Ah, Christmas! A time for joy, laughter, and the sweet scent of baked goodies wafting through the house. One of my favorite holiday traditions is making these Christmas Monster Cookies with my family. I remember the first time I made them—my little niece, who was then about five years old, insisted on wearing her Christmas pajamas and helping me mix the batter with her tiny hands. It ended up being a flour fight instead of a baking session, but we ended up with these delicious cookies covered in red and green M&M’s, and every bite was absolute bliss. These cookies have become a staple in our holiday celebrations and for good reason—they’re packed with goodness and just scream festive fun!
What makes these cookies extra special isn’t just their vibrant colors but the delightful combination of flavors and textures. With semi-sweet chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and hearty oats, you’ll bite into a soft and chewy treat that feels like a hug from Santa himself. So, let’s gather our ingredients and create some magic in the kitchen!
What’s in Christmas Monster Cookies?
- Unsalted butter: We use 1 cup of softened unsalted butter to get that creamy and smooth base. Stick to brands like Land O’Lakes for consistent quality.
- Brown sugar: Using 3/4 cup of packed brown sugar adds moisture and that delightful caramel flavor.
- Granulated sugar: A 1/2 cup of granulated sugar brings sweetness and a bit of crunch to the cookies.
- Egg: Just one large egg helps bind everything together for that perfect chewy texture.
- Vanilla extract: A teaspoon of vanilla extract is non-negotiable. It elevates the cookie flavor to a whole new level!
- All-purpose flour: We’re using 1 1/2 cups here. It’s the main structure of our cookies.
- Baking soda: One teaspoon of baking soda helps the cookies puff up just right.
- Salt: A pinch of salt (1/2 teaspoon) balances out the sweetness.
- Rolled oats: One cup of rolled oats adds heartiness and makes me feel like I’m eating something healthy (ha!).
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Who can resist 1 cup of chocolate in any form? These make the cookies utterly divine!
- Peanut butter chips: With 1/2 cup of these little nuggets, every bite gets a hint of nostalgia.
- M&M’s: We’re using 1/2 cup, ideally alternating red and green, because we want our cookies to look as festive as they taste!
- Chopped nuts (optional): If you’re feeling adventurous, 1/2 cup of walnuts or pecans adds a nice crunch and flavor.
Are Christmas Monster Cookies Good for You?
Well, let’s be real—these cookies are a festive indulgence rather than a health food. But if you’re going to enjoy a treat, these Monster Cookies totally hit the spot! The rolled oats provide a bit of fiber, making you feel slightly less guilty. Best of all, they are chock-full of goodness without skimping on that holiday magic.
That said, moderation is key! If you’re watching your sugar intake or dietary preferences, you might want to use dark chocolate chips to reduce the sugar content or even experiment with alternatives like almond or coconut flour for a gluten-free twist.
Ingredients List
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup peanut butter chips
- 1/2 cup M&M’s (preferably red and green)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional; walnuts or pecans work well)
How to Make Christmas Monster Cookies?
- First thing’s first—preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Your future cookies will thank you!
- Grab a large mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. The arm workout you’ll get is just a bonus.
- Add in the egg and vanilla extract and beat until everything is well combined. Feel free to sing a Christmas carol while you mix—pure holiday spirit!
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. I’m telling you, this is where the magic starts to happen!
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring until just combined. You don’t want to overdo it!
- Now it’s time for fun! Fold in the oats, chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, M&M’s, and nuts (if you’re using them) until everything is evenly distributed. Get ready for that color explosion!
- Scoop heaping tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Trust me—these babies will spread!
- Pop them in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. You’re looking for slightly golden edges and maybe a few soft centers—don’t worry, they’ll firm up once out of the oven.
- Once baked, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This part always feels like the longest wait, doesn’t it?
Get Creative with Your Christmas Cookies!
- Want to go extra festive? Top each cookie with extra M&M’s right after they come out of the oven!
- If you have a cookie decorating party in mind, you can also drizzle melted white chocolate on top for that winter wonderland feel.
- These cookies store beautifully in an airtight container for up to a week. Or you can freeze the dough to have freshly baked cookies on hand anytime!
So, there you have it! A delightful recipe to make your Christmas season even sweeter. I encourage you to try these cookies and share your own holiday memories in the kitchen. Happy baking, and may your holidays be filled with warmth, love, and lots of Monster Cookies!
