Christmas Monster Cookies

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There’s nothing quite like biting into a warm, gooey Christmas Monster Cookie during the holidays. Packed with crunchy pretzels, festive red and green M&M’s, melty chocolate chunks, and the nostalgic chew of oats, these cookies combine everything we love about the season in one irresistible bite. Whether you’re baking for a party, assembling a cookie box for gifts, or just enjoying a cozy weekend with family, these colorful cookies are a must-have on your December baking list. Don’t miss our Christmas Popcorn Candy recipe for another fun treat to share this season!

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What Are Christmas Monster Cookies?

A Sweet & Salty Holiday Tradition

Christmas Monster Cookies are the holiday version of the classic “everything but the kitchen sink” cookie. They blend a rich, chewy cookie base with salty, sweet, and crunchy mix-ins that scream holiday cheer. These cookies usually feature M&M’s, chocolate chips, oats, and pretzels, offering a well-rounded flavor that satisfies every craving. Unlike traditional cookies, they’re intentionally oversized and packed with goodies in every bite, making them ideal for parties, gifts, and cookie swaps.

What Makes Them “Monster” Cookies

So, what’s with the name? “Monster” refers not only to their large size but also the monster-level mix-ins. Think of it like this: if regular chocolate chip cookies are a casual sweater, Christmas Monster Cookies are your sequined holiday sweater—bold, colorful, and attention-grabbing. They’re fun to make, exciting to eat, and impossible to stop at just one.

Why They’re a Holiday Favorite

It’s the simplicity and versatility that make these cookies so popular. No dough chilling required. Just mix, scoop, and bake. They’re a hit with kids and adults alike, and they make a visually stunning addition to any holiday dessert table. Plus, they store well, ship beautifully, and stay soft for days—making them perfect for gifting. Looking for inspiration? Try our Christmas Cookie Bars for another crowd-pleaser!

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Christmas Monster Cookies

Pantry Staples You’ll Need

To start, gather your basics. These ingredients form the rich, buttery foundation of your cookies:

Ingredient	Amount
Unsalted Butter	1 cup (softened)
Brown Sugar	1 cup
Granulated Sugar	1/2 cup
Large Eggs	2 + 1 egg yolk
Vanilla Extract	1 tbsp
All-Purpose Flour	2 cups
Baking Soda	1 tsp
Baking Powder	1/2 tsp
Salt	1/2 tsp

These pantry staples provide structure, chew, and sweetness—without requiring a special trip to the store.

Festive Mix-Ins That Make the Magic

The mix-ins are what transform these cookies into something unforgettable. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 cups old-fashioned oats (for chew and heartiness)
1 cup holiday red & green M&M’s (for festive color)
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks (melty richness)
1/2 cup white chocolate chips (for sweet contrast)
1 cup salted pretzel twists, broken into small pieces (crunch and salt)

Want to go the extra mile? Push a few extra M&M’s into the tops of your cookies halfway through baking to make them pop visually. Discover great ideas like our Gingerbread Cake with Lemon Glaze to fill out your cookie tray.

Ingredient Substitutions and Dietary Adjustments

Need to make them gluten-free? Swap in a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend and be sure to use gluten-free pretzels. Going dairy-free? Choose vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips. If you want to reduce the sugar, replace half the granulated sugar with coconut sugar. Vegan? Use flax eggs (1 tbsp flax + 2.5 tbsp water per egg). These cookies are flexible without sacrificing flavor.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Christmas Monster Cookies

Preparing the Dough with No Chill Time

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla one at a time, mixing well. Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl, then gradually mix into the wet ingredients. Finally, stir in the oats.

Folding in the Fun Mix-Ins

Add the chopped pretzels, chocolate chips, white chocolate, and 1 cup of M&M’s to the dough. Mix gently until the add-ins are evenly distributed. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.

Shaping, Baking, and Holiday Presentation

Scoop dough into ¼ cup-sized balls and place them 3 inches apart on the baking sheet. Bake for 8 minutes, rotate the pan, and bake for 2 more minutes. Then, press extra M&M’s into the tops of cookies and bake another 2-3 minutes until golden at the edges. Let them cool on the sheet—they’ll firm up while keeping that irresistible soft center. Check out our Candy Cane Dip Recipe for another sweet holiday hit!

