Nothing encapsulates holiday cheer like a batch of homemade cookies. These Christmas Monster Cookies combine the nostalgic charm of a classic cookie with a festive twist, blending rich flavors and delightful textures. Whether you’re hosting a party, filling gift baskets, or simply treating yourself, these cookies are sure to spread joy.

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Ingredients Breakdown

Nothing captures the spirit of the holidays quite like these Christmas Monster Cookies. Bursting with festive charm, they blend hearty oats, melty semi-sweet chocolate chips, and colorful holiday M&M’s for a perfect combination of flavors and textures. A hint of salty crushed pretzels balances the sweetness, while dark brown sugar adds depth and richness. These cookies are versatile and easy to customize, making them perfect for gifting, sharing at gatherings, or simply enjoying with a warm holiday drink. Whether served fresh from the oven or packed for later, they’re sure to bring joy to any occasion.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Cookies

Perfect cookies require attention to detail and a bit of patience. Follow these steps for flawless results.

Start by preparing your workspace. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.

When mixing the dough, take time to cream the butter, sugars, and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a soft and tender texture. Gradually add the eggs, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next.

Folding in the mix-ins is where the magic happens. Stir in the oats, M&M’s, chocolate chips, pretzels, and white chocolate chips until they’re evenly distributed. Each scoop of dough should be a kaleidoscope of holiday cheer.

For shaping and baking, scoop ¼-cup portions of dough and space them generously on the baking sheet. This ensures the cookies spread evenly without merging. Bake for eight minutes, rotate the pan, then bake for another two minutes. Add a festive touch by pressing extra M&M’s onto the tops of the cookies before finishing the bake.

Finally, adding the final touch transforms these cookies into show-stoppers. Their slightly soft centers will firm up as they cool, resulting in the perfect texture.

Recipe Tips

Achieving the Perfect Texture:
Use room-temperature butter and mix the dough until just combined to avoid tough cookies. The addition of oats provides a chewy bite, while pretzels add a satisfying crunch.

Avoiding Overbaking:
Remove the cookies from the oven when the edges are set but the centers are still soft. They will continue to cook as they cool.

Storing the Cookies:
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness for up to four days.

What to Serve With This Recipe

Pair these cookies with a festive beverage like rich hot chocolate topped with whipped cream, spiced eggnog for a holiday twist, or a comforting latte.

On a dessert platter, these cookies shine alongside gingerbread men, sugar cookies, or peppermint bark. They add variety and visual appeal to any holiday spread.

For gift presentation, package the cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon or layer them in a decorative tin. Include a handwritten note to make the gesture extra special.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make These Cookies Ahead of Time?
Freeze the dough in pre-portioned balls for up to three months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

What Can I Use Instead of M&M’s?
Substitute with Reese’s Pieces, chopped candy bars, or even colored sprinkles for a customized look.

How Do I Make Them Gluten-Free?
Use certified gluten-free oats and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.

Variations to Try

Explore color themes for other occasions by swapping the holiday M&M’s for pastel colors at Easter or orange and black for Halloween.

Experiment with flavor twists, such as peanut butter chips for a nutty depth or caramel chips for a sweet, buttery note. Add cinnamon for a warm, spiced flavor profile.

For a healthier option, consider sugar-free options using unsweetened chocolate chips and a sugar substitute like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.

Storage and Freezing Tips

To ensure your cookies stay fresh, store them in an airtight container lined with parchment paper to separate the layers. For longer storage, freeze the dough by shaping it into balls and freezing on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. To enjoy warm cookies, bake frozen dough as needed.

For reheating, place cooled cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their gooey centers.

Baking these Christmas Monster Cookies is more than just a culinary activity—it’s a way to spread joy and make cherished memories. Whether shared at a gathering, gifted to loved ones, or enjoyed with a cup of cocoa by the fire, these cookies embody the warmth and cheer of the season. Make them the highlight of your holiday celebrations and watch as they disappear from the plate, leaving smiles all around.

Ingredients

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
1 1/4 cups holiday M&M’s
2 sticks (1 cup) salted butter, softened to room temperature
2 cups old-fashioned oats
1 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, plus 1 egg yolk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup mini pretzel sticks, crushed
1/2 cup white chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, dark brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy. Gradually beat in the eggs and egg yolk, adding them one at a time, and mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Sift in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix until just combined, then fold in the oats to create a cohesive dough.

Gently incorporate 1 cup of the M&M’s, crushed pretzels, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and white chocolate chips. Stir until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Shape the dough into 1/4-cup-sized balls and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 3 inches apart to allow room for spreading.

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8 minutes. Rotate the pan to ensure even cooking and bake for an additional 2 minutes. Remove the pan and carefully press the remaining M&M’s onto the tops of the cookies for a festive touch. Return to the oven and bake for another 2–3 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain slightly soft.

Take the cookies out of the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet, where they will continue to firm up. Enjoy warm for a gooey, decadent treat, or let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container for up to four days.