Indulge in the delightful combination of butter, brown sugar, and chocolate chips with these soft-baked monster cookies. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, these cookies are packed with oats, m&ms, and a hint of vanilla extract.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are common pantry staples. However, if you don't usually keep m&ms or old-fashioned oats on hand, you might need to pick these up at the supermarket. M&ms can usually be found in the candy aisle, while old-fashioned oats are typically located in the cereal or baking section.
Ingredients for Soft-Baked Monster Cookies
Butter: Provides richness and helps create a soft texture.
Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deep, caramel-like flavor.
Granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness and helps with the cookie's structure.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the cookie dough.
Baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent to help the cookies rise.
Old-fashioned oats: Adds texture and a slight chewiness to the cookies.
Chocolate chips: Provide bursts of chocolatey goodness throughout the cookies.
M&ms: Add a colorful and crunchy element to the cookies.
Technique Tip for Baking
When creaming together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar, ensure that the butter is at room temperature. This will help achieve a light and fluffy texture, which is crucial for the cookies to have a soft and chewy consistency. If the butter is too cold, it won't incorporate well with the sugars, and if it's too warm, the cookies may spread too much during baking.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a similar fat content and moisture, making it a good alternative for a dairy-free option.
brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a similar caramel-like flavor and can be used in a 1:1 ratio.
granulated sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds natural sweetness and moisture, though you may need to reduce other liquids in the recipe slightly.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. This is a good vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but pleasant flavor profile that complements cookies well.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients, though it may make the cookies slightly denser.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Use 3 teaspoons of baking powder for every 1 teaspoon of baking soda. This helps the cookies rise similarly.
old-fashioned oats - Substitute with quick oats: Quick oats have a similar texture and cook faster, making them a suitable alternative.
chocolate chips - Substitute with carob chips: Carob chips are a caffeine-free alternative that still provides a chocolate-like flavor.
m&ms - Substitute with chopped nuts: Chopped nuts add a crunchy texture and can be a healthier option with added protein and healthy fats.
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How to Store or Freeze Your Cookies
- To keep your cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and chewy for up to a week.
- If you prefer a longer storage option, place the cookies in a resealable plastic bag or airtight container and refrigerate them. This will extend their shelf life to about two weeks.
- For even longer storage, you can freeze the cookies. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months.
- When you're ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, simply let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. If you prefer warm cookies, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes.
- To prevent the cookies from sticking together in the freezer, you can place a piece of parchment paper between each layer of cookies.
- If you want to freeze the cookie dough instead of the baked cookies, scoop the dough into individual portions and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you're ready to bake, simply add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
- For a fun twist, consider adding different mix-ins to your cookie dough before freezing. Try chopped nuts, dried fruits, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a gourmet touch.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Heat for 5-10 minutes until they are warmed through and slightly crisp on the edges. This method helps maintain the soft-baked texture.
Use a microwave-safe plate and arrange the cookies in a single layer. Cover them with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Microwave on medium power for 10-15 seconds. Check and add more time if necessary, but be cautious not to overheat, as this can make the cookies tough.
For a quick fix, use a toaster oven. Set it to a low heat setting, around 300°F (150°C). Place the cookies directly on the rack or on a piece of aluminum foil. Heat for 3-5 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid over-browning.
If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 300°F (150°C). Place the cookies in a single layer in the basket. Heat for 2-3 minutes, checking frequently to ensure they don't get too crispy.
For an unconventional method, use a stovetop. Place a non-stick skillet over low heat. Add the cookies and cover with a lid. Heat for 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even warming. This method can give the cookies a slightly toasted flavor.
If you prefer a steam method, place the cookies in a steamer basket over simmering water. Cover and steam for 1-2 minutes. This method helps retain moisture, keeping the cookies soft and chewy.
For a more luxurious touch, wrap each cookie in aluminum foil and place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes. This method ensures even heating and preserves the cookies' soft texture.
Best Tools for Baking
Oven: Used to bake the cookies at the specified temperature of 350°F (175°C).
Baking sheet: A flat sheet used to hold the cookie dough while baking.
Parchment paper: Lining for the baking sheet to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Large mixing bowl: Used to combine the butter, sugars, eggs, and vanilla extract.
Separate bowl: Used to whisk together the flour and baking soda.
Whisk: Used to mix the flour and baking soda together.
Electric mixer: Helps to cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy, and to beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.
Spatula: Used to stir in the oats, chocolate chips, and m&ms.
Spoon: Used to drop rounded spoonfuls of cookie dough onto the baking sheet.
Wire rack: Used to cool the cookies completely after they have been baked.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and set out all ingredients before starting. This helps streamline the baking process and ensures you don't miss anything.
Use a stand mixer: A stand mixer can save time when creaming butter and sugar, and mixing dough.
Pre-scoop dough: Use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough onto a baking sheet quickly and uniformly.
Batch baking: Bake multiple cookie sheets at once if your oven allows, rotating them halfway through for even baking.
Quick cooling: Transfer cookies to a wire rack immediately after baking to cool faster and free up the baking sheet for the next batch.
Soft-Baked Monster Cookies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Butter softened
- 1 cup Brown Sugar packed
- ½ cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 Eggs large
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 2 cups Old-Fashioned Oats
- 1 cup Chocolate Chips
- 1 cup M&Ms
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the oats, chocolate chips, and M&Ms.
- Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly browned. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses
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