Pro Tips for Gooey Centers and Crispy Edges

Dough Consistency and Spread Control

Getting the perfect cookie texture means understanding how ingredients affect the bake. If your cookies spread too much, try omitting the extra egg yolk to keep them thicker. On the other hand, if you love a flatter cookie with crispy edges and a soft middle, keep the yolk in. Also, don’t overmix once you add dry ingredients—that’s a fast way to get tough cookies instead of tender ones.

Another tip? Use room temperature butter. Cold butter won’t cream properly with the sugars, and melted butter can make your dough oily and runny. Always measure your flour correctly by spooning it into your measuring cup and leveling it off.

Cooling and Storage Hacks

Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5–7 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This prevents breakage and allows them to finish baking on the hot tray. Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

Want to freeze them? Roll dough into balls and freeze raw. Bake from frozen by adding 1–2 extra minutes to the bake time. Baked cookies also freeze well—layer between parchment in a zip bag or container.

Presentation Ideas for Gifting

Christmas Monster Cookies are made for sharing. Pack them in holiday tins, cellophane bags, or cookie boxes with tissue paper and festive labels. Tie with ribbon for a charming homemade gift. They also make a great addition to a holiday cookie box. Don’t miss our Festive Cinnamon Rolls Recipe to pair with your cookie gifts for morning cheer!

Best Occasions to Serve Christmas Monster Cookies

Thanks to their colorful appearance and no-chill prep, these cookies are ideal for last-minute holiday swaps. They hold up well in transport and always stand out among the crowd. Everyone will ask for the recipe.

Kid-Friendly Baking Sessions

Get the kids involved with pouring in the M&M’s, crushing the pretzels, or decorating. It’s a great way to bond during the season and make memories. Plus, there’s no delicate icing or piping—just pure fun.

Make-Ahead Treats for Busy December Days

Got a packed holiday calendar? Make these cookies ahead and freeze them. Just pop them in the oven when needed. Whether you’re prepping for a party or just staying ahead of the game, this cookie’s low-maintenance nature is a win. For a savory side to balance your dessert tray, try our Holiday Meatballs.

Love peanut butter? Replace ½ cup of butter with ½ cup creamy peanut butter. It adds richness and another layer of flavor that blends beautifully with the salty pretzels and chocolate chips.

White Chocolate Peppermint Crunch

Add crushed peppermint candies or candy canes to the dough, swap some white chocolate for peppermint chips, and skip the pretzels for a sweeter bite. It’s Christmas in every crunch.

Gluten-Free or Vegan-Friendly Options

Swap all-purpose flour with a certified gluten-free 1:1 blend. Use dairy-free chocolate and vegan butter for a plant-based version. Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flax + 2.5 tbsp water per egg), and boom—you’ve got allergy-friendly joy without losing flavor.

Looking for something equally festive and no-bake? Check out our Grinch Christmas Truffles—they’re adorable and fun for all ages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze Christmas Monster Cookies?

Yes, both the dough and baked cookies freeze well. Freeze dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a container. To bake, just add 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time.

Why did my monster cookies spread too much?

It could be due to overly soft or melted butter, not enough flour, or using warm baking sheets. Try chilling the dough briefly or adding 1–2 tablespoons of flour to correct.

Do I have to chill the dough first?

No! That’s the beauty of these cookies. They’re designed to go straight from bowl to oven, making them one of the easiest holiday cookies to whip up.

What kind of oats are best for monster cookies?

Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture. Quick oats will make the dough too dense, while steel-cut oats won’t soften properly during baking.

How do I get M&M’s to show on top of cookies?

Add extra M&M’s on top of each dough ball before baking—or press a few into the tops halfway through baking. This ensures they stay visible and festive. Discover great ideas like our Christmas Candy Bark to add more color to your cookie tins.

Conclusion: Add Christmas Monster Cookies to Your Must-Bake List

Whether you’re baking for your family, hosting a holiday party, or putting together the ultimate Christmas cookie box, these Christmas Monster Cookies will become an instant classic. They’re easy to make, irresistibly festive, and packed with a fun mix of textures and flavors. From their chewy oats and gooey chocolate to the salty crunch of pretzels and the vibrant holiday M&M’s, these cookies are everything the season should taste like. Make a batch today, and don’t forget to share them—after all, the best part of holiday baking is spreading the joy.

Looking for more holiday recipes? Don’t miss our Christmas Fudge Cake for another delicious seasonal dessert that pairs perfectly with these cookies.

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