Introduction
Nothing says “I love you” quite like a batch of warm, chewy cookies, especially when they’re packed with colorful surprises! These Valentine Monster Cookies are a delightful twist on traditional cookies, bursting with bursts of chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and a sprinkle of love in every bite. Whether you’re baking them for a loved one or just treating yourself, these cookies will surely bring a smile to anyone’s face. So, let’s dive into creating some cookie magic!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups old-fashioned oats
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup M&M’s (red, pink, and white for Valentine)
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent any sticky situations.
- In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy and smooth.
- Add in the creamy peanut butter, mixing until fully combined. Then introduce the eggs one at a time, allowing each to blend in perfectly before adding the next. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract for that delightful aroma.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This helps to ensure an even distribution of dry ingredients throughout the dough.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined — we want all those flavors to come together without overmixing!
- Gently fold in the M&M’s, chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and chopped nuts (if desired) until evenly distributed. Get ready for a colorful explosion in your dough!
- Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form generous dough balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set. You’ll know they’re ready when your kitchen fills with that irresistible baking scent.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes or Tips
For an extra touch of flair, consider drizzling some melted chocolate over the cooled cookies. These cookies come out best if slightly underbaked, giving them that perfect chewy texture!
Cooking Techniques
Mixing the butter and sugars thoroughly is key to achieving a creamy dough. Be sure to sift your flour if it’s particularly lumpy to create a smoother texture. When folding in the mix-ins, use a gentle hand to keep the cookies fluffy and airy.
FAQ
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough balls and bake them fresh whenever you’re craving a treat. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to bake them straight from the freezer.
Can I substitute the peanut butter?
Yes, you can use any nut butter or even a sun butter for a nut-free version. Each will add its own unique flavor to the cookies.
Conclusion
These Valentine Monster Cookies are not just a festive treat; they are a celebration of flavors and joy! With their rich peanut butter base and delightful mix-ins, they are sure to capture hearts — yours included! So grab your spatula, get baking, and share the love with these delicious cookies that truly embody the spirit of Valentine’s Day.