Description
These festive Christmas Monster Cookies combine the rich flavors of peanut butter, yellow cake mix, and oats, studded with colorful holiday M&M’s, chocolate chips, and candy eyes for a fun and delicious holiday treat. Perfect for parties or sharing with family, these cookies have a soft, chewy texture and a cheerful monster-themed appearance that will delight kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 2 cups minute oats
Mix-ins and Decorations
- ½ cup Christmas M&M’s
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon Christmas sprinkles
- Candy eyes (quantity as needed)
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter, Sugar, and Peanut Butter: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and peanut butter together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will help create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture and beat until fully combined, ensuring a smooth batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Add the yellow cake mix and minute oats to the wet ingredients and gently stir just until everything is combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender cookie.
- Fold in M&Ms, Chocolate Chips, and Sprinkles: Carefully fold the Christmas M&M’s, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and Christmas sprinkles into the cookie dough for festive color and flavor.
- Shape Cookies: Using a medium cookie scoop, drop dough balls about 2 inches apart onto the prepared baking sheet. For a neater appearance, roll each ball between your palms before placing it on the sheet.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
- Cool and Decorate: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, press candy eyes onto each cookie to create the Monster look.
Notes
- Be careful not to overbake; the cookies should be soft and chewy once cooled.
- If you prefer, substitute peanut butter with a nut-free alternative to accommodate allergies.
- Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Press the candy eyes onto warm cookies immediately after baking so they stick properly.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
