Soft Monster Cookies

Everyone loves a cookie that’s soft, chewy, and packed with flavor, and these Soft Monster Cookies certainly fit the bill! Imagine taking a bite into a deliciously thick cookie that combines the classic tastes of peanut butter, oats, and chocolate with a colorful twist of M&Ms.

This recipe is perfect for school lunches, friendly gatherings, or just indulging in a delightful snack at home.

With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be crafting these tasty treats in no time!

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

Soft Monster Cookies are more than just a delicious dessert; they are a nostalgic treat that brings back memories of childhood.

The combination of smooth peanut butter, sweet chocolate, and hearty oats creates a flavor explosion that is both satisfying and comforting.

Plus, these cookies are incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize them to your taste.

Whether you’re a peanut butter aficionado or a chocolate lover, these cookies can be adapted to suit your preferences.

You’ll find that the texture is wonderfully soft and gooey, making each bite a delightful experience!

Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter at room temperature
• ½ cup light brown sugar lightly packed
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg at room temperature
• ⅔ cup creamy peanut butter (not natural-style)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 and ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ cup old-fashioned whole rolled oats
• ½ cup M&Ms
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)

How To Make Soft Monster Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

This is an essential step to ensure that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly soft.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the

unsalted butter

,

light brown sugar

, and

granulated sugar

using an electric mixer on medium speed.

Beat for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie base.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Peanut Butter

Next, add the

large egg

,

creamy peanut butter

, and

vanilla extract

to the butter-sugar mixture.

Beat well until fully combined, ensuring that the peanut butter is thoroughly mixed into the batter.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the

all-purpose flour

,

baking soda

, and

old-fashioned rolled oats

.

Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.

Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tougher cookies.

Step 5: Fold in the Goodies

Gently fold in the

M&Ms

and

semi-sweet chocolate chips

(if using) with a spatula or wooden spoon.

This is the fun part where you can add as many colorful candies as your heart desires!

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving enough space between each cookie as they will spread during baking.

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy!

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy these cookies warm with a glass of milk or store them for later!

Expert Tips

• Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for the best mixing results.
• Don’t overbake! The cookies will continue to cook on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven, so take them out while they look slightly underbaked.
• For chewier cookies, use a little bit more peanut butter and increase the baking soda slightly.
• Feel free to experiment with different add-ins like nuts or dried fruit to make these cookies your own!

Variations and Customizations

• Swap M&Ms for your favorite chocolate candy or nuts for a different flavor profile.
• Use chunky peanut butter if you prefer a more textured cookie.
• Add a pinch of salt to the dough for a salty-sweet combination that enhances flavor.
• Incorporate shredded coconut or white chocolate chips for a tropical twist on the classic cookie.

How to Store Leftovers

To keep your Soft Monster Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

If you’d like to keep them for longer, you can freeze the cookies in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Just remember to let them cool completely before packing them away to prevent moisture buildup.

When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw the cookies at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up.

FAQ

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

Be sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before scooping and baking.

Why are my cookies flat?

Flat cookies can be a result of too much butter or not enough flour, so ensure you’re measuring accurately.

Additionally, make sure your baking soda is fresh for optimal leavening.

Can I use a different nut butter?

Certainly! If you have a nut allergy, sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter works great as an alternative to peanut butter, giving you a similar creamy texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Soft Monster Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the indulgence of chocolate with the heartiness of oats and the richness of peanut butter.

They are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party or simply satisfying a sweet tooth.

With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up a batch of these delectable cookies that everyone will love.

Don’t hesitate to customize them to make them uniquely yours, and remember to share them with others—if you can resist eating them all yourself! Happy baking!