The first hint of winter air always brings back joyful memories of decorating Christmas cookies with my family. This year, I wanted to create something that not only looks festive but also packs a delightful punch of flavor. Enter my Christmas Monster Cookies! These delightful treats combine the sweetness of red and green M&Ms, the richness of chocolate, and a surprising crunch from pretzel pieces—all perfectly balanced with the comforting warmth of oats and butter.
Imagine walking into a kitchen filled with the intoxicating aroma of vanilla and caramelizing sugars as these cookies bake to golden perfection. They’re not just cookies; they’re an experience, sure to bring smiles to friends and family alike. With easy preparation and a whimsical appeal, they’re the perfect antidote to the mundane routine of takeout meals. So grab your mixing bowl and let’s dive into making these fun and colorful goodness that will warm hearts this holiday season!
Why are Christmas Monster Cookies a must-bake?
Festive Delight: These cookies burst with vibrant colors and a playful mix of flavors, making them the perfect treat for holiday gatherings.
Gourmet Taste: Rich chocolate chunks and creamy M&Ms create an indulgent experience that will impress even the pickiest eaters.
Easy to Make: The straightforward recipe means anyone—whether a novice or seasoned baker—can whip these up with minimal fuss.
Crowd-Pleaser: With their appealing looks and delightful crunch, these cookies are sure to be a hit at any event, bringing joy to family and friends alike!
Unique Twist: Combining sweet and salty with pretzels and oats elevates these cookies beyond the ordinary, making them truly special.
So, gather your loved ones and escape from the usual fast food with something extraordinary; check out my guide on how to bake soft cookies for more tips.
Christmas Monster Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Base
• All-purpose flour – This forms the foundation of the cookies, providing structure.
• Baking soda – This helps the cookies rise, giving them a chewy texture.
• Baking powder – Aids in achieving the perfect fluffiness alongside the baking soda.
• Salt – Enhances the overall flavor, balancing the sweetness in the cookies.
For the Sweetness
• Unsalted butter – Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming and flavor richness.
• Dark brown sugar – This adds moisture and a deep, caramel-like flavor.
• Granulated sugar – For sweetness and the perfect texture in the cookie batter.
• Large eggs – Room temperature eggs ensure a smooth batter.
• Vanilla extract – Infuses a warm and inviting aroma into the cookies.
For the Fun Mix-ins
• Red and green M&Ms – Perfect for adding festive color and sweetness to the mix.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chunks – Provides luxurious bites of chocolate.
• White chocolate chips – Adds creaminess that complements the darker chocolate.
• Pretzel pieces – Introduces a surprising crunch and a touch of salty goodness.
• Old fashioned oats – These offer a chewiness that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness.
• Red and green jimmies sprinkles – For that final festive touch of color on top!
Get ready to create the most delightful batch of Christmas Monster Cookies that will make your holiday celebrations even more memorable!
How to Make Christmas Monster Cookies
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C). Position the rack in the center and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cookie removal.
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Whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl. This dry mix is essential for achieving the perfect cookie texture, so make sure it’s thoroughly combined and set aside.
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Cream the butter with both sugars in your stand mixer fitted with the beater attachment. Mix on medium-high for about 5 minutes, until light and airy—this step adds that lovely fluffy texture to your cookies!
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Add the room temperature eggs and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, mixing for an additional 2 minutes. Scrape down the bowl to ensure everything is well combined and blended.
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Combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture. Gently mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher cookies!
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Fold in the festive mix-ins: M&Ms, chocolate chunks, pretzel pieces, oats, and sprinkles using a rubber spatula. This is where the fun begins—just make sure everything is evenly distributed!
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Scoop the dough using a small cookie scoop and place dough balls 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. For an extra festive touch, add a few M&Ms on top for color and fun! Chill for 30 minutes to help maintain their shape while baking.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes at 350°F (176°C). Look for slightly brown edges and a puffed center. If you want perfectly round cookies, lightly swirl a large round cookie cutter around each warm cookie. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Optional: Drizzle with melted white chocolate before serving for an extra indulgent touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Christmas Monster Cookies
Chill the Dough: A crucial step! Chilling the cookie dough for 30 minutes helps prevent spreading, ensuring thicker and chewier Christmas Monster Cookies.
Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in tougher cookies with a less tender bite.
Add More M&Ms: For a fun and festive presentation, sprinkle additional M&Ms on top of the cookies before baking. This adds color and ensures chocolate in every bite!
Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; removing them when the edges are just golden will yield the best texture—soft in the center and crisp at the edges.
Perfectly Round Cookies: If you want cookies with a uniform shape, use a large round cookie cutter to gently swirl around the warm cookies immediately after baking.
Store Properly: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They also freeze beautifully for later enjoyment during the holidays!
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Monster Cookies are fantastic for meal prep and can save you precious time during the busy holiday season! To prepare ahead, you can mix the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt) and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Additionally, you can scoop the cookie dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply transfer the dough to a lined baking sheet and follow the baking instructions. This way, you’ll have warm, fresh cookies with minimal effort, just as delightful as when they are made fresh!
