There’s just something magical about baking cookies, don’t you think? The aroma wafting through the house, the anticipation as you wait for that oven timer to beep—it’s pure joy! I still remember the first time I tried peanut butter monster cookies. I was at a friend’s house, and she pulled a tray out of the oven that was filled with these chewy, chocolatey delights. I couldn’t resist sneaking one while they were still warm! Ever since then, I’ve been on a mission to recreate that perfect cookie at home. Trust me, these cookies are not just delicious; they’re a delightful mix of peanut butter, chocolate chips, oats, and M&M’s that will make everyone smile. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into this cookie adventure together! You’re going to love it!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup M&M’s
How to Prepare Peanut Butter Monster Cookies
Alright, let’s get those peanut butter monster cookies ready! This process is super straightforward, and I promise you’ll love how easy it is. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have warm, gooey cookies in no time!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is a crucial step because a properly preheated oven ensures even baking, which means you won’t end up with cookies that are burnt on the outside and gooey in the middle. Trust me, this little detail makes a big difference!
Mix the Wet Ingredients
Now, grab a sturdy mixing bowl and combine your creamy peanut butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use a sturdy spoon or a hand mixer to mix until it’s nice and smooth. You want that perfect creamy consistency, so take your time with this step. It’s worth it!
Add the Egg and Vanilla
Next, it’s time to add the egg and the vanilla extract. Mix these in until everything is well combined. This is where the magic starts to happen, and your kitchen will begin to smell heavenly!
Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Now, gently mix in the rolled oats and baking soda. Make sure everything is fully incorporated for the best texture—no one wants a bite of dry oats in their yummy cookie! Just fold it in until you can’t see any dry ingredients.
Fold in Chocolate Chips and M&M’s
Here comes the fun part! Fold in those chocolate chips and M&M’s. I always encourage a little creativity here—if you have other favorite candies or nuts, feel free to toss them in. The more, the merrier!
Form and Bake the Cookies
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop generous spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave a bit of space between each cookie because they will spread while baking. Now, pop them in the oven for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them—don’t overbake! The edges should be golden, and the centers will look a bit soft.
Cooling Process
Once your cookies are out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This helps them firm up perfectly. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Try to resist the urge to eat them right away; they’re even better once they’ve cooled down a bit!
Tips for Success
To make sure your peanut butter monster cookies turn out absolutely perfect, here are some handy tips! First, always use creamy peanut butter; it really helps achieve that lovely texture we all crave. If you accidentally grab crunchy, that’s okay, but it might change the texture a bit. Second, be careful not to overbake! Those cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so take them out when the edges are golden but the centers still look a bit soft. Trust me, you want that gooey goodness!
Also, if you have any leftover dough, feel free to keep it in the fridge for a couple of days or freeze it for later. Just remember to let the dough come to room temperature before baking, so it spreads nicely. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
These peanut butter monster cookies are not just a treat for your taste buds, but they also pack a punch in flavor and nutrition! Here’s the estimated nutritional information per cookie:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 3g
Keep in mind these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But knowing you’re getting a little protein and some fiber makes indulging in these cookies feel just a tad bit better, right? Enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Absolutely! You can use natural peanut butter, but keep in mind that it has a different consistency than processed peanut butter. Natural peanut butter tends to be more runny and may not hold its shape as well in the cookies. If you go this route, make sure to stir it well before measuring to incorporate the oils that often separate. It will still taste delicious, just a bit different in texture!
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can definitely freeze peanut butter monster cookies! Just let them cool completely first, then place them in an airtight container or a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the fridge or leave them out at room temperature for a bit. No need to re-bake—just enjoy that chewy goodness!
What can I substitute for M&M’s?
If you want to switch things up, there are plenty of alternatives to M&M’s! You could use chopped chocolate bars, mini marshmallows, or even your favorite nuts like walnuts or pecans. Dried fruit, like cranberries or raisins, can add a nice chewy texture, too. Get creative and have fun customizing your cookies!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Trust me, once you try these peanut butter monster cookies, you’ll be hooked! Here’s why this recipe is a must-have in your baking repertoire:
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of creamy peanut butter, chocolate chips, and colorful M&M’s creates a flavor explosion that’s simply unforgettable.
- Super Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, these cookies come together in no time—even beginners will feel like pros!
- Versatile Treat: Feel free to mix in your favorite candies or nuts, making each batch uniquely yours.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual snack or a dessert for a gathering, these cookies are always a hit and sure to bring smiles.
- Great for Storing: Bake a big batch, then freeze some for later—homemade cookies are always just a thaw away!
With these cookies, you’ll not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also create delightful memories in your kitchen!
Equipment List
Before you dive into baking these delicious peanut butter monster cookies, let’s make sure you have everything you need on hand. Here’s a simple list of the essential equipment that will help you along the way:
- Mixing bowls (a large one for the batter and a smaller one for measuring ingredients)
- Measuring cups (for accurate ingredient measurements)
- Measuring spoons (for precise amounts of baking soda and vanilla)
- A sturdy spoon or rubber spatula (for mixing everything together)
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon (for portioning out the cookie dough)
- Baking sheet (preferably lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup)
- Wire rack (for cooling the cookies after baking)
Gathering your tools before you start will make the whole process smooth and stress-free. Happy baking!
Serving Suggestions
These peanut butter monster cookies are fantastic on their own, but if you want to elevate your experience, here are a few serving suggestions! Pair them with a tall glass of cold milk—there’s just something about that classic combo that can’t be beaten. If you’re in the mood for something a bit more indulgent, try enjoying them with a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate. They also make a delightful dessert option for gatherings; just plate them up and watch them disappear! No matter how you serve them, I promise they’ll be a hit!
Print
Peanut Butter Monster Cookies: 5 Steps to Joyful Baking
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious peanut butter monster cookies filled with chocolate chips, oats, and M&M’s.
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup oats
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup M&M’s
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.
- Mix in oats and baking soda until fully incorporated.
- Fold in chocolate chips and M&M’s.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are golden.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Make sure your peanut butter is creamy for best results.
- Don’t overbake; cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Feel free to mix in your favorite candies or nuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: peanut butter monster cookies, cookie recipe, easy cookies
