Classic Monster Cookies
Fun fact - people assume these cookies are called Monster Cookies because they’re a mash-up of so many different treats. But the guy who named them admitted that the dough was so densely packed that it burned out two mixers in the process of being created - it was a “monster” of a treat … get it?
Total Prep Time: 1 hour, 45 minutes | Servings: 24 | Preheat Oven: 350*F
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups flour
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup brown sugar
2/3 cup sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup old-fashioned oats
1 cup M&Ms, plus more for topping
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped pretzel sticks
Steps
1) Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2) In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
3) In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer with a paddle attachment), beat together peanut butter, butter, brown sugar, and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy.
4) Reduce mixer speed to low and add eggs one at a time. Add vanilla extract, then scrape down the sides of the bowl and beat again at medium speed until well-mixed and fluffy.
5) With the mixer on low, add the flour mixture slowly. Mix until just combined.
6) With a spoon or a spatula, stir in oats, M&Ms, chocolate chips, and pretzels. Cover bowl and chill for 30 minutes.
7) Scoop dough into 3 tablespoon portions and roll into balls. You can moisten your hands with cool water during this step to keep the dough from sticking to them. Space 12 dough balls evenly between the prepared baking sheets (that’s 6 per sheet - these things really are monsters). Press a few more M&Ms on top of each dough ball and chill the remaining dough while the first batch cooks.
8) Bake 14-16 minutes or until cookies are golden brown. Rotate the pans halfway through this part. Cool 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Store leftovers in an airtight container.