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Monster Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and chewy, ready for snacking!
Fridge: For longer freshness, place cookies in the fridge for up to 1 week. Make sure they are in a sealed container to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer: Freeze cookies for up to 3 months. Lay them flat in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container once frozen to prevent sticking.
Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies later, heat in the oven at 350°F (176°C) for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to revive, just like when they first came out of the oven!
Christmas Monster Cookies Variations
Feel free to play around with these cookies, adding your personal touch and favorite flavors!
- Nut-Free: Substitute the pretzel pieces with crushed Rice Chex for a gluten-free crunch without nuts.
- Vegan: Use a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) instead of eggs and coconut oil for butter, giving you delightful plant-based cookies.
- Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend—make sure to check that the baking powder is also gluten-free.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to the dough for a warm, spicy twist that warms the soul in every bite.
- Dried Fruit: Boost the flavor with ½ cup of dried cranberries or cherries—perfect for adding a chewy texture and tartness alongside the sweetness.
- Different Candies: Experiment with your favorite holiday candies, like chopped peanut butter cups or even holiday-themed chocolate shapes for added fun!
- Oreo Delight: Crush up some Oreos and fold them into the batter, adding bits of crispy chocolate cookie that will surprise your taste buds.
- Cookie Butter: For an indulgent twist, replace some of the butter with cookie butter to create a rich, spiced flavor that holiday lovers will adore.
Customize these cookies to suit your family’s tastes, and create delectable memories this festive season!
What to Serve with Christmas Monster Cookies?
Add a festive twist to your holiday gatherings with delightful complements that enhance the joy of these colorful treats.
- Warm Milk: A comforting classic, warm milk pairs beautifully with cookies, balancing the sweetness wonderfully.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream contrasts perfectly with the chewy cookies, creating a dreamy dessert experience.
For a little extra sparkle, consider a scoop of peppermint or gingerbread ice cream during the holiday season. It’s a delightful twist that friends and family will adore!
- Hot Cocoa: Rich hot cocoa drizzled with whipped cream creates a cozy pairing, delightful for chilly winter nights.
- Fruit Platter: Bright seasonal fruits like cranberries and oranges provide a refreshing contrast that livens up your dessert table.
These bursts of flavor not only cleanse the palate but also add a pop of color, making your dessert spread even more festive!
- Christmas Punch: A festive, fruity punch adds a bubbly element to your gathering while tying together the holiday spirit.
- Peppermint Bark: The crunchy, minty goodness of peppermint bark complements the rich chocolate in the cookies—a true holiday treat!
Each of these suggestions is a tasty companion, ensuring your Christmas Monster Cookies are given the spotlight they deserve. Enjoy your sweet celebrations!
Christmas Monster Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe ingredients for Christmas Monster Cookies?
Absolutely! For cookies like these, ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming. Avoid butter that feels too soft or melted. Choose eggs that are fresh, with clean, uncracked shells. As for the M&Ms, pick a mix that is bright and vibrant—avoid any that are scratched or dull. Fresh ingredients make a world of difference in flavor and texture!
How should I store my Christmas Monster Cookies after baking?
You can store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and chewy. For longer storage, you can place them in the fridge, where they’ll stay good for about a week. Just make sure they’re sealed tightly to prevent drying out.
Can I freeze Christmas Monster Cookies?
Yes, indeed! To freeze your cookies, lay them flat in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months! To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven for about 5 minutes at 350°F (176°C).
What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
Very good question! If your dough is sticky, it may be because the butter was too warm or the flour measurement was a bit off. Chill the dough for 20-30 minutes in the refrigerator—it’ll firm up nicely. If you find them still too sticky, you can gently mix in a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency without overmixing.
Are Christmas Monster Cookies suitable for people with allergies?
It’s always best to be cautious! These cookies contain common allergens such as gluten from the flour, dairy from the butter, and eggs. If you’re baking for someone with allergies, consider substituting gluten-free flour, dairy-free butter, and egg replacements like flaxseed or applesauce. Always check the labels on your ingredients to be sure!
Can I customize the mix-ins in my Christmas Monster Cookies?
The more the merrier! Feel free to adjust the mix-ins based on your preferences. If you have a favorite nut or candy, such as chopped pecans or white chocolate chips, you can perfectly swap those in. Just keep the total quantity similar to maintain the cookie’s balance and texture! Enjoy the creative process!
Decadent Christmas Monster Cookies for Your Holiday Joy
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C). Position the rack in the center and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
- Cream the butter with both sugars in your stand mixer fitted with the beater attachment for about 5 minutes.
- Add the room temperature eggs and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and mix for an additional 2 minutes.
- Combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the festive mix-ins: M&Ms, chocolate chunks, pretzel pieces, oats, and sprinkles using a rubber spatula.
- Scoop the dough using a small cookie scoop and place dough balls 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes at 350°F (176°C) until slightly brown around the edges.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.