Christmas Monster Cookies – Festive and Easy Recipe

Christmas Monster Cookies are the perfect blend of festive flavors and textures, making them an ideal addition to your holiday baking list. These cookies combine sweet and salty elements with a chewy, gooey center and crispy edges. Packed with oats, pretzels, chocolate chunks, white chocolate chips, and colorful M&M’s, these cookies are guaranteed to bring joy to your holiday gatherings. Whether you’re baking for a party or preparing a gift box, this easy-to-make recipe will quickly become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love These Christmas Monster Cookies

Christmas Monster Cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, making them perfect for holiday baking. These cookies come together quickly without any fuss, which means less time spent in the kitchen and more time spent enjoying the festive season with your loved ones. The combination of chocolate, pretzels, and oats ensures that every bite has the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and chewy goodness.

Ingredients

For these Christmas Monster Cookies, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that work together to create the perfect cookie. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the cookies.
• Brown sugar: Provides a soft, caramelized sweetness.
• Granulated sugar: Balances the brown sugar and helps the cookies spread evenly.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
• Eggs: Helps bind the ingredients together and gives the cookies structure.
• Flour: Forms the base of the cookie dough.
• Baking soda & baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and spread.

• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Old-fashioned oats: Adds a chewy texture and nutty flavor.
• Pretzel twists: Gives a crunchy, salty bite that complements the sweetness.
• Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chunks: Adds a rich, melty chocolate flavor.
• White chocolate chips: Provides a smooth contrast to the dark chocolate.
• Holiday M&M’s: Adds a festive touch with color and extra sweetness.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re looking to make some swaps or if you’re missing an ingredient, here are some great alternatives:

• Gluten-free flour: If you need a gluten-free version, substitute regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Dark chocolate chips: If you prefer a richer chocolate flavor, swap the milk chocolate with dark chocolate chips.
• Cranberries: For a twist, try adding dried cranberries for a fruity, tart contrast to the sweetness.
• Pretzel sticks: If you can’t find pretzel twists, crushed pretzel sticks work just as well for that salty crunch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making these Christmas Monster Cookies is simple and fun! Just follow these steps for delicious, festive cookies:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla and eggs (and egg yolk), beating one at a time until fully incorporated.
3. Mix in the dry ingredients: Add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Stir until just combined. Then, fold in the oats until evenly mixed.
4. Add the stir-ins: Gently fold in the pretzels, chocolate chunks, white chocolate chips, and 1 cup of M&M’s.
5. Form the dough balls: Roll the dough into 1/4 cup-sized balls and place them about 3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake the cookies: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 8 minutes. After that, rotate the pan and bake for another 2 minutes.
7. Finish baking and add M&M’s: Remove the cookies from the oven and gently push the remaining M&M’s into the cookies. Bake for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cookies are golden on the edges but still soft in the center.
8. Cool the cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. They will continue to cook slightly on the sheet.

Tips & Tricks

To make sure your Christmas Monster Cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:

• Don’t overmix the dough once the flour is added. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Use room temperature butter: This helps the ingredients mix evenly and creates a smooth dough.
• Check for doneness: The cookies should have slightly golden edges but still look soft in the center. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them.
• For thicker cookies: If you prefer thicker cookies, omit the extra egg yolk and use only two eggs. This will reduce the spread and keep them a little thicker.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

These Christmas Monster Cookies are delicious on their own, but they can also be paired with other holiday treats or beverages. Here are a few ideas:

• Serve with a glass of milk: Classic and comforting, milk pairs perfectly with these sweet and salty cookies.
• Try a festive hot chocolate: For a decadent treat, pair these cookies with a cup of rich, creamy hot chocolate.

• Add a spice twist: If you want to add a seasonal flair, try mixing in some cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for a spiced cookie variation.
• Make-ahead tip: You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just bake the cookies when you’re ready for a fresh batch.

A Perfect Holiday Gift

These Christmas Monster Cookies make a fantastic gift idea. Pack them in festive tins or jars, and share them with friends and family. Their colorful M&M’s and chewy texture make them visually appealing and delicious, ensuring that anyone receiving them will appreciate the gesture.

Conclusion

Christmas Monster Cookies are the ultimate festive treat, combining a delightful mix of chocolate, pretzels, and oats into a cookie that’s both crunchy on the edges and soft in the center. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday party, gifting homemade cookies, or simply enjoying some cozy baking time at home, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. Easy to make and packed with festive charm, these cookies are perfect for adding that extra touch to your holiday celebrations.

The beauty of these cookies lies not only in their flavor but also in their versatility. You can customize them to suit your preferences or dietary needs, and they’ll still turn out delicious. The added bonus? They’re the perfect way to spread some holiday cheer with loved ones. So, roll up your sleeves, get baking, and enjoy the magic of Christmas Monster Cookies!

FAQ About Christmas Monster Cookies

More Relevant Recipes

• Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans: A perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, this casserole is a warm, comforting side dish that complements the rich and festive flavors of Christmas Monster Cookies. The crunchy pecans add texture, much like the pretzels in the cookies, making it a great addition to your holiday spread.
• Christmas Eve Savory Snack Mix: For a savory contrast to the sweet and salty Christmas Monster Cookies, this snack mix is perfect for a holiday party. It combines a variety of crunchy ingredients, much like the cookies, but with a savory twist. This mix is quick to prepare and ideal for sharing with guests during your holiday gatherings.
• Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies: If you love the oats in the Christmas Monster Cookies, you’ll enjoy these oatmeal cranberry cookies. They offer a chewy, slightly tart flavor thanks to the cranberries, while the oats provide a hearty texture. These cookies are another great option for your holiday dessert table, with a more classic flavor profile but just as festive.

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