.
• Place cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5 minutes.
• Alternatively, use the microwave for about 10-15 seconds per cookie.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Monster Cookies.

What makes Monster Cookies different from regular cookies?

Monster Cookies stand out because they combine peanut butter, oats, chocolate chips, and Reese’s Pieces in one delightful treat. This unique mix gives them a chewy texture and flavor that’s hard to resist!

Can I customize my Monster Cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the chocolate chips or Reese’s Pieces with your favorite candies or nuts. This is a great way to make the recipe your own!

How do I know when my Monster Cookies are done baking?

Look for lightly browned edges while the centers may look slightly underbaked. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the wire rack.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited about these Monster Cookies as I am! Their chewy texture and delightful flavor make them an absolute crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or enjoying some cozy moments at home, I’m sure you’ll love making—and devouring—these treats. Happy baking!