Monster Cookies Recipe

Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender texture.

Brown sugar: Provides moisture and a deep, caramel-like flavor.

Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cookie's structure.

Creamy peanut butter: Adds a nutty flavor and creamy texture.

Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.

Old-fashioned oats: Provide a chewy texture and hearty flavor.

Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.

Chocolate chips: Add bursts of chocolatey goodness.

M&ms: Add color, crunch, and extra sweetness.

When creaming together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar, ensure that the butter is at room temperature. This will help achieve a light and fluffy texture, which is crucial for the cookies to have the right consistency. If the butter is too cold, it won't incorporate well with the sugars, and if it's too warm, the cookies might spread too much during baking.

• butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a similar fat content and moisture, making it a good alternative for baking.

• brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a similar caramel-like flavor and can be used in a 1:1 ratio.

• granulated sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds natural sweetness and moisture, though you may need to reduce other liquids slightly.

• creamy peanut butter - Substitute with almond butter: Almond butter offers a similar creamy texture and nutty flavor, making it a good alternative.

• eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. This mixture acts as a binding agent.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but pleasant flavor that complements the other ingredients.

• old-fashioned oats - Substitute with quick oats: Quick oats have a similar texture and can be used in the same quantity.

• baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Use 3 teaspoons of baking powder for every 1 teaspoon of baking soda, but be aware this may slightly alter the texture.

• chocolate chips - Substitute with carob chips: Carob chips are a caffeine-free alternative with a similar texture and sweetness.

• m&ms - Substitute with chopped nuts: Chopped nuts add a crunchy texture and can be a healthier alternative.

• To keep your monster cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and chewy for up to a week.

• If you want to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate the cookies. Place them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. They will last for about two weeks in the fridge.

• For longer storage, consider freezing your monster cookies. First, let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place the sheet in the freezer. Once the cookies are frozen solid, transfer them to a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to three months.

• When you're ready to enjoy a frozen monster cookie, simply remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. If you prefer a warm cookie, you can reheat it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.

• If you want to freeze the cookie dough instead of the baked cookies, scoop the dough into rounded spoonfuls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze the dough balls until they are solid, then transfer them to a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. When you're ready to bake, you can place the frozen dough balls directly on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-14 minutes, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

• To prevent the cookies from sticking together in the freezer, you can place a piece of parchment paper between each layer of cookies or dough balls. This will make it easier to separate them when you're ready to bake or eat.

• If you find that your monster cookies have become a bit too hard after being stored, you can soften them by placing a slice of bread in the container with the cookies. The moisture from the bread will help to keep the cookies soft and chewy.

• Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the monster cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Warm them for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through and slightly crispy on the edges. This method helps maintain their delightful texture.

• For a quick fix, use the microwave. Place a monster cookie on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds. This will make the cookie soft and warm without drying it out.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 300°F (150°C). Place the monster cookies in a single layer in the basket. Heat for 2-3 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking. This method ensures a crispy exterior and a gooey interior.

• For a stovetop method, use a non-stick skillet over low heat. Place the monster cookies in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for 2-3 minutes on each side, flipping once, until they are warmed through. This method gives a slightly toasted flavor to the cookies.

• If you prefer a steam method, place the monster cookies in a steamer basket over simmering water. Cover and steam for 1-2 minutes. This method keeps the cookies moist and tender.

• Oven: Used to bake the cookies at the specified temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• Baking sheet: A flat sheet used to hold the cookie dough while baking.

• Parchment paper: Lining for the baking sheet to prevent the cookies from sticking.

• Large mixing bowl: A bowl used to combine and mix all the ingredients.

• Electric mixer: A tool to cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

• Spatula: Used to scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl and fold in the chocolate chips and m&ms.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the ingredients accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure smaller quantities like vanilla extract and baking soda.

• Wire rack: Used to cool the cookies completely after baking.

• Spoon: Used to drop rounded spoonfuls of cookie dough onto the baking sheet.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure and prepare all ingredients ahead of time to streamline the baking process.

Use a stand mixer: A stand mixer can quickly and efficiently cream the butter and sugar, saving you valuable time.

Batch baking: Bake multiple cookies at once by using multiple baking sheets to reduce overall baking time.

Quick cooling: Transfer cookies to a wire rack immediately after baking to speed up the cooling process.

Preheat oven early: Start preheating your oven before you begin mixing to ensure it’s ready when you are.