Christmas Monster Cookies: A Festive Treat

Christmas Monster Cookies are the perfect blend of festive colors, indulgent flavors, and comforting textures. Combining peanut butter, oats, chocolate candies, and a hint of crunch, these cookies are a delightful addition to your holiday baking lineup. Whether for cookie exchanges, gifting, or simply enjoying with loved ones, these cookies are sure to spread holiday cheer. Let’s dive into the recipe!

What Are Christmas Monster Cookies?

Christmas Monster Cookies are a holiday twist on the classic monster cookie recipe. They feature a rich combination of peanut butter and oats, enhanced with red and green chocolate candies and optional chopped peanuts for added crunch. These cookies are known for their hearty texture, vibrant colors, and the balance of sweet and salty flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Customizable: Adjust mix-ins to suit your taste or dietary needs.
• Festive and Fun: The red and green candies make them ideal for holiday gatherings.
• Perfect Texture: A chewy center with just the right amount of crispiness at the edges.

Ingredients

• ½ cup (113g) butter, softened
• ½ cup (120g) peanut butter
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (200g) brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 ½ cups (135g) rolled oats
• 1 cup (170g) red and green chocolate candies (e.g., M&Ms)
• ½ cup (85g) chocolate chips
• ½ cup (60g) chopped peanuts (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Dough

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

Mixing the Dry Ingredients

4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Incorporate Oats and Mix-Ins: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until combined. Stir in the rolled oats, red and green chocolate candies, chocolate chips, and optional chopped peanuts.

Shaping and Baking

6. Form Cookie Dough Balls: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each for spreading.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown while the centers remain soft.
8. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy these cookies with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of cocoa.
• Package them in festive tins or bags for a thoughtful holiday gift.
• Serve as part of a Christmas cookie platter alongside sugar cookies and gingerbread men.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• To maintain their chewiness, place a slice of bread in the container.

Freezing Instructions

• Dough: Scoop the dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
• Baked Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool completely, then freeze in a single layer. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Recipe Variations

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Vegan: Use plant-based butter, egg replacers, and dairy-free chocolate candies.
• Nut-Free: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and omit chopped peanuts.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly less chewy.

What if I don’t have red and green candies?
You can use regular chocolate candies or festive sprinkles for a similar effect.

How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should be lightly golden, while the centers will appear soft but set as they cool.

Christmas Monster Cookies are a must-bake treat that captures the joy of the holiday season. With their vibrant colors and irresistible flavors, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite. Try them today and make your holidays even sweeter!

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