Christmas Monster Cookies

Every December, when the Christmas lights begin to twinkle and the house fills with the scent of pine and cinnamon, I pull out my favorite mixing bowls and bake a batch of Christmas Monster Cookies. These cheerful, colorful cookies are everything the holidays should be — fun, sweet, cozy, and full of joy. They’re packed with peanut butter, oats, chocolate chips, and bright mini M&M’s that give them a festive pop of red and green.

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These cookies have become one of my go-to holiday treats because they bring smiles to every face. Whether I’m baking them for a cookie exchange, making gift tins for neighbors, or filling Santa’s cookie plate on Christmas Eve, they’re always a hit. They’re thick, soft, chewy, and loaded with goodies — the perfect “kitchen-sink” cookie dressed up in Christmas colors. One bite, and you’ll know why these cookies have earned a permanent place in our holiday traditions.

Why You’ll Love Christmas Monster Cookies

• Packed with holiday fun – Red and green mini M&M’s make them look festive and cheerful.
• Soft and chewy – Peanut butter and oats create the perfect monster-cookie texture.
• Easy to make – Simple ingredients, one bowl for wet and one for dry, and no fancy equipment needed.
• Perfect for gifting – These cookies stay soft for days and look beautiful in cookie boxes or jars.
• Kid-approved and Santa-approved – Perfect for holiday baking with kids.
• Customizable – Add nuts, white chocolate chips, or sprinkles for even more fun.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These classic, pantry-friendly ingredients come together to make the ultimate Christmas cookie:

• ½ cup salted butter
  Softened butter makes creaming easier and gives the cookies richness.
• ¼ cup peanut butter
  Only a small amount is needed for flavor and chewiness.
• ½ cup granulated sugar
  Adds sweetness and helps create golden edges.
• ½ cup brown sugar
  Gives the cookies depth and moisture.
• 2 eggs
  Helps bind the dough and adds structure.
• 2 teaspoon vanilla
  Enhances all the warm, sweet flavors.
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  Forms the base of the cookie dough.
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
  Gives the cookies that signature monster-cookie chew.
• 1 teaspoon salt
  Balances the sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
  Provides the perfect rise and texture.
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips
  Ensures chocolate in every bite.
• ½ cup mini M&M’s
  Use red and green Christmas varieties for festive flair.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). No need to grease your baking sheet — these cookies bake beautifully as is or on parchment paper.

2. Cream the butter and sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth, fluffy, and pale in color. This step adds air to the dough and helps create that perfect chewy texture.

3. Add eggs and vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. The dough should now be smooth and glossy.

4. Whisk the dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, salt, and baking soda until evenly combined.

5. Combine wet and dry ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix gently until everything is just combined — no overmixing! Overworking the dough can lead to tough, dense cookies.

6. Add the mix-ins

Fold in the mini chocolate chips and mini M&M’s. Save a handful of M&M’s to press on top of the dough balls before baking — this makes the cookies look bakery-perfect.

7. Scoop and bake

Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto your baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers still look slightly soft. They’ll finish setting as they cool.

8. Cool completely

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set and prevents breakage.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve with hot cocoa, coffee, or warm milk for the perfect Christmas treat.
• These cookies stay soft for 4–5 days when stored in an airtight container.
• To freeze, place baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
• If freezing dough balls, freeze on a baking sheet first, then store in a bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the bake time.
• Perfect for cookie exchanges — they hold their shape and stay fresh longer than many holiday cookies.

Helpful Notes

• Use room-temperature butter for easier mixing and the best texture.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes if you want thicker cookies that spread less.
• Don’t overbake — these cookies should be removed from the oven when the centers still look soft.
• Custom mix-ins:
  • Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • Use white chocolate chips for extra sweetness
  • Add Christmas sprinkles for more color
• Gluten-friendly option: Substitute gluten-free all-purpose baking flour and certified gluten-free oats.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Yes, but the texture will be softer and less chewy. Old-fashioned oats give the best classic monster-cookie texture.

2. Can I leave out the peanut butter?
You can, but the cookies may not be as chewy. Substitute with almond butter or sunflower butter if avoiding peanuts.

3. How do I keep the M&M’s from cracking?
Press a few on top of each dough ball right before baking, rather than mixing them all into the dough.

4. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! These cookies are perfect for large batches, gifting, and parties.

5. Why did my cookies spread too much?
The butter may have been too soft or warm. Chill the dough for 30 minutes to help them stay thick and chewy.

Final Thoughts

These Christmas Monster Cookies bring all the holiday fun into one irresistible bite — a little chocolate, a little peanut butter, a little crunch, and a whole lot of Christmas cheer. They’re easy enough for a last-minute bake, festive enough for a holiday platter, and delicious enough to become an annual tradition.

Whether you whip up a batch for Santa, gift them to friends, or simply enjoy them warm from the oven with your family, these cookies are guaranteed to bring joy to your holiday season. So grab your mixing bowl and those bright little M&M’s — it’s time to bake some monster-sized holiday magic!