Kitchen Sink Cookies

Welcome to the ultimate guide for crafting the most delectable Monster Cookies! These aren’t just any cookies; they are a delightful fusion of soft, chewy texture and an explosion of flavors, combining the rich taste of peanut butter, the hearty goodness of oatmeal, classic chocolate chips, and vibrant, colorful M&M’s. Known for their generous size and irresistible appeal, Monster Cookies are a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for sharing with family, baking with kids, or simply enjoying as a comforting treat. If you adore a good peanut butter cookie, prepare to fall in love with these magnificent Monster Cookies!

What Exactly Makes a Cookie “Monster”?

The name “Monster Cookies” isn’t just a catchy title; it perfectly describes these colossal, crave-worthy treats. Imagine combining the best elements of a classic oatmeal cookie and a decadent peanut butter cookie, then amplifying it with a generous scattering of chocolate chips and vibrant M&M’s. The result? A cookie that’s truly monstrous in size, flavor, and satisfaction!

There’s a charming debate about the origin of their name. Some say it’s because they are so large and packed with an incredible array of delicious ingredients that they practically become a “monster” of a cookie. Others believe it’s because to devour one of these sizable confections, you need a “monster” appetite! Regardless of the true etymology, one thing is certain: these cookies are a sensation. They are big, soft, wonderfully chewy, and guaranteed to bring smiles to both adults and children. All you need is a tall glass of cold milk to complete this perfect dessert experience. (By the way, if you were searching for Cookie Monster cookies, we have those too, but these are a different kind of monster entirely!)

The Delectable Components of a Monster Cookie

So, what magical mix-ins create these incredible Monster Cookies? A traditional recipe typically features creamy peanut butter, wholesome old-fashioned rolled oats, colorful M&M’s, and classic chocolate chips. However, the beauty of Monster Cookies lies in their versatility. You can easily customize them by adding or substituting ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Over the years, I’ve seen delightful variations that include raisins, miniature marshmallows, shredded coconut, and various nuts.

Years ago, I used to make a similar cookie called Chockablock Cookies from one of my favorite old cookbooks. Those were quite similar, but they featured molasses and coconut, adding a unique depth of flavor and texture that you might consider experimenting with if you’re feeling adventurous!

Peanut Butter Perfection

Peanut butter is undeniably one of the star ingredients, providing that signature rich, nutty flavor and contributing significantly to the soft, chewy texture. For those with allergies or different preferences, the good news is that there are many excellent replacements available today. Almond butter, sun butter (made from sunflower seeds), or cashew butter can all be used as fantastic alternatives, typically in the same quantities, offering a delicious twist while maintaining the desired consistency.

The Allure of Chocolate Chips

When a recipe calls for “chocolate chips,” semi-sweet is often the assumed variety, offering a balanced sweetness that complements other flavors beautifully. However, don’t feel limited! This is your chance to personalize your Monster Cookies. Feel free to choose any flavor of chip that makes your heart sing. White chocolate chips add a creamy sweetness, butterscotch chips bring a hint of caramel, mint chips offer a refreshing zest, and milk or dark chocolate chips can deepen the chocolatey indulgence. Mix and match to discover your favorite combination!

Choosing the Right Oats for Optimal Chewiness

For Monster Cookies, and indeed for most cookie recipes that feature oatmeal, old-fashioned oats (also known as rolled oats) are your best friend. They are crucial for achieving that wonderfully chewy texture that defines a great cookie. It’s important to distinguish them from other oat varieties:

• Steel-cut oats: These are less processed and have a grainier, rice-like texture. They require a longer cooking time and will not soften properly or integrate well into cookie dough, leading to a rather unpleasant, hard texture.
• Instant oats: While convenient for a quick breakfast, instant oats are too finely processed and cook much faster. Using them in cookies can result in a mushy or crumbly texture that lacks the delightful chewiness we crave in a Monster Cookie.

Stick to old-fashioned rolled oats for the best results; they will give your cookies that perfect, satisfying bite.

M&M’s: A Burst of Color and Crunch

No Monster Cookie is complete without the signature colorful crunch of M&M’s candy-coated chocolate pieces. While traditional M&M’s are a classic choice, don’t hesitate to explore the vast world of M&M’s variations! Peanut M&M’s add an extra nutty dimension, peanut butter M&M’s intensify the PB flavor, miniature M&M’s offer a delicate crunch, and Crispy M&M’s bring an airy, textural contrast. For a truly festive touch, imagine using holiday-themed M&M’s for Easter, Halloween, or Christmas – it’s a fantastic way to celebrate with your baking!

