Introduction
Monster Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the richness of peanut butter with the wholesome texture of oats and a burst of sweetness from chocolate chips and colorful candy-coated chocolates. These cookies are chewy on the inside, slightly crispy on the edges, and offer a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. They are simple to make and are ideal for sharing with family and friends or as a delicious snack any time of the day.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
- 170g unsalted butter, softened
- 200g brown sugar
- 100g granulated sugar
- 250g peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 250g all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 150g rolled oats
- 200g chocolate chips
- 150g candy-coated chocolate pieces
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
To make these delicious Monster Cookies, begin by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until you achieve a light and fluffy consistency. Next, incorporate the peanut butter, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring until fully incorporated. Finally, fold in the rolled oats, chocolate chips, and candy-coated chocolate pieces, ensuring an even distribution throughout the dough.
Scoop spoonfuls of the dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 5 cm of space between each cookie. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy these irresistible Monster Cookies with a glass of cold milk for a truly satisfying dessert experience!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cream the Sugars and Butter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream the mixture together until it becomes light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
To the creamed mixture, add the peanut butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix these ingredients together until they are well combined and smooth.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Once mixed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until everything is fully incorporated.
Step 5: Fold in Add-ins
Gently stir in the rolled oats, chocolate chips, and candy-coated chocolate pieces until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to space the dough balls about 5 cm apart to allow room for spreading while baking.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes. The cookies are ready when the edges are lightly golden, but they may look a bit underbaked in the center.
Step 8: Cool the Cookies
After removing the cookies from the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This allows them to set before transferring them to a wire rack.
Step 9: Enjoy
Once fully cooled, enjoy your delicious Monster Cookies with a glass of cold milk!
Notes
Storage
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Peanut Butter
You can use either smooth or crunchy peanut butter based on your preference; both work well in this recipe.
Customization
Feel free to customize your Monster Cookies by adding other mix-ins such as nuts, dried fruit, or alternative chocolate varieties.
Baking Tip
If you prefer softer cookies, slightly underbake them or remove them from the oven when they are still pale in the center.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Refrigeration
For extended freshness, place the cookies in the refrigerator where they can last for up to two weeks.
Freezing
To freeze, ensure the cookies are completely cooled, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Classic Pairing
Enjoy Monster Cookies with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate treat.
Coffee Companion
Serve alongside a hot cup of coffee or espresso for a delightful afternoon snack.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
Create delicious ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies.
Gift Giving
Package cookies in a decorative box or jar to give as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family.
Nutritional Information
(here is an estimated nutritional breakdown per cookie, based on the provided recipe)
Calories
Approximately 200 calories per cookie.
Protein
Around 4g of protein, thanks to the peanut butter and eggs.
Fat
Contains about 9g of fat per cookie, primarily from the unsalted butter and peanut butter.
Carbohydrates
Approximately 26g of carbohydrates, including natural sugars from the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and chocolate.
Fiber
Contains 1g of dietary fiber, mainly from oats and other ingredients.
Ingredient Substitutions
Peanut Butter
For a nut-free version, substitute with sunflower seed butter or almond butter if allergies allow.
Sugars
You can replace brown sugar with coconut sugar for a more natural option. Granulated sugar can be substituted with a sugar alternative like stevia, adjusting the amount to taste.
Oats
If desired, quick oats can be used in place of rolled oats for a slightly different texture.
All-Purpose Flour
Gluten-free flour blends can be utilized for a gluten-free version, although results may vary depending on the blend.
Chocolate Chips
White chocolate chips or butterscotch chips can be used instead of chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
Cook Techniques
Creaming Butter and Sugars
This technique involves mixing softened butter with sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which helps to create a lighter texture in cookies.
Incorporating Wet Ingredients
When adding peanut butter, eggs, and vanilla extract, mix until fully combined. This ensures that all ingredients are evenly distributed, leading to a consistent flavor throughout the cookies.
Whisking Dry Ingredients
Whisking together the flour, baking soda, and salt allows for even distribution of leavening agents and prevents clumping in the cookie batter.
Folding in Add-Ins
Gently stir in rolled oats, chocolate chips, and candy-coated chocolate pieces to avoid overmixing the dough and to maintain the structure of the cookie.
Portioning and Spacing Cookies
Using a scoop to portion out the dough helps create evenly sized cookies. Spacing them at least 5 cm apart on the baking sheet allows room for expansion as they bake.
Monitoring Baking Time
Baking the cookies until the edges are lightly golden ensures a soft center while achieving slightly crispy edges, which is the desired texture for monster cookies.
Cooling Properly
Letting cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack allows them to set properly, preventing them from breaking apart.
FAQ
Can I use different types of nut butter?
Yes, you can substitute peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or any nut butter of your choice for a different flavor.
How should I store the cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them, placing parchment paper between layers.
What can I use instead of eggs?
You can use flaxseed meal or applesauce as an egg substitute. For each egg, mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water or use ¼ cup of applesauce.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months before baking.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Also, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking can help prevent excessive spreading.
Is there a gluten-free option for these cookies?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking to make gluten-free monster cookies.
Conclusion
These Monster Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the richness of peanut butter, the chewiness of oats, and the sweetness of chocolate. Their soft centers and slightly crispy edges make them the perfect indulgence for any cookie lover. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or stored for later, these cookies are sure to please everyone!
More recipes suggestions and combination
Oatmeal Raisin Monster Cookies
Add plump raisins to the base recipe for a chewy twist on the classic monster cookie.
Chocolate Mint Monster Cookies
Incorporate mint chocolate chips for a refreshing flavor that pairs perfectly with the peanut butter and oats.
Monster Brownie Cookies
Swirl in brownie batter with the cookie dough for a fudgy, chocolatey combination that's irresistible.
White Chocolate Cranberry Monster Cookies
Substitute white chocolate chips and dried cranberries for a festive and fruity variation.
Birthday Cake Monster Cookies
Add sprinkles and cake mix to the dough for a fun, birthday-themed treat bursting with flavor and color.
Salted Caramel Monster Cookies
Incorporate soft caramel bits and a sprinkle of sea salt for a cookie that balances sweet and salty beautifully.
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