Festive Christmas Monster Cookies Packed with Holiday Cheer

Picture this: the smell of warm, gooey cookies filling your kitchen, the sound of laughter from loved ones, and the sparkle of twinkling holiday lights in the background. That’s exactly the vibe these Festive Christmas Monster Cookies bring to your holiday season. The first time I baked these, it was a chilly December afternoon, and let me tell you, these cookies were the star of the evening. My kids couldn’t resist sneaking bites before I could even plate them, and honestly, who could blame them?

These cookies are everything you want out of a holiday treat—soft, chewy, and bursting with festive colors and flavors. Think red and green M&Ms, chocolate chips, oats, and peanut butter all coming together for a whimsical, magical bite. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug in cookie form, perfect for a cozy night in or a holiday party. If you love the idea of a cookie that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, you’re going to want to bookmark this one!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: These cookies come together in just 30 minutes, which is perfect for a busy holiday season.
• Holiday Cheer: Packed with festive ingredients like red and green M&Ms, they’re designed to brighten up any Christmas party or cookie exchange.
• No Fancy Ingredients: You probably already have most of these goodies in your pantry, making this a no-stress baking option.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are a hit with kids, adults, and even Santa himself—don’t forget to leave a plate out on Christmas Eve!
• Unbeatable Flavor: The combination of peanut butter, oats, chocolate chips, and holiday candies creates an irresistible mix of textures and tastes.

What makes these cookies stand out? It’s the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors, paired with a chewy texture and bursts of chocolatey goodness. They’re fun, festive, and a little nostalgic—reminding you of childhood Christmas mornings and the joy of discovering cookies left by Santa. These cookies are not just delicious; they’re memory-makers, holiday cheer providers, and the perfect way to spread a little extra joy this season.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to deliver bold flavor and satisfying texture without the fuss. Here’s exactly what you’ll need:

• Unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture.
• Granulated sugar: For that perfect sweetness.
• Brown sugar: Provides a deeper, caramel-like flavor and chewy texture.
• Peanut butter: Creamy is best, but you can use crunchy if you prefer a little extra texture.
• Large eggs: Room temperature eggs work best for a fluffier cookie.
• Vanilla extract: A must-have for boosting flavor.
• All-purpose flour: The base for the dough. You can use gluten-free flour as a substitute.
• Old-fashioned oats: Adds a hearty texture and a hint of nutty flavor.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and keeps them fluffy.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness beautifully.
• Red and green M&Ms: The star of the show for festive flair.
• Mini chocolate chips: Because you can never have too much chocolate!
• Optional mix-ins: Chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or dried cranberries for a personal touch.

Feel free to swap ingredients to suit your needs—use almond butter instead of peanut butter for a peanut-free option, or opt for dark chocolate chips for a less-sweet version. These cookies are super forgiving, so get creative!

Equipment Needed

Don’t worry, you won’t need a fancy baking setup to whip up these cookies! Here’s what you’ll need:

• Mixing bowls: One large and one medium for wet and dry ingredients.
• Electric mixer or whisk: A hand mixer works fine and saves time, but you can mix by hand if you’re willing to put in some elbow grease.
• Rubber spatula: For folding in the mix-ins.
• Baking sheets: Non-stick or lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Cookie scoop: Optional, but great for evenly sized cookies.
• Wire cooling rack: Helps the cookies cool evenly.

If you don’t have a cookie scoop, a tablespoon will do just fine. And if you’re out of parchment paper, lightly greasing your baking sheet works in a pinch!

Preparation Method

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them to prevent sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup (226g) softened unsalted butter, 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar, and 1 cup (packed, 220g) brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add 1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter to the mixture and beat until well combined. Then, beat in 2 large eggs and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Make sure everything is smooth and well incorporated.
4. In a separate medium mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Stir in 2 cups (180g) old-fashioned oats, 1 cup (200g) red and green M&Ms, and 1 cup (175g) mini chocolate chips using a rubber spatula. Be gentle to avoid breaking the candies!
7. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers may look slightly soft—that’s okay!
9. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

And there you have it: warm, festive cookies ready to spread holiday cheer!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Making the perfect Festive Christmas Monster Cookies is easy when you keep these tips in mind:

• Don’t overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix until just combined to avoid tough cookies.
• Use room temperature ingredients: This ensures everything blends smoothly for a consistent dough.
• Chill the dough: If your dough feels too soft, chill it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before scooping. This helps prevent spreading.
• Watch the oven: Cookies continue to bake on the hot tray even after you remove them, so don’t overbake. They should look slightly underdone in the center.
• Customize the mix-ins: Add sprinkles, chopped nuts, or other festive candies for a personal twist.

These simple tips will keep your cookies soft, chewy, and irresistibly delicious. Trust me, I’ve had my fair share of cookie mishaps, and these tricks have been game-changers!

Variations & Adaptations

• Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter, a flaxseed egg substitute, and dairy-free chocolate chips and candies.
• Seasonal Flair: Replace the red and green M&Ms with pastel candies for Easter, or orange and brown for Halloween!

If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice twist. I once threw in a handful of crushed peppermint candies, and let me tell you, the result was magical!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these cookies slightly warm for the ultimate ooey-gooey experience. Pair them with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot cocoa for the perfect holiday treat. They also look lovely stacked on a festive platter or wrapped in holiday cellophane bags for gifting.

For storage, keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’re making them ahead, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months—just scoop it into balls and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Each cookie is estimated to contain:

• Calories: 220
• Fat: 11g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 3g

The oats add a hint of fiber, and peanut butter brings healthy fats and protein to the mix. If you’re looking for a sweet treat with a little more substance, these cookies fit the bill. Just be mindful of potential allergens like peanuts, gluten, and dairy when serving to others.

Conclusion

If there’s one recipe you’ll want to keep on hand this holiday season, it’s these Festive Christmas Monster Cookies. They’re fun to make, even better to eat, and guaranteed to become a cherished holiday tradition. You can customize the mix-ins, make them ahead, or whip up a batch on a whim—either way, they’re sure to bring smiles to everyone who tries them.

I love these cookies not just for their flavor but for the memories they create. Whether it’s watching my kids decorate them or sharing them with friends, they’ve become a staple in our family celebrations. So, grab your mixing bowl, preheat that oven, and let’s spread some holiday cheer with these magical cookies!

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and share your own festive twists, or tag me on social media to show off your creations. Happy baking and happy holidays!

FAQs

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Just scoop it into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.

How do I prevent these cookies from spreading too much?

If your dough seems too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape.

Can I make these cookies without peanut butter?

Yes, you can substitute almond or sunflower seed butter if you prefer. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious!

What if I don’t have red and green M&Ms?

No problem! You can use regular M&Ms or substitute with other festive candies like crushed peppermint or colored sprinkles.

Can I make these cookies smaller or larger?

Of course! Just adjust the baking time accordingly. Smaller cookies will bake faster, while larger cookies may need a few extra minutes in the oven.

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