The enchanting aroma of freshly baked cookies is, for many, the very essence of the holiday season. As the days grow shorter and the festive lights begin to twinkle, there’s a unique magic in the air that beckons us into the kitchen. We find ourselves surrounded by familiar ingredients – the comforting sweetness of sugar, the richness of butter, and the versatile simplicity of flour – all destined to transform into delicious expressions of holiday cheer. While the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparations can often feel overwhelming, the simple act of baking offers a delightful escape, a delicious distraction from the never-ending to-do list. And what could be more perfect for such an occasion than a batch of these incredible **Christmas Monster Cookies**?
This festive recipe offers two fantastic ways to enjoy a beloved classic, ensuring there’s something to delight every palate. Whether you’re a purist who adores the traditional charm of a Monster Cookie or a daring adventurer craving a double dose of chocolate with a refreshing hint of peppermint, these cookies are guaranteed to become a new holiday favorite. So, put on your favorite Christmas tunes, gather your loved ones, and let’s create some unforgettable memories (and cookies!) together.
The Irresistible Appeal of Monster Cookies
Monster cookies hold a special place in the hearts of cookie enthusiasts for good reason. They’re a glorious medley of everything wonderful: the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter, the satisfying chewiness of oats, and generous bursts of chocolate and colorful candies. It’s a cookie that promises a delightful surprise in every bite, a symphony of textures and tastes that’s hard to resist. This holiday season, we’ve taken that beloved concept and infused it with an extra sprinkle of Christmas magic, creating a recipe that’s as festive as it is delicious.
Our kitchen is definitely a house of monster cookie fanatics. Who can blame us? The combination of creamy peanut butter, crunchy M&M’s, and decadent chocolate chips creates an unparalleled experience. We’ve taken our tried-and-true monster cookie recipe, which is already a crowd-pleaser, and tweaked it just enough to usher in that wonderful Christmas cheer. The result? Two distinct, yet equally delicious, versions of Christmas Monster Cookies that will brighten any holiday dessert platter.
Two Ways to Indulge: Classic & Peppermint Chocolate
Variety is the spice of life, especially during the holidays! This recipe offers the best of both worlds:
- **The Classic Christmas Monster Cookie:** This version stays true to the beloved original, featuring all the familiar flavors you adore. We enhance its festive appeal with mini red and green M&M’s, making each cookie a vibrant, joyful treat that perfectly captures the spirit of the season. It’s comforting, nostalgic, and utterly delicious.
- **The Double Chocolate Peppermint Monster Cookie:** For those who crave an extra layer of indulgence and a refreshing twist, this cookie is a dream come true. We elevate the classic by incorporating rich cocoa powder into the dough, transforming it into a deep, dark chocolate masterpiece. Then, we introduce a hint of pure peppermint extract, replacing the traditional vanilla. The peppermint flavor is carefully balanced – subtle enough to be wonderfully refreshing without ever overpowering the rich chocolate and peanut butter base. It’s a sophisticated yet playful cookie, perfect for peppermint lovers.
Elevating Your Holiday Baking with Quality Ingredients
The secret to truly exceptional baking lies not just in the recipe, but in the quality of the ingredients you use. This is especially true when it comes to flavor extracts, which can significantly impact the overall taste profile of your baked goods. During the holidays, when every bite should feel special, choosing premium extracts makes all the difference.
I recently discovered the Nielsen-Massey Holiday Flavors Bundle on Amazon, and it quickly became an indispensable part of my holiday baking arsenal. This delightful bundle, exclusively available on Amazon, includes three essential extracts: Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract, Pure Almond Extract, and Pure Peppermint Extract. Each one is a game-changer for holiday recipes, offering pure, intense flavors that truly shine.
In my kitchen, you’ll always find a selection of Nielsen-Massey pure flavor extracts. Their commitment to quality means their extracts deliver authentic, vibrant flavors that elevate even the simplest recipes. For our Christmas Monster Cookies, I used the exquisite Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract in the traditional monster cookie recipe, imparting a rich, classic sweetness. For the double chocolate peppermint version, the Pure Peppermint Extract provided that invigorating, cooling burst of flavor that perfectly complements the deep cocoa notes. Using high-quality ingredients like these ensures that every batch of cookies tastes truly exceptional.
