Patriotic Monster Cookies (Print)

Chewy oats and peanut butter studded with red, white, and blue candies and chocolate chips for festive gatherings.

# Ingredient list:

→ Wet Ingredients

01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 cup packed light brown sugar
04 - 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
05 - 3 large eggs
06 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Dry Ingredients

07 - 4 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
08 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
09 - 2 teaspoons baking soda
10 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Add-Ins

11 - 1 1/2 cups red, white, and blue chocolate candies
12 - 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
13 - 1 cup mini pretzels, lightly crushed (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - Using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy.
03 - Blend peanut butter into the creamed mixture. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
05 - Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing.
06 - Fold in chocolate candies, semisweet chocolate chips, and mini pretzels, if using, ensuring even distribution throughout the dough.
07 - Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to place rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing about two inches apart.
08 - Bake at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes, until edges are golden and centers remain soft.
09 - Allow cookies to rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes before carefully transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • These cookies stay irresistibly chewy and colorful, making even leftovers feel special.
  • You can toss in your favorite extras, and it still bakes up perfectly every single time.
02 -
  • If you bake them too long, you’ll miss out on that fudgey center that makes monster cookies legendary.
  • I learned to press a few candies on top right before baking for a bakery look—simple, but it really makes them pop!
03 -
  • If the dough feels sticky, chill it for 30 minutes—it scoops like a dream afterward.
  • Reserve some candies for pressing on top right before baking for that crowd-pleaser appearance.

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