Peanut Butter Monster Cookies: A Sweet, Chewy Treat Loaded with Flavor

Peanut Butter Monster Cookies are a delightful twist on traditional cookies, packed with peanut butter, oats, chocolate chips, and M&Ms. These cookies are the perfect balance of sweet, salty, chewy, and crunchy, making them a crowd favorite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a holiday treat, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies will be a hit with everyone!

Why These Peanut Butter Monster Cookies Are So Special

These cookies are “monstrous” in size and flavor! They combine all the best ingredients in one giant cookie—chewy oats, creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate chips, and colorful M&Ms. The result is a cookie that is both fun to make and even more fun to eat. The texture is perfectly chewy on the inside with a crispy edge, while the burst of colorful M&Ms adds a fun touch. It’s impossible to stop at just one!

Key Ingredients for Peanut Butter Monster Cookies

Before we get started with the recipe, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need to make these indulgent cookies.

Ingredients:

• Butter (unsalted, softened): 1 cup (2 sticks)
• Peanut Butter: 1 cup (creamy or chunky, depending on preference)
• Granulated Sugar: 1 cup
• Brown Sugar (packed): 1 cup
• Eggs: 2 large
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
• All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups
• Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
• Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: 3 cups
• Chocolate Chips: 1 cup (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
• M&Ms (or other colorful candy): 1 cup
• Optional: Chopped Nuts (peanuts, walnuts, or cashews): 1/2 cup

Step-by-Step Recipe for Peanut Butter Monster Cookies

Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, let’s dive into the baking process and create these 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 for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Peanut Butter

• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and peanut butter using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. This should take about 2 minutes.
• Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the bowl. Continue to beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla Extract

• Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.

Step 4: Combine 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 incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Add the Oats, Chocolate Chips, and M&Ms

• Stir in the oats, chocolate chips, and M&Ms by hand, using a spatula or wooden spoon. If you’re adding chopped nuts, include them at this stage as well.
• The dough will be thick and packed with goodies.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

• Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop large spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Space the cookies about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
• For extra “monster” effect, you can slightly press down on each dough ball with the back of a spoon to flatten them just a bit.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

• Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown, but the centers are still soft.
• Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven and the size of your cookies.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

• Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes.
• Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. These cookies will firm up as they cool, but they’ll remain soft and chewy on the inside.

Serving Suggestions

These Peanut Butter Monster Cookies are perfect on their own as a snack, or you can serve them with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee for a satisfying treat. They’re also great for parties, picnics, or as a fun gift for friends and family!

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FAQs

1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture. It will give the cookies an extra crunch, which some people love!

2. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

While rolled oats provide a better texture, you can substitute quick oats if needed. Just keep in mind that the cookies may turn out a bit softer.

3. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! You can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for the all-purpose flour to make these cookies gluten-free.

4. Can I add other mix-ins to these cookies?

Absolutely! You can add a variety of mix-ins such as dried fruits (raisins, cranberries), coconut flakes, or even white chocolate chips. The possibilities are endless!

5. How can I store Peanut Butter Monster Cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let them cool completely before freezing.

6. Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Simply scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze the balls of dough. Once frozen, transfer them to a Ziploc bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

7. Why are my cookies spreading too much?

If your cookies are spreading too much, it could be because the dough was too warm before baking or the butter was too soft. Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help prevent excessive spreading.

8. Can I substitute the M&Ms for something else?

Yes! You can substitute M&Ms with other candies like chocolate chunks, peanut butter cups, or even raisins. Just keep the same amount for the best balance of sweetness and texture.

9. Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?

Yes, a hand mixer works perfectly fine for this recipe! Just make sure to mix the dough until it is smooth and well-combined.

10. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies are done when the edges are golden brown and the center is still slightly soft. They will continue to cook a little as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem soft when you take them out of the oven.