Are You Ready to Create the Ultimate Holiday Cookie Tradition?
What’s the one treat that captures the true spirit of Christmas baking? If you’re looking for a festive, crowd-pleasing cookie that combines everything wonderful about holiday baking into one irresistible package, you need to try Christmas monster cookies! These delightfully chewy, colorful cookies are packed with festive candies, chocolate chips, and holiday cheer. Perfect for cookie exchanges, Santa’s plate, or simply enjoying with family around the fireplace, these monster cookies will quickly become your new holiday tradition.
Christmas monster cookies are the ultimate holiday hybrid – combining the best elements of oatmeal cookies, peanut butter cookies, and M&M cookies, festive cookies, holiday treats into one spectacular dessert. Let’s dive into this recipe that’s guaranteed to bring smiles to faces young and old this Christmas season!
Ingredients List
For these magnificent Christmas monster cookies, you’ll need:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (use natural for a less sweet option)
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup red and green Christmas M&Ms
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- Optional: 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies for extra festive flavor
Substitution Tips:
- For a nut-free version, substitute sunflower seed butter for the peanut butter
- Quick oats can replace rolled oats for a less chewy texture
- Dark chocolate chips offer a less sweet alternative to semi-sweet
Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling time)
- Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
- Total Time: About 1 hour
These Christmas monster cookies take less time than traditional decorated holiday cookies, saving you roughly 45 minutes compared to cookies that require detailed icing work. The chilling time is perfect for preheating your oven and cleaning up your workspace!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and peanut butter until smooth and well combined, about 2 minutes. Add both sugars and beat until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes. This extended creaming creates air pockets that give your Christmas monster cookies their perfect chewy texture.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pour in the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated. The mixture should look glossy and smooth. Scrape down the sides of your bowl to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, baking soda, and salt. This pre-mixing ensures your leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the dough, preventing any bitter spots in your Christmas monster cookies.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined. Over-mixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop as soon as the flour disappears.
Step 5: Fold in the Mix-ins
Gently fold in the M&Ms, chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and crushed peppermint (if using). Reserve a small handful of M&Ms to press on top of the cookies before baking for a more festive appearance.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This crucial step prevents spreading and enhances the chewy texture of your Christmas monster cookies.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop dough using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, placing cookies 2 inches apart. Press reserved M&Ms on top. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers still look slightly underdone.
Step 8: Cool Properly
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This prevents your Christmas monster cookies from breaking apart while they’re still soft from the oven.
Nutritional Information
Per cookie (based on 24 cookies):
- Calories: 285
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 22g
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
- Lower Sugar Option: Reduce sugars by 25% and use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute gluten-free certified oats and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
- Vegan Alternative: Use plant-based butter, flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg), and vegan chocolate candies
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Christmas monster cookies on a festive platter alongside:
- Hot chocolate topped with peppermint whipped cream
- Vanilla bean ice cream for cookie sandwiches
- Warm mulled cider for a delightful contrast
- A small glass of cold milk for traditional enjoyment
For extra presentation points, stack cookies in a clear gift bag tied with ribbon for a homemade gift that anyone would love to receive!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cold ingredients: Room temperature butter and eggs create a better cookie texture
- Skipping the chilling step: This leads to flat, spread-out cookies instead of chewy ones
- Overbaking: Remove cookies when they still look slightly underdone in the center
- Adding all mix-ins at once: Fold them in gradually to ensure even distribution throughout the dough
Storing Tips for the Recipe
- Counter Storage: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days
- Refrigerator: Store for up to 1 week in a sealed container
- Freezer: Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months, separated by parchment paper
- Make Ahead: Cookie dough balls can be frozen for up to 3 months – just add 1-2 minutes to baking time
Conclusion
These Christmas monster cookies bring together everything we love about holiday baking – they’re festive, delicious, customizable, and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re making them for a cookie exchange, leaving them for Santa, or simply creating new traditions with your family, they’re sure to bring holiday cheer to everyone who tries them.
Ready to make your holiday season even more delicious? Give these cookies a try and let us know in the comments how they turned out! Don’t forget to tag us in your cookie creations on social media.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies without peanut butter?
Yes! Substitute almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter in equal amounts for a different flavor profile or allergen-friendly option.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
This typically happens if the dough wasn’t chilled long enough or if the butter was too warm. Make sure to chill the dough properly and start with room temperature (not melted) butter.
Can I use regular M&Ms instead of Christmas colors?
Absolutely! While red and green create that festive appeal, any color M&Ms will work deliciously in these Christmas monster cookies.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The edges should be set and lightly golden, but the centers should still look slightly underdone. They’ll continue cooking from residual heat after you remove them from the oven.
Can I double this recipe for a large gathering?
Yes! This recipe doubles beautifully. Just be sure to use a large enough bowl for mixing and maintain the same chilling and baking times.
Name: Yumi Hwag
Byline: Founder & Recipe Developer, Yumimeals
Bio : Yumi tests weeknight-friendly air fryer, slow cooker, and BBQ recipes in a small home kitchen. She focuses on simple steps, real-family testing, and clear food-safety guidance. Contact: [email protected]