Get ready for the ultimate holiday cookie! Christmas Monster Cookies are the perfect combination of chewy, crunchy, and festive. Packed with oats, chocolate chips, crushed pretzels, and holiday-colored M&M’s, these cookies deliver an irresistible mix of flavors and textures. Perfect for sharing at parties, gifting, or indulging with a cup of hot cocoa, these cookies will bring festive cheer to every bite.
Why You Will Love Christmas Monster Cookies
- Loaded with Mix-Ins: Every bite is packed with chocolate, oats, pretzels, and M&M’s.
- Festive and Fun: Holiday-colored M&M’s make these cookies perfect for the season.
- Chewy and Crunchy: Soft oats and crispy pretzels create a delightful texture.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A surefire hit for cookie exchanges or family gatherings.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for baking in advance and storing for the holidays.
Ingredients Notes for Christmas Monster Cookies
- Salted Butter (1 cup): Room temperature butter ensures smooth mixing and rich flavor.
- Dark Brown Sugar (1 cup): Adds moisture and a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
- Granulated Sugar (½ cup): Balances the flavor and enhances the cookie’s texture.
- Eggs (2 + 1 yolk): The extra yolk adds richness and helps create a chewy texture.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tablespoon): A generous amount for warm, aromatic cookies.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): The base for these sturdy yet tender cookies.
- Baking Soda and Baking Powder (2 teaspoons each): Provide lift and spread for the perfect cookie shape.
- Kosher Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
- Old-Fashioned Oats (2 cups): Adds chewiness and a hearty texture.
- Holiday M&M’s (1 ¼ cups): Use red and green for a festive look.
- Mini Pretzel Sticks (1 cup, crushed): Adds salty crunch. Lightly crush, leaving some small chunks for texture.
- Semi-Sweet and White Chocolate Chips (1 cup + ½ cup): A mix of chocolates for variety and decadence.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Spatula
How to Make Christmas Monster Cookies
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined and creamy. Add the eggs and egg yolk one at a time, beating after each addition.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. Fold in the oats.
- Add the Mix-Ins: Gently fold in 1 cup of the M&M’s, crushed pretzels, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and white chocolate chips. Reserve ¼ cup of the M&M’s for topping.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into ¼-cup-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 3 inches apart.
- Bake:
- Bake for 8 minutes, then rotate the pan for even baking.
- Bake for another 2 minutes, then remove the pan from the oven. Press a few reserved M&M’s into the tops of the cookies for decoration.
- Bake for an additional 2–3 minutes until the edges are golden but the centers are slightly underbaked.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Enjoy these cookies warm with a glass of milk or hot cocoa for the ultimate treat.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
Variations
- Nutty Addition: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- Peanut Butter Lover’s Twist: Replace ½ cup of butter with peanut butter for a nutty flavor.
- Sprinkle Fun: Add festive sprinkles along with the M&M’s for even more holiday cheer.
Helpful Notes
- Use room-temperature butter and eggs for smooth mixing and consistent texture.
- Do not overbake! The cookies will continue to set on the baking sheet as they cool.
- Lightly crush the pretzels to maintain some texture and crunch in the cookies.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Sally McKenney (Sally’s Baking Addiction): “Chill the dough if your kitchen is warm to prevent excessive spreading.”
- Ree Drummond (The Pioneer Woman): “Press extra toppings into the cookies midway through baking for a bakery-style look.”
- Ina Garten: “Measure your flour accurately by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off for perfect cookies every time.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Yes, but the texture will be less chewy as quick oats break down more during baking.
What if I don’t have holiday M&M’s?
Regular M&M’s work just as well, or you can use other colorful candies.
Can I make smaller cookies?
Absolutely! Use a smaller scoop and reduce the baking time by 2–3 minutes.
How do I keep the cookies fresh?
Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain moisture.
Can I skip the pretzels?
Yes, but they add a delightful salty crunch that complements the sweetness.
Christmas Monster Cookies are the ultimate festive treat that combines all your favorite mix-ins in one indulgent bite. Happy baking and happy holidays!