Baking Tips for Perfect Christmas Monster Cookies
Achieving bakery-quality cookies at home is easier than you think with a few simple tips:
- **Room Temperature Ingredients:** Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature. This allows them to cream together more smoothly with the sugars and peanut butter, creating an emulsion that traps air for a lighter, more evenly textured cookie.
- **Measure Accurately:** Especially with flour, over-measuring can lead to dry, dense cookies. Use a kitchen scale for precision, or spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge.
- **Don’t Overmix:** Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make cookies tough.
- **Chilling the Dough (Optional but Recommended):** While not strictly required for this recipe, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight) can deepen the flavors and help prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, resulting in a chewier texture.
- **Even Scoops:** Use a cookie scoop to ensure all your cookies are uniform in size. This not only makes them look professional but also ensures they bake evenly.
- **Don’t Overbake:** Monster cookies are best when slightly soft and chewy in the center. The edges should be set and lightly golden, but the centers may still look a little soft when you take them out. They will continue to set as they cool.
- **Add Extra M&M’s:** For that picture-perfect look, press a few extra mini M&M’s onto the tops of the cookie dough balls just before baking. This makes them even more appealing.
- **Cooling is Key:** Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up and prevents them from breaking.
Serving Suggestions and Gifting Ideas
These Christmas Monster Cookies are incredibly versatile and perfect for any holiday occasion:
- **Holiday Dessert Platters:** Arrange both types of cookies on a festive platter alongside other holiday treats for an impressive spread.
- **Edible Gifts:** Package them beautifully in cookie tins, cellophane bags, or decorative boxes with a ribbon. They make thoughtful, homemade gifts for friends, family, neighbors, and teachers.
- **Cookie Exchange Parties:** Be the star of your next cookie exchange with these unique two-way Monster Cookies.
- **Cozy Evenings:** Enjoy them with a glass of cold milk, a warm cup of hot cocoa, or your favorite holiday coffee.
- **Make-Ahead Option:** You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze dough balls for up to 3 months. Simply bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Print Recipe
Christmas Monster Cookies 2 Ways
Cook Time
Total Time
Author Megan | Strawberry Blondie Kitchen
Yield 48 servings
This festive recipe for Christmas Monster Cookies offers two delightful variations, sure to please both traditionalists and double chocolate peppermint enthusiasts alike!
Ingredients
Christmas Monster Cookies (Traditional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg, room temperature
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup quick cooking oats
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup M&M’s mini Baking Bits (red and green)
Christmas Monster Cookies (Double Chocolate Peppermint)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 egg, room temperature
- 3/4 cup all purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup quick cooking oats
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup M&M’s mini Baking Bits
Instructions
For Christmas Monster Cookies (Traditional):
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with a Silpat mat or parchment paper.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or a large bowl with a hand mixer), cream together the room temperature butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and peanut butter until light and creamy. Beat in the vanilla extract and egg until well combined.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, quick cooking oats, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and mini red and green M&M’s.
- Using a medium cookie scoop (approximately 1.5 tablespoons), drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie. For an extra festive touch, press a few additional mini M&M’s onto the tops of each cookie.
- Bake for 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
For Christmas Monster Cookies (Double Chocolate Peppermint):
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with a Silpat mat or parchment paper.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or a large bowl with a hand mixer), cream together the room temperature butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and peanut butter until light and creamy. Beat in the peppermint extract and egg until well combined.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, quick cooking oats, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and mini M&M’s.
- Using a medium cookie scoop (approximately 1.5 tablespoons), drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie. For an extra festive touch, press a few additional mini M&M’s onto the tops of each cookie.
- Bake for 10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are just firm.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
Courses Dessert, Cookie
Cuisine American, Holiday
I genuinely hope you enjoy baking and sharing these **Christmas Monster Cookies 2 Ways**. May they bring a little extra warmth, joy, and deliciousness to your holiday season. The act of creating something homemade, especially during this special time of year, is a gift in itself – a labor of love that fills your home with wonderful aromas and your heart with festive spirit.
Don’t forget to grab the versatile Nielsen-Massey Holiday Flavors Bundle on Amazon. It’s not only fantastic for your own holiday baking adventures but also makes a thoughtful and tasty gift for any baking enthusiast on your list!
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