Monster cookies have been a favorite in my house for years, bringing smiles to faces young and old! I remember making them with my kids when they were little, the kitchen filling with the sweet scent of sugar and chocolate as the dough came together. These aren’t just any cookies; they’re a burst of color and fun, packed with all sorts of goodies like mini Oreos and Chips Ahoy. Learning how to make monster cookies is surprisingly simple, and the result is always a batch of delicious, chewy treats. They’re truly the easy monster cookies that everyone will adore. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Monster Cookie Recipe
These cookies are an absolute delight for so many reasons! If you’re looking for a fun baking project, this is it.
- Incredible Taste: A perfect blend of sweet cookie dough, crunchy Oreos, chocolatey Chips Ahoy, and creamy white chocolate.
- Super Quick Prep: You can whip up the dough in just about 10 minutes, making them truly easy monster cookies.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: The colorful dough and candy eyeballs make these a hit with children, perfect for parties or after-school treats.
- Budget-Friendly: Using a cookie mix makes this recipe very affordable, especially when you need to bake for a crowd.
- Versatile Treat: These are fantastic for bake sales, holidays, or just a sweet craving. They are definitely easy monster cookies to master!
- Visually Appealing: The bright blue dough and funny candy eyes are guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone’s face.
- Satisfyingly Chewy: Baked just right, they offer that delightful chewy texture everyone loves in a cookie.
Monster Cookie Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your monster cookie ingredients is half the fun, especially when you’re starting with a convenient sugar cookie mix! This recipe is designed for ease and maximum flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful treats:
- 1 (17.5 ounce) bag of sugar cookie mix – This forms the base of our cookies and makes the process so simple.
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened – Softened butter is crucial for a smooth, well-combined dough.
- 1 large egg – This binds everything together.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract – A touch of vanilla enhances all the other flavors.
- Blue food coloring – Just a few drops transform the dough into a fun, monstrous blue!
- 1/2 cup mini Oreos, cut in half – These add a delightful chocolatey crunch.
- 1/2 cup mini Chips Ahoy, cut in half – For that classic chocolate chip cookie flavor.
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips – Adds a creamy sweetness that complements the other mix-ins.
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips – A perfect balance of sweet and slightly bitter chocolate.
- 32 large candy eyeballs – These are the signature touch that makes them truly “monster” cookies!
Having all these monster cookie ingredients ready makes whipping up a batch a breeze!
How to Make Easy Monster Cookies
Get ready to unleash your inner baker with this incredibly simple monster cookie recipe! Making these homemade monster cookies is a fun activity for all ages, and the results are always a showstopper. Follow these easy steps and you’ll have a batch of delightful, chewy cookies in no time. We’re starting with the base, creating the perfect monster cookie dough before we add all the fun mix-ins.
- Step 1: Prepare Your DoughFirst things first, let’s get that oven preheated to the temperature specified on your sugar cookie mix package. I usually find 350°F (175°C) works perfectly, but always check your box! While the oven heats up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This is my secret to easy cleanup! In a large mixing bowl, combine the contents of your sugar cookie mix, the softened butter, the egg, and the vanilla extract. Mix these together until a cohesive dough forms. Now for the fun part – add a few drops of blue food coloring to the dough. Mix it in gently until the dough is an even, vibrant blue. This is the foundation of your fantastic monster cookie dough!
- Step 2: Mix in the GoodiesWith your blue dough ready, it’s time to add all the delicious mix-ins! Gently fold in the halved mini Oreos, the halved mini Chips Ahoy, the white chocolate chips, and the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Make sure everything is distributed evenly throughout the dough. You want a good mix of textures and flavors in every bite. While this recipe calls for specific chips, you can easily adapt it for other favorites. For instance, you could swap some of these for peanut butter chips or even make M&M monster cookies by adding your favorite M&Ms. Just be sure not to overmix the dough at this stage, as that can affect the final texture.
- Step 3: Baking and Adding the EyesNow it’s time to shape and bake these amazing creations. Using a large cookie scoop (about 3 tablespoons in size) helps ensure your homemade monster cookies are uniformly sized. Scoop the dough and roll it gently into balls. Place the dough balls onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between them as they will spread slightly. Bake in your preheated oven for about 13-16 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden brown. You want the centers to still look a little soft for that perfect chewy texture. As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, while they are still warm and soft, immediately press two large candy eyeballs into the front of each cookie. This is the key to making them look like fun monsters! If you’re feeling extra festive, you could also add colorful sprinkles at this point, making them monster cookies with sprinkles. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Pro Tips for the Best Chewy Monster Cookies
Want to guarantee your monster cookies are perfectly chewy and delightful every single time? I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that make all the difference:
- Don’t overmix the dough! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tougher cookies instead of the soft, chewy ones we’re after.
- Bake them just until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should still look a bit soft. They’ll continue to set up as they cool on the baking sheet, ensuring that perfect chewy texture.
- Press the candy eyeballs in immediately after they come out of the oven. The residual heat will help them adhere beautifully to the warm cookie.
- Using softened butter, not melted, is key for the right dough consistency.
What’s the secret to perfect chewy monster cookies?
The secret to perfectly chewy monster cookies really comes down to a few simple techniques. Not over-mixing the dough and baking them just until the edges are set but the centers are still soft are crucial. This ensures they stay tender and chewy, making it the best monster cookie recipe!
