Christmas Monster Cookies.

The holiday season is synonymous with festive treats, and there’s nothing quite like the joy of biting into a warm, chewy cookie brimming with colorful surprises. Christmas Monster Cookies are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, loaded with oats, chocolate chips, pretzels, and holiday M&Ms that bring both texture and flavor to every bite. These cookies not only look spectacular with their vibrant colors but also boast a delightful combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy elements that make them unforgettable. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a gift basket, or simply to satisfy your seasonal sweet tooth, these Christmas Monster Cookies deliver every single time.

Why It Works Every Time

Christmas Monster Cookies hit the perfect balance of chewy and crunchy, thanks to their combination of ingredients. The oats provide a hearty texture that keeps the cookie substantial, while the mix of chocolate chips and holiday M&Ms adds bursts of sweetness and color. The crushed mini pretzels introduce a salty crunch, elevating the flavor profile and preventing the cookie from being overly sweet. Using both baking soda and baking powder ensures that the cookies rise perfectly without becoming cakey, maintaining a lovely chewiness. The addition of an extra egg yolk enriches the dough, giving these cookies a tender, moist crumb that’s irresistible. All these elements come together to create a festive, fun, and flavor-packed cookie that’s sure to be a hit every holiday season.

Ingredient Rundown

• 2 sticks (1 cup) salted butter at room temperature: Provides richness and moisture, helping the cookies stay soft and tender.
• 1 cup dark brown sugar: Adds deep molasses flavor and chewiness to the cookie.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s crisp edges.
• 2 large eggs plus 1 egg yolk: Eggs bind the ingredients and add moisture; the extra yolk makes the cookie extra tender.
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base structure for the cookie dough.
• 2 teaspoons baking soda: Helps the cookies spread and develop a chewy texture.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder: Adds extra lift and lightness to balance the chewiness.
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances other flavors.
• 2 cups old fashioned oats: Adds hearty texture and chew, making these cookies substantial.
• 1 1/4 cups holiday M&Ms: Provides festive pops of color and chocolatey sweetness.
• 1 cup mini pretzel sticks, crushed: Adds a salty crunch that complements the sweet elements.
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks: Melts beautifully for gooey pockets of chocolate.
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips: Offers a creamy sweetness that contrasts with the semi-sweet chips.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls: For combining wet and dry ingredients separately before mixing.
• Electric mixer or stand mixer: To cream butter and sugars smoothly and efficiently.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.
• Rubber spatula: To scrape down the sides of the bowl and fold in mix-ins.
• Baking sheets: A flat surface for baking cookies evenly.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats: Prevents cookies from sticking and promotes even baking.
• Cooling rack: To cool cookies completely and prevent sogginess.
• Cookie scoop or spoon: For portioning dough uniformly.

Christmas Monster Cookies.: From Prep to Plate

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Begin by removing your butter from the fridge so it reaches room temperature—soft but not melted. Pre-measure all your dry ingredients and crush the mini pretzel sticks into small pieces, but not powder.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes on medium-high speed.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the 2 large eggs and 1 egg yolk, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for that warm, inviting aroma.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt. This ensures the leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed.

Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Use a spatula or mixer on low speed to blend until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can make cookies tough.

Step 6: Fold in the Fun Stuff

Gently fold in the old fashioned oats, holiday M&Ms, crushed pretzel sticks, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and white chocolate chips. Distribute the mix-ins evenly throughout the dough, ensuring each cookie will be a monster of flavor.

Step 7: Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended)

For thicker cookies and enhanced flavor, cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.

Step 8: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Step 9: Portion and Bake

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop generous mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow spreading. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden but the centers still look slightly soft.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The centers will set as they cool, giving you that perfect chewy texture.

Vegan & Vegetarian Swaps

• Replace butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
• Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) instead of chicken eggs.
• Substitute semi-sweet and white chocolate chips with vegan-certified chocolate chips.
• Ensure holiday M&Ms and pretzels are free from any animal-derived ingredients; many brands offer vegan-friendly options.

Cook’s Notes

• Butter Temperature: Using butter at room temperature is key for proper creaming and cookie texture.
• Mix-ins: Feel free to customize your mix-ins. Add chopped nuts or dried cranberries for an extra festive twist.
• Don’t Overbake: Cookies will look slightly underdone in the center when you pull them out—this ensures a soft, chewy finish.
• Cookie Size: For a true “monster” cookie, use a larger scoop. Adjust baking time accordingly if you go bigger.

Shelf Life & Storage

Store your Christmas Monster Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. If freezing cookie dough, portion it into scoops and freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag once solid. Bake from frozen with an additional 2-3 minutes of baking time.

FAQ

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your oats are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.

Can I use quick oats instead of old fashioned oats?

Old fashioned oats provide the best texture for these cookies. Quick oats can be used in a pinch but may result in a softer, less chewy cookie.

What’s the best way to crush the pretzels?

Place the pretzels inside a sealed plastic bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or use your hands to break them into small pieces while keeping some crunch intact.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. The dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours or frozen for longer storage. Chilling the dough enhances the flavors and helps control spreading during baking.

What to Make After This

• Classic Gingerbread Cookies – A timeless holiday favorite with spicy warmth.
• Peppermint Bark Brownies – Rich chocolate brownies with a festive peppermint twist.
• Vegan Snickerdoodles – Soft, cinnamon-sugar coated cookies perfect for the season.
• Holiday Sugar Cookies – Simple, sweet, and perfect for decorating with family.

Time to Try It

Now that you have everything you need, it’s time to gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and create a batch of these festive, chewy, colorful Christmas Monster Cookies. They’re sure to brighten up your holiday gatherings and bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Don’t forget to share the joy by gifting a batch to friends, family, or neighbors—you might just start a new holiday tradition with these monster-sized delights!

These Christmas Monster Cookies combine the best of holiday flavors and textures into one unbeatable cookie. So, roll up your sleeves, have fun with the mix-ins, and enjoy every bite of these joyful, festive treats!

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