Monster Cookies: A Deliciously Customizable Recipe
Monster cookies are a beloved treat known for their chewy texture, delicious mix of ingredients, and endless customization options. This guide will walk you through a classic monster cookie recipe, while also providing tips on how to personalize your batch to fit your preferences. Get ready to unleash your inner cookie monster!
Ingredients for Classic Monster Cookies
This recipe yields approximately 24-30 large cookies. Adjust as needed.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet, milk, dark—or a mix!)
- ½ cup peanut butter chips
- ½ cup chopped nuts (peanuts, walnuts, pecans—your choice!)
- ½ cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, chopped apricots—get creative!)
- ½ cup pretzels, roughly crushed (optional, but adds a nice salty crunch!)
Instructions for Baking Monster Cookies
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
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Cream Together: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. A stand mixer works great for this, but a hand mixer will do the job just as well.
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Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
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Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
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Stir in Mix-Ins: Stir in the oats, chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, nuts, dried fruit, and pretzels (if using).
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Scoop & Bake: Drop by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
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Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
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Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Monster Cookies
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Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is properly softened for optimal creaming. This results in a more tender cookie.
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Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
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Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
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Adjust to Your Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of each ingredient to your liking. Want more chocolate? Add it! Less nuts? Go for it!
Monster Cookie Variations: Unleash Your Creativity!
The beauty of monster cookies is their versatility. Here are some ideas to personalize your batch:
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White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Monster Cookies: Swap out the chocolate chips for white chocolate chips and use macadamia nuts instead of peanuts.
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M&M's Monster Cookies: Add a cup of M&M's candies for an extra burst of color and sweetness.
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Gingerbread Monster Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon of ground ginger and ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a warm, spicy twist.
With a little creativity, you can create your own unique monster cookie masterpiece. So gather your ingredients, put on your baking apron, and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible treats! Remember to share your creations and tag us! Happy baking!