Can I make monster cookie dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the monster cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, scoop and bake as usual, but you might need to add a minute or two to the baking time since the dough will be colder.
How do I avoid common mistakes with homemade monster cookies?
A common pitfall is over-baking, which makes them cakey instead of chewy. Always pull them out when the edges are just set. Another mistake is waiting too long to add the candy eyeballs; press them in right after baking so they stick well. Lastly, ensure your butter is truly softened, not melted, for the best dough texture.
Best Ways to Serve Monster Cookies
These colorful monster cookies are a guaranteed hit, no matter how you serve them! They’re fantastic on their own, perfect for a quick snack or dessert. For a truly delightful experience, try pairing them with a cold glass of milk – it’s a classic for a reason! You can also elevate them by serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a fun ice cream sandwich effect. For party settings, consider them as part of a larger dessert spread, showcasing different monster cookie variations like mini bars or decorated cookies. They’re also wonderful in cookie platters, especially during holidays or themed parties.
Nutrition Facts for Monster Cookies
Here’s a look at the estimated nutritional breakdown per festive cookie. Remember, these are approximate values, as ingredient brands and exact measurements can cause slight variations.
- Calories: 210
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Monster Cookies
Once your delightful monster cookies have cooled completely, it’s time to think about storing them so you can enjoy them later. I usually store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay wonderfully fresh and chewy this way for about 3 to 4 days. If you find yourself with more cookies than you can eat in a few days, don’t worry! You can freeze them for longer storage. Wrap them well in plastic wrap, then place them inside a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their deliciousness for up to 3 months. You can also transform them into monster cookie bars by pressing them into a pan before baking and cutting them into squares for easy storage and sharing. When you’re ready to enjoy frozen cookies, just thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. If you want to warm them up a bit, a few seconds in the microwave or a short time in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C for 5-7 minutes) will make them taste freshly baked!
Frequently Asked Questions About Monster Cookies
What are monster cookies?
Monster cookies are a type of cookie known for their fun, colorful appearance and loaded-in-goodies texture. They typically feature a base dough mixed with various candies, chips, and sometimes oats, often resulting in a visually “monstrous” but delicious treat. My recipe uses a sugar cookie base with Oreos, Chips Ahoy, white chocolate chips, and candy eyeballs to create that signature look!
Can I make peanut butter monster cookies?
Absolutely! You can easily adapt this recipe to include peanut butter. Try adding about 1/2 cup of peanut butter chips along with the other mix-ins, or even swap out some of the other chips for peanut butter chips. For a more pronounced peanut butter flavor, you could also incorporate 1/4 cup of peanut butter into the dough itself when you mix the butter, egg, and vanilla. This is just one of many fun monster cookie variations!
How do I get my cookies to be thick and chewy?
To achieve those perfectly thick and chewy monster cookies, the key is in the baking. Make sure you aren’t over-mixing the dough, as this can make them tough. When you scoop the dough, use a large scoop (like the 3 tablespoons mentioned) to create substantial cookie balls. Bake them until the edges are just lightly golden brown, but the centers still look a little soft. They will continue to cook and set as they cool on the baking sheet, ensuring a wonderfully chewy texture rather than a crispy one.
Variations of Monster Cookies You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic monster cookies, you’ll find there are endless ways to get creative! These cookies are so versatile, you can tailor them to any taste or occasion. For a heartier, chewier texture, consider making oatmeal monster cookies by adding about a cup of rolled oats to the dough along with the other mix-ins. If you love a classic flavor combination, you can also lean into the chocolatey goodness by focusing on different types of chocolate chips, creating decadent chocolate chip monster cookies with a mix of semi-sweet, milk, and dark chocolate. For a fun twist, try making monster cookie bars by pressing the dough into a baking pan and cutting it into squares after baking. You could even make them gluten-free by using a gluten-free sugar cookie mix and gluten-free chocolate chips!
Print
Monster Cookies: Incredible 10-Minute Chewy Treats
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 16 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Fun and colorful Monster Cookies made with cookie mix, Oreos, Chips Ahoy, and candy eyeballs. A playful dessert perfect for kids’ parties, holidays, or anytime you need a quick, eye-catching treat.
Ingredients
- 1 (17.5 ounce) bag of sugar cookie mix
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Blue food coloring
- 1/2 cup mini Oreos, cut in half
- 1/2 cup mini Chips Ahoy, cut in half
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 32 large candy eyeballs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to temperature specified on sugar cookie mix package. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine sugar cookie mix, softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until dough forms.
- Add a few drops of blue food coloring to dough and mix until evenly colored.
- Gently fold in mini Oreos, mini Chips Ahoy, white chocolate chips, and semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Using a large scoop (approximately 3 tablespoons), scoop dough and roll into balls. Place on prepared cookie sheets.
- Bake in preheated oven for 13-16 minutes or until edges are lightly golden brown.
- Remove from oven and immediately press candy eyeballs into front of each cookie while still warm.
- Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
- Optional add-ins: peanut butter chips, Nutter Butter pieces, or colorful sprinkles.
- For brighter color, use gel food coloring instead of liquid.
- Press candy eyeballs immediately after baking so they stick well.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
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