Peanut Butter Monster Cookies: A Decadent Homemade Treat That’ll Blow Your Mind!

Peanut Butter Monster Cookies: A Decadent Homemade Treat That’ll Blow Your Mind!

Key Info:

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 32 minutes

Servings: 16 cookies

Difficulty: Easy

Dietary Tags: Vegetarian, Contains Allergens

Equipment Needed:

• Large mixing bowl
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups/spoons
• Cookie scoop (optional but recommended)

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup M&M candies
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped peanuts

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream the Butter: In a large bowl, beat butter, peanut butter, and both sugars until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in eggs and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together oats, flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Create Dough: Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture. Do not overmix!
6. Add Mix-Ins: Gently stir in chocolate chips and M&Ms. Save a few for topping.
7. Form Cookies: Use a cookie scoop to create uniform balls. Place 2 inches apart on baking sheet.
8. Bake: Cook for 9-12 minutes until edges are golden but centers look slightly underbaked.
9. Finishing Touch: Immediately press reserved M&Ms on top of warm cookies.

Crucial Tips:

• Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly
• Don’t overbake – cookies continue cooking on the sheet
• Let cookies rest 5 minutes before transferring to cooling rack

Storage:

• Airtight container at room temp: 5 days
• Freezer: Up to 2 months

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Overmixing the dough
• Using cold ingredients
• Baking on hot baking sheets

Variations:

• Gluten-free: Replace flour with almond flour
• Vegan: Use coconut oil, flax eggs
• Less sweet: Reduce sugar, add more nuts

Nutrition Spotlight:

• High protein from peanut butter
• Indulgent treat with some nutritional benefits
• Moderate portion control recommended

Pro Baker Secrets:

• Chill dough for 30 minutes for thicker cookies
• Use a light-colored baking sheet for even browning
• Rotate pan halfway through baking for consistent results

Keywords: Monster cookies, peanut butter cookies, M&M cookies, easy baking recipe, homemade cookies