Did you know that according to a recent survey, 75% of people admit to having a “favorite” cookie, and for over 40% of them, that favorite is a soft, chewy cookie? If you’re part of that delicious statistic and dreaming of a cookie that’s more delightful chew than delightful crunch, then you’ve landed in the perfect spot! These Soft Batch Monster Cookies are the ultimate treat for any cookie lover! Bursting with the irresistible combination of peanut butter, hearty oats, decadent chocolate chips, and a playful pop of colorful candies, they deliver that wonderfully soft and chewy texture you crave in every single bite. This recipe is not only incredibly easy to follow but gloriously versatile, making a batch large enough to satisfy a crowd or to hoard all to yourself (no judgment here!). So, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to bake the most scrumptious, melt-in-your-mouth cookies you’ve ever tasted!

The magic of these monster cookies lies in their delightful mix of textures and flavors. Here’s what you’ll need to create these chewy wonders:

Compared to a standard cookie recipe, these monster cookies have a slightly longer prep time due to the addition of oats and mix-ins, but the overall hands-on time is still very manageable! The total active time is well under an hour, making them perfect for a weekend baking project or a weeknight treat.

Grab your stand mixer or a large bowl and electric hand mixer. Cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed light brown sugar. Beat on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale yellow. This step is crucial for incorporating air, which leads to tender cookies!

Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the room temperature eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and the creamy peanut butter until everything is smooth and well combined.

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and rolled oats. Whisking ensures that the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed throughout the dry ingredients, preventing pockets of saltiness or uneven leavening.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage; we want to avoid developing too much gluten. Once the flour is mostly incorporated, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and the M&M’s/candy-coated chocolates with a spatula. You want to see streaks of dough and an even distribution of mix-ins.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough (or use a cookie scoop for uniformity) onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between cookies. For extra soft and chewy cookies, you can slightly flatten the dough balls with your palm before baking.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown but the centers still look slightly underbaked. This is the secret to achieving that irresistible soft and chewy texture! Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They will continue to set as they cool.

Please note that nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients used. The values below are approximate per cookie, assuming 24 cookies per batch.

Want to enjoy these delightful cookies with a slightly healthier twist without sacrificing too much flavor or texture? Try these swaps:

These Soft Batch Monster Cookies are fantastic on their own, but here are a few ideas to elevate the experience:

• Serve warm with a glass of cold milk – the absolute classic!
• Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon pick-me-up.
• Use two cookies to make an ice cream sandwich with your favorite ice cream flavor.
• Crush them up to use as a topping for yogurt or ice cream.
• Package them in cute tins or bags as homemade gifts.

Even experienced bakers can run into issues. Here are a few common pitfalls and how to avoid them:

• Overmixing the Dough: This develops too much gluten, resulting in tough, flat cookies. Mix just until combined.
• Using Melted Butter: Softened butter is essential for that light, fluffy creaming stage. Melted butter will lead to greasy, spread-out cookies.
• Incorrect Flour Measurement: Spooning flour into your measuring cup and leveling it off prevents you from adding too much flour, which makes cookies dry and cakey.
• Baking Too Long: For soft and chewy cookies, err on the side of underbaking. The residual heat will continue to cook them on the baking sheet.
• Not Letting Them Cool: While tempting, moving them too soon can cause them to break. Patience is key!

To keep these cookies delightfully soft and chewy:

• Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Adding a slice of bread to the container can help maintain moisture and keep the cookies soft for longer.
• They should stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

There you have it – the ultimate recipe for Soft Batch Monster Cookies that are guaranteed to impress! With their perfect chewy texture, delightful mix of flavors, and vibrant appearance, these cookies are destined to become a new favorite. Whether you’re baking for a party, a bake sale, or just because, this recipe is a winner. Don’t wait any longer to experience the joy of these scrumptious treats. Gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to bake a batch of happiness!