If you’re looking for alternatives to M&M’s, Reese’s Pieces are an excellent choice for an undeniable peanut butter kick. Other candy-coated options like Sixlets, or even the popular European candy Smarties (not to be confused with the little pastel-colored discs found in the U.S.), would also work beautifully, adding their own unique flair.

Advanced Baking Techniques & Customizations

Freezing Monster Cookie Dough for Future Cravings

One of the best things about Monster Cookies is how well the dough freezes, allowing you to prepare ahead for spontaneous baking sessions or to simply enjoy fresh-baked cookies whenever the craving strikes!

1. Prepare the dough: Mix the cookie dough exactly as directed in the recipe below.
2. Flash freeze: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop cookie dough balls onto the sheet, spacing them out, and flash freeze for about 2 hours until solid. This prevents them from sticking together.
3. Store: Transfer the frozen dough balls into a gallon-sized freezer bag or an airtight container.
4. Label: Don’t forget to mark the bag with the baking temperature and time. You can also slip a small piece of paper with instructions inside.
5. Bake from frozen: When you’re ready to bake, simply remove the desired number of dough balls from the freezer and place them on a lined baking sheet. You can let them thaw for about ten minutes before baking as directed, or place them directly into a preheated oven, adding an extra 3-4 minutes to the cooking time. Enjoy freshly baked cookies with minimal effort!

Transforming Them into Monster Cookie Bars

Prefer bars over individual cookies? Monster Cookies are incredibly versatile and can easily be adapted into delicious cookie bars. This recipe, as written, is actually generous enough to make two 13×9 inch pans of bars! If you only need one pan, simply halve all the ingredient measurements.

Maintain the oven temperature at 350°F (175°C). For bars, bake them for approximately 25-27 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center after about 23 minutes; it should come out with moist crumbs, but not wet batter.

The Heartwarming Story Behind Mom’s Easy Monster Cookies Recipe

When I first decided to perfect and photograph what I hoped would be the best Monster Cookies ever, I realized I didn’t have the recipe in my own collection. It was a cherished family recipe, so I had to reach out to my mom. Back when I left for college, I diligently copied countless family recipes, wanting to take a piece of home with me. Oddly, this one was missing!

(A quick side note to parents: This act of collecting family recipes for your almost-adult children is a truly wonderful idea! Even if they aren’t cooking in their dorm rooms immediately, these culinary treasures will undoubtedly become cherished heirlooms. More than a decade has passed since I first penned down those recipes, and my siblings still frequently ask me for Dad’s famous Cauliflower Casserole or Mom’s delightful Fiesta Bean Dip. These recipes aren’t just food; they’re memories.)

Anyway, my mom couldn’t locate her copy of the Monster Cookie recipe either, but she reminded me that it had been passed down from my aunt. So, I tracked it down from her, and success! These Monster Cookies are truly that good, a testament to family tradition. My aunt often makes them with her grandkids, noting how much fun it is for the kids to get their hands in the dough and mix it up. I imagine the sensory experience is a huge part of the joy!

Making Monster Cookies: My Gadgets vs. Hand-Mixing

While my aunt and her grandkids enjoy the hands-on mixing, I confess a fondness for my kitchen gadgets. These cookies provide the perfect excuse to use two of my all-time favorites: my KitchenAid Stand Mixer, which makes creaming butter and sugar an effortless dream, and my ingenious adjustable measuring cup. This particular measuring cup is a game-changer for ingredients like mayonnaise, shortening, honey, or peanut butter.

Its brilliant design features a bottom that pushes up, allowing sticky ingredients to pop right out without any waste or the struggle of scraping down the sides. Beyond sticky substances, it functions as a regular measuring cup for dry, solid, and liquid ingredients. I’m not endorsing a specific brand, but I truly believe it’s an innovation every baker should consider!

