Christmas Monster Cookies

There’s something magical about baking during the holiday season. The aroma of warm cookies filling the house, the joy of sharing them with loved ones, and the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch—it’s a tradition I hold dear. This year, I decided to put a festive twist on a classic favorite: Monster Cookies. These cookies are packed with everything you love—oats, chocolate, peanut butter, and colorful M&M’s—making them the perfect treat for Christmas.

What I love most about these Christmas Monster Cookies is how versatile they are. They’re soft, chewy, and loaded with texture, making them a hit with both kids and adults. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, even if you’re not a seasoned baker. Whether you’re leaving them out for Santa, gifting them to neighbors, or simply enjoying them with a cup of hot cocoa by the tree, these cookies are sure to bring a little extra holiday cheer to your home.

What You Need To Make This Recipe

Butter: Butter is the foundation of these cookies, providing richness and a tender texture. I always use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the recipe, but if you only have salted butter on hand, just reduce the added salt slightly.

Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter adds a nutty flavor and helps keep the cookies soft and chewy. I recommend using a standard store-bought brand (not natural peanut butter) for the best texture and consistency.

Brown Sugar: Brown sugar gives these cookies a deep, caramel-like sweetness and helps keep them moist. Its molasses content is key to achieving that perfect chewiness.

Granulated Sugar: A touch of granulated sugar balances the richness of the brown sugar and helps the cookies spread slightly while baking.

Eggs: Eggs act as a binder, holding all the ingredients together. They also add moisture and structure to the cookies.

Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the cookies, adding a warm, aromatic note that complements the peanut butter and chocolate.

Rolled Oats: Rolled oats give these cookies their signature texture and a hearty, wholesome flavor. They also make the cookies feel a bit more substantial, perfect for satisfying holiday cravings.

Baking Soda: Baking soda helps the cookies rise slightly and spread while baking, ensuring they’re not too dense.

Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors in the cookies.

Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips add pockets of melty chocolate goodness throughout the cookies. You can also use dark or milk chocolate chips if you prefer.

M&M’s: Festive red and green M&M’s not only add a pop of color but also a fun, crunchy texture. They make these cookies perfect for the holiday season.

Ingredients List

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups rolled oats
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup red and green M&M’s

How to Make Christmas Monster Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This ensures the cookies won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a smooth, well-combined base for your cookies.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract. This adds moisture and flavor to the dough.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.

Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips and M&M’s

Gently fold in the chocolate chips and M&M’s until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. This step is where the cookies really start to look festive!

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Then, grab a glass of milk and enjoy!

Tips for Making This Recipe

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting. This ensures even mixing and a smoother dough.
Don’t Overbake: These cookies are best when they’re soft and chewy, so take them out of the oven when the edges are just starting to turn golden.
Customize the Mix-Ins: Feel free to swap out the chocolate chips and M&M’s for your favorite add-ins, like white chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts.
Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before scooping and baking. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
Double the Batch: These cookies freeze well, so consider making a double batch and storing some in the freezer for last-minute holiday treats.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter?
While you can use natural peanut butter, it may alter the texture of the cookies. Standard peanut butter works best for a consistent result.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Simply ensure your oats are certified gluten-free, and the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Quick oats will work, but the texture will be slightly different. Rolled oats provide a chewier, heartier cookie.

Can I use different colors of M&M’s?
Absolutely! Use any color M&M’s you like, or even holiday-themed ones for other occasions.

These Christmas Monster Cookies are a delightful way to celebrate the season. Happy baking!