Christmas Monster Cookies

Festive and fun, Christmas Monster Cookies are a delightful treat that captures the essence of the holiday season! These cookies are perfect for sharing with family and friends or for adding a sweet touch to your festive gatherings. With their chewy texture, colorful M&M’s, and a mix of flavors, they stand out as a favorite dessert option. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these cookies will surely bring joy to your holiday celebrations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can have these delicious cookies ready in no time.
• Fun for All Ages: Involve kids in the kitchen to help mix ingredients and decorate with M&M’s!
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the mix-ins according to your preferences or what you have on hand.
• Perfect for Gifting: Pack them in festive containers to share with loved ones or as party favors.
• Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate chips and crunchy pretzels provides an irresistible taste experience.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools is essential for making your Christmas Monster Cookies. Here’s what you’ll need to create these festive treats effortlessly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes it easy to cream butter and sugars together until fluffy.
• Mixing bowls: Allows you to combine ingredients without mess; choose different sizes for efficiency.
• Baking sheets: Ensure even baking; using multiple sheets allows you to bake more cookies at once.

Ingredients

Festive, easy, and sweet…these cookies are perfect for packing up and gifting for the holidays!

For the Dough

• 2 sticks (1 cup) salted butter at room temperature
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, plus 1 egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Mix-ins

• 2 cups old fashioned oats
• 1 1/4 cups holiday M&M’s
• 1 cup mini pretzel sticks, crushed
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips

How to Make Christmas Monster Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, beat together:
1. The butter, dark brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until creamy.
2. Add in the eggs and 1 egg yolk one at a time, mixing until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Add the following dry ingredients into the bowl:
– all-purpose flour,
– baking soda,
– baking powder,
– and kosher salt.

Mix until just combined.

Step 4: Add Oats and Mix-ins

Fold in:
– The old fashioned oats,
– 1 cup of the M&M’s,
– The crushed pretzel sticks,
– The semi-sweet chocolate chips,
– And the white chocolate chips.

Ensure everything is evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into balls about 1/4 cup in size. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 3 inches apart.

Step 6: Bake

Transfer the cookies into your preheated oven:
1. Bake for 8 minutes.
2. Rotate the pan and bake for an additional 2 minutes.
3. Remove from oven and gently press remaining M&M’s into each cookie.
4. Bake for another 2-3 minutes until golden brown around edges.

Step 7: Cool Down

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. They will continue cooking slightly while cooling.

Enjoy your warm Christmas Monster Cookies or store them in an airtight container for up to four days!

How to Serve Christmas Monster Cookies

These Christmas Monster Cookies are as fun to serve as they are to eat! Their vibrant colors and delightful textures make them a perfect addition to any holiday gathering. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

Cookie Platter

• Create a festive cookie platter with Christmas Monster Cookies alongside other holiday treats. This colorful display will impress your guests.

Gift Bags

• Package individual cookies in clear bags tied with festive ribbons. This makes for a thoughtful and sweet gift for friends, family, or coworkers during the holidays.

Dessert Bar

• Set up a dessert bar at your holiday party featuring these cookies. Include toppings like extra M&M’s, chocolate drizzles, or whipped cream for guests to customize their cookie experience.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Use two cookies to create delicious ice cream sandwiches. Choose flavors like vanilla or peppermint for an even more festive treat!

Hot Cocoa Pairing

• Serve these cookies with warm cups of hot cocoa or seasonal beverages. The combination of flavors makes for a cozy holiday treat.

How to Perfect Christmas Monster Cookies

Getting the perfect texture and flavor for Christmas Monster Cookies is easy with a few simple tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure your cookies turn out amazing every time!

• Use room temperature butter: This helps incorporate air into the dough, making your cookies light and fluffy.
• Don’t overmix: After adding flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Chill the dough: If you have time, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This enhances flavor and prevents spreading.
• Watch the baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies in the oven; they should be golden around the edges but soft in the center when done.
• Store properly: To keep them fresh, store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.

Best Side Dishes for Christmas Monster Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your Christmas Monster Cookies can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some tasty options that complement these sweet treats perfectly.

1. Fruit Salad
   A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the cookies and adds freshness to your dessert table.
2. Cheese Platter
   Offer a selection of cheeses such as brie or cheddar, which provide a savory contrast to the sweet flavors of the cookies.
3. Hot Chocolate Bar
   Set up a bar with various toppings like marshmallows and whipped cream to pair perfectly with your cookies for dipping.
4. Christmas Cake Pops
   Fun and festive, these cake pops add another layer of sweetness and creativity alongside the monster cookies.
5. Nut Mix
   A spiced nut mix provides crunch and saltiness that complements the sweetness of the cookies nicely.
6. Mini Cupcakes
   Offer mini cupcakes in festive flavors like peppermint or gingerbread for additional variety on your dessert table.
7. Yogurt Parfaits
   Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a lighter option that contrasts beautifully with rich cookies.
8. Spiced Cider
   Serve warm spiced apple cider as a cozy beverage option that pairs delightfully with sweets during the holidays.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, especially during the holiday season. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for when making Christmas Monster Cookies.

• Skipping ingredient measurements: Always measure your ingredients accurately. This ensures consistency and helps achieve the perfect cookie texture.
• Not chilling the dough: If you skip chilling the dough, your cookies may spread too much while baking. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking for better results.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined to keep them soft and chewy.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Every oven is different. Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking.
• Crowding the baking sheet: Placing cookies too close together can cause them to bake unevenly. Leave at least 3 inches between each cookie ball on the baking sheet.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They will keep fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Christmas Monster Cookies

• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they can last up to 3 months.

Reheating Christmas Monster Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5 minutes for a fresh-baked taste.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for a few minutes until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Christmas Monster Cookies that might help you out!

Can I customize my Christmas Monster Cookies?

Yes! You can add nuts, dried fruits, or different types of chocolate chips based on your preference.

How do I know when my Christmas Monster Cookies are done?

The edges should be lightly golden brown, while the centers will look slightly underbaked. They will firm up as they cool.

What can I substitute if I don’t have M&M’s?

Feel free to use chocolate chunks or other candies if M&M’s are unavailable.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

You can replace butter with plant-based butter and eggs with flax eggs or applesauce for a vegan version of Christmas Monster Cookies.

Final Thoughts

Christmas Monster Cookies are not just festive; they are also incredibly versatile! With endless customization options, you can create your favorite flavor combinations while sharing sweet treats with friends and family this holiday season. Try them out today!