Christmas Monster Cookies: A Festive and Fun Twist on Classic Cookies

Introduction

When the holiday season rolls around, one of the best ways to spread joy and warmth is by baking delicious, festive treats. If you’re looking for a cookie that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, Christmas Monster Cookies should be at the top of your list. These cookies are a perfect blend of everything you love about holiday baking: gooey, chewy texture, festive colors, and loads of delicious add-ins. With oats, peanut butter, chocolate, and a variety of colorful candies, they’re a sweet and satisfying treat for any Christmas gathering.

Christmas Monster Cookies are not just your average cookie; they combine multiple flavors and textures in one bite, making them a unique holiday treat. Whether you’re baking them for a family gathering, a holiday cookie exchange, or simply to enjoy during a cozy evening, these cookies are sure to become a seasonal favorite.

In this article, we’ll explore what makes Christmas Monster Cookies so special, share a step-by-step guide to making them, and offer tips and variations to customize this treat to suit your preferences. With a handful of simple ingredients and a fun, festive twist, these cookies are sure to make your holiday season even sweeter.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Loaded with Flavor: The combination of oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, M&Ms, and a variety of mix-ins results in a cookie that’s packed with flavor in every bite.
• Chewy and Gooey: These cookies have a chewy texture thanks to the oats and peanut butter, while the chocolate chips and candies provide little bursts of sweetness.
• Perfect for the Holidays: The bright, colorful candies make these cookies an eye-catching treat for Christmas celebrations, cookie exchanges, and gifting.
• Customizable: You can adjust the types of mix-ins, candy, or even the type of chocolate used to make them your own. Experiment with different candies or nuts for a personalized touch.
• Great for All Ages: Both kids and adults will love these cookies, making them a great treat for family gatherings or holiday parties.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (15 minutes for prep, 1 hour for chilling, 10 minutes for baking)
• Servings: This recipe makes about 24 cookies, depending on the size you make them.
• Nutrition Facts (per serving): Calories: 230, Protein: 5g, Carbs: 31g, Fat: 10g.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 1 ½ cups rolled oats: Oats provide the chewy texture that makes these cookies unique.
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter: Peanut butter adds richness and depth to the cookie dough, creating a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Butter adds richness and helps the cookies spread during baking.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: For sweetness, balancing the nutty flavor of the peanut butter.
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed): Adds a touch of molasses flavor and moisture to the cookies.
• 2 large eggs: For binding the ingredients together and giving structure to the cookies.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the dough.
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The flour gives the cookies structure and helps them hold together.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise slightly.
• ½ teaspoon salt: To balance the sweetness and enhance the flavor.
• 1 ½ cups chocolate chips: Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips work best for a rich and gooey cookie.
• 1 cup M&M’s (or similar candy-coated chocolate candies): These colorful candies not only add sweetness but also make the cookies festive.
• 1 cup of mixed nuts (optional): Chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds can be added for extra crunch and flavor.

Optional Garnish:

• Sprinkles: Red, green, or holiday-themed sprinkles for extra color and festive appeal.
• Extra M&M’s: Add a few extra M&M’s on top of the cookies before baking for a burst of color.

First Step: PREPARE THE COOKIE DOUGH

1. Cream the Butter and Peanut Butter: Begin by creaming the softened butter and peanut butter together in a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer or stand mixer. Beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add the Sugars: Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the butter and peanut butter mixture. Continue to mix until the sugars are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add the vanilla extract and continue to mix until the dough is well combined.
4. Add the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
5. Stir in the Mix-ins: Gently fold in the oats, chocolate chips, M&M’s, and any other add-ins like chopped nuts or sprinkles. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix everything together until the dough is evenly distributed.

Second Step: CHILL THE COOKIE DOUGH

1. Chill the Dough: Cover the cookie dough with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container, then refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough helps the cookies keep their shape and prevents them from spreading too much while baking.

Third Step: SHAPE AND BAKE THE COOKIES

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Shape the Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of cookie dough and roll them into balls. Place them onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
3. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are golden brown, but the centers are still soft. The cookies will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven, so don’t overbake them.
4. Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Final Step: GARNISH AND SERVE

1. Add Extra M&M’s (optional): If desired, press a few extra M&M’s into the top of the cookies just before baking to make them look even more festive.
2. Garnish with Sprinkles (optional): For an added touch of holiday cheer, sprinkle some red, green, or festive holiday sprinkles on top of the cookies right after they come out of the oven.
3. Serve and Enjoy: Once the cookies have cooled, arrange them on a platter or serve them individually. These colorful, chewy cookies are perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or as a sweet snack with a glass of milk.

How to Serve Christmas Monster Cookies

Christmas Monster Cookies are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some great ideas for enjoying them:

1. Holiday Cookie Exchange

These cookies are a fun and festive addition to any holiday cookie exchange. Their vibrant colors and delicious combination of flavors make them stand out among other baked goods.

2. As a Christmas Gift

Pack these cookies into a holiday tin or decorative box and give them as a thoughtful homemade gift. Everyone loves a batch of fresh, chewy cookies during the holiday season.

3. With Hot Chocolate or Milk

Pair these cookies with a warm cup of hot chocolate or cold glass of milk. The gooey, peanut buttery goodness of the cookies will complement the rich flavors of the drink perfectly.

4. At Holiday Parties

Serve these cookies at your holiday gatherings or Christmas parties. They’re sure to be a hit with both kids and adults, and their festive colors make them the perfect addition to any party spread.

Recipe Variations

While Christmas Monster Cookies are fantastic as written, you can easily make them your own with a few creative twists:

1. Use Different Candies

Swap out the M&Ms for other holiday candies, such as mini chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, or seasonal chocolate-covered candies. You can even use red and green chocolate chips for an extra festive touch.

2. Make Them Gluten-Free

For a gluten-free version, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that the oats you’re using are certified gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.

3. Add Spices

Spices like cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg can be added to the dough to create a warmer, spiced flavor profile. This is especially delicious if you’re making the cookies as a holiday gift or for a Christmas dessert table.

4. Make Them Vegan

To make these cookies vegan, replace the butter with a plant-based butter substitute and the eggs with a flaxseed egg substitute or applesauce. Be sure to check that the M&Ms are vegan-friendly, or swap them with dairy-free chocolate chips.

Tips for Perfect Christmas Monster Cookies

1. Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! Chilling the dough helps the cookies keep their shape and ensures they don’t spread too much while baking.
2. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow the butter and peanut butter to come to room temperature before mixing. This will help everything blend smoothly and create a softer dough.
3. Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake. They should be slightly golden at the edges but still soft in the center. Overbaking will result in cookies that are too crisp.
4. Customize Your Add-ins: Feel free to get creative with the mix-ins. Try adding dried cranberries, white chocolate chips, or even mini marshmallows for a new twist on this classic holiday cookie.

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Conclusion

Christmas Monster Cookies are the ultimate festive treat for the holiday season. They’re packed with everything you love about Christmas baking: chewy oats, rich peanut butter, sweet chocolate, and colorful candies. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion, a cookie exchange, or just to enjoy with your family, these cookies are sure to spread holiday cheer. With their customizable mix-ins and fun, vibrant appearance, they’re the perfect way to add some extra sweetness to your Christmas celebrations. Give this recipe a try today and enjoy the joy of baking—and eating—these irresistible cookies!