Are you ready to sink your teeth into a treat that’s both thick and chewy? In this post, I’ll share my simple and irresistible recipe for Monster Cookies. With hearty oats, chocolate chips, and colorful M&M’s, these cookies will delight your taste buds. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a novice, I’ll guide you step-by-step to make these crowd-pleasers. Let’s dive into the sweet world of Monster Cookies!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Indulgent Flavor: The combination of chocolate chips and M&M's creates a delightful explosion of flavors in every bite.
- Chewy Texture: The old-fashioned oats give these cookies a wonderfully chewy texture that keeps you coming back for more.
- Customizable Add-ins: Feel free to mix in your favorite nuts or substitute different candies for a personalized touch.
- Perfect for Sharing: With about 24 cookies in this batch, they are great for parties, gatherings, or just sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (mix)
- 1 cup M&M’s or assorted chocolates
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Ingredient Notes
Why use unsalted butter? Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt in the cookies. This helps balance the sweet flavor.
What are the best chocolate chips? I recommend a mix of semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips. This combo gives a rich flavor and fun texture.
What about nuts or chocolate candies? If you prefer no nuts, skip them. You can also use white chocolate or butterscotch chips. Get creative!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Dough
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking.
- In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Mix until smooth and fluffy. This makes the cookies light and chewy.
- Next, add 2 large eggs one at a time. Then mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Blend this well until combined.
Mixing the Dry Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk together 3 cups of old-fashioned rolled oats, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This mix adds texture and flavor.
- Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture. Stir just until blended. Don't overmix, or you’ll lose that soft texture.
Shaping and Baking the Cookies
- Use a large spoon to scoop dough onto prepared baking sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart. This gives room for spreading.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be golden, and the centers will look slightly underbaked.
- After baking, let the cookies cool on the sheets for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up without getting hard.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Texture
To get that perfect chewy texture, chilling the dough is key. After mixing, cover the dough and chill it for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors blend and makes the cookies thicker.
Avoid overmixing the dough when combining wet and dry ingredients. Mix just until you see no flour. This keeps your cookies soft and chewy.
Flavor Enhancements
You can boost flavor by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. Just a pinch can transform your cookies. It adds warmth and depth to every bite.
For premium chocolate choices, try a mix of semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips. This blend gives your cookies a rich, sweet taste that everyone loves.
Presentation Tips
Serving your cookies on a colorful platter makes them pop. It adds fun to your dessert table.
For an extra touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies. A sprinkle of sea salt can also enhance the flavor and looks.
Pro Tips
- Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking soda and chocolate chips are fresh for optimal flavor and texture in your cookies.
- Mix and Match: Feel free to customize the mix-ins by using your favorite types of chocolate chips or candies, such as peanut butter chips or dried fruit.
- Check for Doneness: The cookies will continue to cook on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven, so take them out when the edges are golden but the centers look slightly underbaked.
Variations
Dietary Adjustments
If you need a gluten-free option, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Many blends work well in cookies. Just make sure it has xanthan gum to help with texture. For a vegan twist, replace the eggs with flax eggs. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes, and it will thicken nicely.
Flavor Variations
To switch up the flavor, try adding peanut butter chips or butterscotch chips. They bring a tasty twist to the classic cookie. You can also mix in dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for a chewy bite. Different nuts, like almonds or macadamia, add a fun crunch, too.
Themed Cookies
Make your cookies special for holidays! For Halloween, add orange and black candies. For Christmas, try red and green M&M's. You could even use food coloring to tint the dough. This way, kids can help create fun color combos. They will love making these cookies their own!
Storage Info
Best Storage Practices
For the best taste, store your monster cookies in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and chewy. A glass jar or a plastic container works great.
At room temperature, your cookies stay soft for about a week. If you prefer, you can refrigerate them. This makes them last longer, but they may get a bit firmer.
Freezing Instructions
To freeze cookie dough, scoop it onto a baking sheet and freeze it for 1 hour. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a zip-top bag. Label the bag with the date. You can store it for up to three months.
When you want to bake them, take out the dough balls. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight, or bake them straight from the freezer. Just add an extra minute or two to the baking time for best results.
FAQs
Common Questions about Thick & Chewy Monster Cookies
How should I store my monster cookies for freshness? Store your cookies in an airtight container. This keeps them soft and chewy. You can also use a cookie jar with a tight lid. For best taste, eat them within a week.
What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe? If you need an egg substitute, use 1/4 cup applesauce or mashed banana for each egg. You can also use 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens.
Can I make these cookies smaller or larger? Yes! You can scoop smaller or larger dough balls. Just adjust the baking time. Smaller cookies bake for about 8-10 minutes, while larger cookies may need an extra couple of minutes.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking? Look for lightly golden edges and soft centers. The cookies will continue to set as they cool. If they appear shiny and wet, give them a minute more.
You learned how to make thick and chewy monster cookies. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for the best results. Remember to chill the dough and avoid overmixing for the ideal texture. You can also try fun variations to match different tastes or dietary needs. Storing and freezing your cookies properly will keep them fresh. Enjoy baking these cookies for yourself, friends, or family. They are sure to impress!
