Christmas is a magical time filled with festive cheer, and what better way to celebrate than with a batch of delicious Christmas Monster Cookies? These aren’t just any cookies; they’re packed with a joyful blend of flavors, textures, and colors that perfectly capture the holiday spirit. Each bite is a delightful surprise, combining the sweetness of chocolate, the crunch of pretzels, and the fun of M&M’s, making them an irresistible treat for family and friends. As you gather around the tree or host cookie exchanges, these cookies will undoubtedly become a cherished tradition.
Why We Love This Christmas Monster Cookies Recipe
There’s something about holiday baking that brings people together, and Christmas Monster Cookies hold a special place in our hearts. These cookies are not only festive in appearance, adorned with vibrant holiday M&M’s, but they also boast an incredible taste that appeals to both kids and adults alike. The combination of rich chocolate chips, chewy oats, and a hint of salt from pretzels creates a mouthwatering flavor that is both comforting and exciting. Additionally, these cookies are incredibly easy to make, making them perfect for those who may be new to baking or those who want to whip up a quick holiday treat. The joy and warmth these cookies bring are simply unmatched, which is why they become a staple during the holiday season.
Ingredients for Christmas Monster Cookies
To make your Christmas Monster Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 sticks (1 cup) salted butter at room temperature
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups old fashioned oats
- 1 1/4 cups holiday M&M’s
- 1 cup mini pretzel sticks, crushed
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
These ingredients combine to create the cookie’s unique texture and flavor, ensuring that each bite is bursting with holiday joy.
How to Make Christmas Monster Cookies Directions
Creating these delightful cookies is a straightforward process, allowing you to get them in the oven in no time. Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
In a large mixing bowl, begin by beating together 1 cup of softened salted butter, 1 cup of dark brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Blend these ingredients until they are well combined and smooth, which should take a minute or two. Next, add in 2 large eggs and 1 egg yolk one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Don’t forget to incorporate 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract at this stage for that warm, aromatic flavor.
Once your wet ingredients are thoroughly mixed, it’s time to introduce the dry ingredients. Add in 2 cups of all-purpose flour, along with 2 teaspoons of baking soda, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix, as this can affect the cookie’s texture. After the flour is just incorporated, add in 2 cups of old fashioned oats to the mixture, giving it a hearty feel.
Now it’s time to fold in the fun stuff! Gently mix in 1 1/4 cups of holiday M&M’s, 1 cup of crushed mini pretzel sticks, 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks, and 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips. Make sure everything is evenly distributed.
Using your hands or a large scoop, roll the dough into 1/4 cup-sized balls and place them three inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Once you have them arranged, it’s time to bake. Place the tray in the oven and let them bake for 8 minutes. When the time is up, rotate the pan to ensure even baking and bake for an additional 2 minutes. After this time, take the pan out of the oven and gently push down any remaining M&M’s into the tops of the cookies for that extra festive flair. Return them to the oven and bake for another 2-3 minutes, keeping an eye to ensure they don’t overcook.
Once they are baked to golden perfection, remove them from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet. This resting time allows them to firm up while still retaining a soft and chewy interior. For the best experience, indulge in them warm, but if you prefer, allow them to cool completely before storing.
How to Serve Christmas Monster Cookies
Serving your Christmas Monster Cookies can be just as fun as making them. You can present them on a festive platter, making them the centerpiece of your holiday dessert table. Consider adding garnishes like a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate over the top for an extra special touch.
These cookies are perfect for various occasions. You can serve them at cookie exchanges, family gatherings, or as a delightful treat for Santa on Christmas Eve. Pair them with a glass of milk or even a warm cup of cocoa for a cozy dessert experience. If you’re feeling creative, you could even package them in decorative bags or jars to give as thoughtful homemade gifts.
Expert Tips: Christmas Monster Cookies
Getting the most out of your Christmas Monster Cookies is easy with a few expert tips. First, make sure your butter is at room temperature to ensure it creams well with the sugars. This will create a light and airy texture in your cookies.
When measuring your flour, be sure to spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife for accuracy. Too much flour can lead to dense cookies, which isn’t what you want. It’s also crucial to monitor your baking time closely, as ovens can vary. The cookies should be golden brown around the edges yet soft in the center when you pull them out.
If you’re looking for added flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough. You can also play with the types of M&M’s you use, opting for peanut or caramel varieties for a twist. Don’t hesitate to experiment; creating your version of Christmas Monster Cookies can be a lot of fun!
How to Store Christmas Monster Cookies
To keep your Christmas Monster Cookies fresh and delightful, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If stored properly, they will stay delicious for up to four days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the dough. Prepare the dough and roll it into balls, then place them on a baking tray to freeze for about an hour. Once they are solid, you can transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag and keep them for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat the oven and add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Variations of Christmas Monster Cookies
While the classic recipe for Christmas Monster Cookies is undoubtedly delightful, there are plenty of ways to customize them to suit your taste. For a festive twist, try adding chopped dried cranberries or diced candied ginger into the dough. These will give a pop of flavor and a holiday vibe.
If you’re a fan of nuts, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans for a bit of crunch. You could also swap in different types of chips, like butterscotch or peanut butter chips, to create a unique flavor profile. Creating seasonal variations like using pumpkin spice or peppermint extract during the holidays can also be a fun way to enjoy these cookies differently.
FAQ – Christmas Monster Cookies
What makes Christmas Monster Cookies special?
Christmas Monster Cookies stand out due to their festive colors, delightful textures, and the combination of sweet, salty, and chocolaty flavors coming from M&M’s, pretzels, and various chocolate chips. They are sure to please everyone at holiday gatherings!
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours before baking or freeze it for several months. This makes it easy to bake fresh cookies whenever you want!
How do I ensure my cookies are chewy?
To ensure your Christmas Monster Cookies are chewy, avoid overbaking them. Take them out when they are slightly underbaked in the center; they will continue to firm up while cooling on the baking sheet.
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Just keep an eye on the texture, as gluten-free flours can vary.
How do I make them festive?
For a festive touch, use holiday-themed M&M’s, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top, or even drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies for extra appeal.
Christmas Monster Cookies
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup salted butter at room temperature
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour Spoon into measuring cup to avoid too much flour.
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Mix-ins
- 2 cups old fashioned oats
- 1 1/4 cups holiday M&M's
- 1 cup mini pretzel sticks, crushed
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the salted butter, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar until well combined and smooth.
- Add in the eggs and egg yolk one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then incorporate the vanilla extract.
- Fold in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt until just incorporated.
- Mix in the old fashioned oats until evenly distributed.
- Gently fold in the holiday M&M's, crushed pretzel sticks, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and white chocolate chips.
Baking
- Roll the dough into 1/4 cup-sized balls and place them three inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 8 minutes, then rotate the pan and bake for an additional 2 minutes.
- Press the remaining M&M's into the tops of the cookies and return them to the oven for another 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid overcooking.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the baking sheet.
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