A Closer Look at the Ingredients for Perfect Monster Cookies:

• Unsalted Butter (softened): “Softened” butter means it should yield slightly when you press your finger into it, but not be mushy. If your finger sinks in easily, it’s too soft. Take the butter out of the fridge about 10-15 minutes before you plan to start baking. If you only have salted butter, you can use it; it won’t significantly alter the final flavor in this recipe.
• Packed Brown Sugar: When measuring brown sugar, ensure you firmly pack it into the measuring cup and level off the top. This technique is crucial for accurate measurement and contributes to the cookies’ moist, chewy texture.
• White Granulated Sugar: Standard white sugar is recommended for this recipe. For a deeper, more caramel-like flavor, you can substitute the same amount of brown sugar. If you prefer, a sugar substitute can also be used; just check the product packaging for correct measurement equivalents, as they can vary.
• Eggs (room temperature): Allow your eggs to come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before beginning the recipe. Room temperature eggs emulsify better with other ingredients, creating a smoother, more uniform cookie batter.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: As mentioned, creamy peanut butter is a cornerstone of this recipe’s flavor. Feel free to use other creamy nut or seed butters if you have dietary restrictions or simply want to experiment.
• Corn Syrup: While a small amount, corn syrup helps achieve a chewier cookie and prevents crystallization. If you prefer to avoid it, agave nectar or honey can be used as direct substitutes, though they may impart a slightly different flavor.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract offers the best flavor depth. However, if imitation vanilla is what you have, it will work perfectly fine.
• All-Purpose Flour: Either bleached or unbleached all-purpose flour will yield excellent results. When measuring, gently scoop the flour into your measuring cup and then level off the top with a straight edge. It’s important NOT to pack white flour or scoop it directly from the bag, as this can compress the flour and lead to an inaccurate measurement, potentially resulting in a denser, drier cookie.
• Baking Soda: This leavening agent is essential for the cookies’ rise and contributes to their soft texture.
• Old-Fashioned Oats: These are non-negotiable for the signature chewy texture of Monster Cookies. Do not substitute with instant or steel-cut oats.
• M&M’s Candies: Regular M&M’s provide classic appeal, but feel free to experiment with any variety, including holiday colors or a swap for Reese’s Pieces, for a customized treat.
• Semisweet Chocolate Chips: While semisweet offers a perfect balance, you can certainly use any type or flavor of chocolate chip you love – milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips – just keep the measurements consistent.

Helpful Kitchen Tools for Baking Success:

• Cookie Sheets: I highly recommend insulated baking sheets. They distribute heat more evenly than dark-coated pans, preventing burnt bottoms and ensuring uniformly baked cookies, all while being quite affordable.
• Silicone Baking Mat: If you’re looking for an eco-friendly and reusable alternative to parchment paper, a silicone baking mat is a fantastic investment that will last for years and provide a perfect non-stick surface.
• Adjustable Measuring Cup: As I detailed earlier, this is truly one of the most innovative and useful kitchen gadgets I’ve ever owned, especially for sticky ingredients.
• Large Cookie Scoop: Essential for creating consistently sized cookies, this ensures even baking. Not to be confused with an ice cream scoop, though one can be used in a pinch. Using a scoop also helps in achieving that impressive “monster” size.

Because these are named “Monster Cookies,” I always aim for an extra-large size, usually around 3 tablespoons of dough per cookie. This recipe will yield approximately 3 dozen cookies of this impressive size. If you prefer more “regular” sized cookies, you can adjust the amount of dough down to 1 1/2-2 tablespoons per cookie, which will, of course, increase your total yield.

More Irresistible Cookie Recipes to Try:

If you’re a cookie enthusiast, be sure to explore more of our favorite cookie recipes:

• Italian Anisette Cookies – A popular Italian dessert, these cookies are flavored with anise for a unique licorice taste.
• Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Bars – If you’re a devout fan of the peanut butter and chocolate combination, this recipe is an absolute must-try!
• Grandma’s All-Occasion Sugar Cookies – You can never go wrong with a perfectly baked, classic sugar cookie.
• Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookies – Indulge in the ultra-satisfying salty-sweet combination with these delightful cookies.
• Sweet Potato Oat Cookies – Mmm, a deliciously moist and chocolatey cookie secretly packed with the goodness of sweet potato!
• Thumbprint Cookies – Especially popular during the holidays, these make for the perfect cookie-exchange treat!

This post was originally published on this blog on Jan 17, 2018.