Christmas Monster Cookies

If you’re looking for a fun and festive treat to brighten your holidays, then Christmas Monster Cookies are just what you need! These cookies are not only packed with delightful flavors but also offer a wonderful texture that’s sure to bring smiles to everyone who tries them. I love making these during the holiday season because they’re perfect for sharing at family gatherings, cookie exchanges, or even just a cozy night in with loved ones. Plus, they’re so easy to whip up that you’ll find yourself making them again and again!

The best part? You can customize them however you like! With their colorful M&M’s and crunchy pretzel bits, each bite of these Christmas Monster Cookies is an explosion of joy and sweetness. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why this recipe is one of my absolute favorites!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just about 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules.
• Family-Friendly Fun: Kids love helping out in the kitchen, especially when it involves mixing cookie dough and adding festive toppings!
• Make-Ahead Treats: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and bake fresh cookies whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up.
• Deliciously Versatile: With so many mix-ins, every batch can be slightly different based on your mood or what you have on hand.
• Gifting Made Simple: These cookies are great for packing up and giving as gifts to friends and family during the holidays.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make our Christmas Monster Cookies. You might already have many of these items in your pantry!

For the Cookie 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
• 2 cups old fashioned oats

For the Mix-Ins

• 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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with your mix-ins or even swap out some ingredients for variations that suit your taste.

• Add more crunch: Toss in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for an extra layer of texture.
• Go nut-free: Replace the pretzels with sunflower seeds if you’re looking for a nut-free option.
• Chocolate overload: Use all semi-sweet chocolate chips or include some peanut butter chips for a rich twist.
• Dried fruit delight: Swap out some M&M’s for dried cranberries or cherries for a fruity flavor burst.

How to Make Christmas Monster Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly soft inside with a slightly crisp edge. While that’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together your room-temperature butter, dark brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the mixture, which helps create those delightful fluffy cookies we all love!

Step 3: Add Eggs

Now it’s time to add in those eggs—two whole eggs plus an additional egg yolk. Beat them in one at a time until everything is smooth. This extra yolk adds richness to your cookies.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Next up! In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into your wet ingredients while beating on low speed. Once just combined—don’t overmix! This will keep your cookies from becoming tough.

Step 5: Fold in Oats and Mix-Ins

Gently fold in the old-fashioned oats until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. Then add in those colorful M&M’s (saving some for topping), crushed pretzels, chocolate chips, and white chocolate chips. Mixing by hand here keeps those chunky bits intact!

Step 6: Shape Your Cookies

Using about 1/4 cup of dough per cookie, roll them into balls and place them about three inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. This allows room for spreading as they bake.

Step 7: Bake Perfectly

Transfer your baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for about 8 minutes. After that time has passed, rotate your pan and bake for another 2 minutes. Here’s where it gets fun—remove the pan from the oven and gently press in those remaining M&M’s into each cookie before returning them to bake for an additional 2-3 minutes until they’re golden brown.

Step 8: Cool Down

Once baked to perfection, let those gorgeous cookies cool on the baking sheet itself. They will continue cooking slightly from residual heat. Enjoy warm right away (trust me—it’s heavenly!) or allow them to cool completely before storing in an airtight container for up to four days.

And there you have it—a batch of delicious Christmas Monster Cookies ready to spread joy this holiday season!

Pro Tips for Making Christmas Monster Cookies

These delightful cookies are sure to bring joy to your holiday season, and with a few pro tips, you can make them even more festive and delicious!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Starting with butter and eggs at room temperature helps create a smooth batter, which results in perfectly textured cookies.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. This keeps the cookies soft and chewy rather than tough.

• Chill the dough: If you have time, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking, leading to thicker treats.

• Experiment with mix-ins: Feel free to swap out or add extra goodies like dried cranberries, nuts, or different types of chocolate. This allows you to customize each batch to your taste!

• Store properly: To keep your cookies fresh and soft, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze them for up to three months—perfect for making holiday preparations easier!

How to Serve Christmas Monster Cookies

When it comes to serving these Christmas Monster Cookies, presentation can elevate your baking game! Here are some creative ways to serve them during the holidays.

Garnishes

• Sprinkle of sea salt: A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking enhances the flavor profile and adds a beautiful touch.

• Festive sprinkles: Adding colorful sprinkles on top right after baking can make your cookies look even more cheerful and inviting.

Side Dishes

• Hot cocoa: A warm mug of homemade hot cocoa is the perfect companion for these sweet treats, creating a cozy pairing that everyone will love.

• Ice cream: Serve these cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream for a delightful dessert duo that’s sure to impress.

• Fresh fruit platter: A bright assortment of seasonal fruits like oranges, pears, or pomegranate seeds adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.

• Milk: Don’t underestimate the classic pairing of milk—whether it’s dairy or a plant-based alternative, it complements the rich flavors of these cookies beautifully!

Now that you’re all set with tips and serving suggestions, get ready to spread some holiday cheer with your delicious Christmas Monster Cookies! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Christmas Monster Cookies are not only fun to make but also perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a big batch ahead of time and have them on hand for holiday gatherings or gifting.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
• If you want to keep them fresher longer, layer the cookies with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• To freeze, allow cookies to cool completely.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, place cookies in a preheated oven at 350° F for about 5 minutes or until warm.
• Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 10-15 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.

FAQs

If you’re curious about these festive treats, here are some common questions!

Can I make Christmas Monster Cookies without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) as an egg replacement.

How should I store Christmas Monster Cookies after baking?

Store your Christmas Monster Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days for optimal freshness!

Can I use gluten-free flour for Christmas Monster Cookies?

Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring they remain delicious and festive.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Christmas Monster Cookies as much as I do! They’re not just tasty but also bring a sense of joy and festivity to any occasion. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or keeping them all to yourself, these cookies are sure to spread holiday cheer. Happy baking!