Introduction
Have you ever wondered what happens when you combine the rich, creamy goodness of peanut butter with the delightful crunch of monster cookies? The result is nothing short of magical, and today, we’re diving into the world of Peanut Butter Cup Surprise Monster Cookies. These cookies are not just a treat; they’re an experience. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie filled with chunks of chocolate, oats, and a hidden peanut butter cup surprise. It’s a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more.
These Peanut Butter Cup Surprise Monster Cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a holiday party, or just a cozy night in. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. So, let’s get started and create some baking magic!
Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Cup Surprise Monster Cookies
- Quick and Easy: These cookies come together in a snap, making them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love the surprise element of the peanut butter cup hidden inside, making these cookies a fun and interactive treat.
- Versatile: You can easily customize these cookies with different add-ins like chocolate chips, M&Ms, or even dried fruits.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving them at a party or sharing them with friends, these cookies are sure to be a hit.
- Comfort Food: There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, freshly baked cookie, and these monster cookies deliver on that promise.
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Cup Surprise Monster Cookies
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup M&Ms
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts
- 12 mini peanut butter cups
How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Surprise Monster Cookies
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in the old-fashioned oats, chocolate chips, M&Ms, and chopped peanuts.
- Using a cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Press a mini peanut butter cup into the center of each cookie dough ball.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips & Variations
- Chill the Dough: For even better flavor, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the flavors meld together and prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
- Add-Ins: Feel free to get creative with your add-ins. Try adding dried cranberries, white chocolate chips, or even crushed pretzels for a salty-sweet twist.
- Vegan Option: To make these cookies vegan, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and ensure your chocolate chips and peanut butter cups are dairy-free.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
- Spicy Kick: For a unique twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough for a spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions
- Milk Pairing: Serve these cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination.
- Ice Cream Sandwich: Use two cookies to make an ice cream sandwich with your favorite flavor of ice cream.
- Cookie Platter: Arrange these cookies on a platter with other treats like Easy Christmas Spritz Butter Cookies and Easy Chocolate Crinkle Cookies.
- Gift Idea: Package these cookies in a cute box or jar for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Storage & Reheating for Peanut Butter Cup Surprise Monster Cookies
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place the cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes, or until warmed through.
FAQ about Peanut Butter Cup Surprise Monster Cookies
- Can I use natural peanut butter? Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but keep in mind that it may affect the texture slightly. The cookies might be a bit softer and more crumbly.
- Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months.
- Can I use different types of chocolate? Yes, feel free to use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips. You can also mix and match for a variety of flavors.
- How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much? Chilling the dough before baking helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much. Additionally, make sure your butter is softened but not melted.
- Can I make these cookies without oats? While the oats add a nice texture and chewiness, you can omit them if you prefer. The cookies will still be delicious, but the texture will be slightly different.
Final Thoughts on Peanut Butter Cup Surprise Monster Cookies
These Peanut Butter Cup Surprise Monster Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the best of both worlds: the rich, creamy flavor of peanut butter and the satisfying crunch of monster cookies. They’re perfect for any occasion and sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. So, grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and let’s get baking!
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Peanut Butter Cup Surprise Monster Cookies
Indulge in the delightful combination of creamy peanut butter and crunchy monster cookies with a hidden peanut butter cup surprise inside each bite.
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cookie Scoop
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup M&Ms
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts
- 12 mini peanut butter cups
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in the old-fashioned oats, chocolate chips, M&Ms, and chopped peanuts.
- Using a cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Press a mini peanut butter cup into the center of each cookie dough ball.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For even better flavor, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the flavors meld together and prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
Feel free to get creative with your add-ins. Try adding dried cranberries, white chocolate chips, or even crushed pretzels for a salty-sweet twist.
To make these cookies vegan, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and ensure your chocolate chips and peanut butter cups are dairy-free.
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
For a unique twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough for a spicy kick.
