Prepare to elevate your cookie experience with these incredible Oreo Monster Cookies! While classic monster cookies hold a special place in many hearts, adding the delightful crunch and rich chocolatey flavor of crushed Oreo cookies takes them to an entirely new level. This recipe combines the best of all worlds: soft, chewy chocolate chip cookie dough generously studded with wholesome oats, creamy peanut butter, classic chocolate chips, vibrant M&Ms, and, of course, plenty of crunchy Oreo pieces. The result is a monstrously good cookie that is both comforting and exciting, promising a delicious adventure in every bite. They are perfectly soft, delightfully chewy, and packed with an explosion of flavors and textures that will make them an instant favorite.
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The Irresistible Charm of Oreo Monster Cookies
Our Oreo monster cookies are crafted with a blend of classic, comforting ingredients that lay the foundation for their phenomenal taste and texture. Starting with a base of wholesome oats, rich brown sugar, creamy peanut butter, and aromatic vanilla, the cookie dough itself is incredibly straightforward and comes together with ease. However, it’s the generous medley of mix-ins that truly allows these monster cookies to shine, transforming them into something extraordinary. The star ingredient, crushed Oreo cookies, introduces a unique depth of flavor and an enjoyable textural contrast that elevates these cookies far beyond your average treat. Each bite offers a delightful balance of chewiness, sweetness, and a satisfying crunch from the cookies and other delightful additions.
Why These Oreo Monster Cookies Will Become Your New Favorite
These aren’t just any cookies; they’re an experience! If you’re searching for a cookie recipe that truly delivers on flavor, texture, and fun, look no further. Here’s why these Oreo Monster Cookies are about to become a staple in your baking repertoire:
- Unforgettable Texture: Expect a symphony of textures in every bite. They are wonderfully soft and chewy in the center, with slightly crisp edges, complemented by the satisfying chewiness of oats and the delightful crunch of crushed Oreos.
- Explosion of Flavors: The harmonious blend of chocolate, peanut butter, and the unique taste of Oreos creates a flavor profile that is both familiar and exciting. The M&Ms add an extra layer of sweetness and a playful touch.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re baking for a party, a casual get-together, a school event, or simply craving a homemade treat, these cookies are always a hit. Their vibrant appearance and irresistible taste make them stand out.
- Simple Ingredients, Incredible Results: Despite a generous list of mix-ins, the core dough ingredients are pantry staples. The recipe is designed for home bakers of all skill levels, ensuring a delicious outcome every time.
- Customizable Fun: While Oreos are the star, the monster cookie base is incredibly versatile, allowing for endless variations to suit your taste and whatever you have on hand.
Key Ingredients and Their Role in Perfecting Your Cookies
Understanding the function of each ingredient can help you achieve the best results and even inspire your own variations. Our Oreo Monster Cookies boast a delightful combination of classic baking staples and exciting additions:
- All-Purpose Flour: The structural backbone of our cookies, providing the necessary gluten to hold everything together.
- Baking Soda & Baking Powder: These leavening agents work in harmony to give the cookies their ideal lift and tender crumb. Baking soda reacts with the brown sugar and peanut butter (acidic ingredients), while baking powder provides extra rise.
- Dark Brown Sugar: Essential for moisture, chewiness, and that rich, caramel-like flavor. The molasses in brown sugar also contributes to the beautiful golden-brown color.
- Kosher Salt: A pinch of salt is crucial for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the other flavors, making them truly pop.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: A fundamental flavor enhancer that adds warmth and depth to the cookie dough, complementing the chocolate and peanut butter beautifully. For an even richer taste, consider using homemade vanilla extract.
- Unsalted Butter (Melted): Melted butter contributes to a chewier cookie texture, as it incorporates differently into the dough than softened butter. It also adds a rich, buttery flavor.
- Large Eggs: Eggs act as a binder, providing structure and moisture, and contributing to the rich taste and tender texture of the cookies.
- Peanut Butter: A signature ingredient in monster cookies, peanut butter adds a distinctive nutty flavor and extra chewiness. Whether you prefer crunchy or creamy, both work wonderfully, though creamy will provide a smoother texture throughout the dough.
- Quick-Cooking Oats: These provide a delightful chewiness and a wholesome texture unique to monster cookies. Be sure to use quick-cooking oats as they absorb moisture faster and cook properly within the baking time. Regular rolled oats might result in a tougher texture.
- Mini Chocolate Chips: Dispersed throughout the dough, these small chocolate chips ensure you get a bit of chocolate in every single bite. Their size helps them melt perfectly without overwhelming the other mix-ins.
- M&M’S: Adding a burst of color and extra chocolatey sweetness, M&M’s are a fun addition that makes these cookies even more appealing, especially to kids (and kids at heart!).
- Crushed Oreos: The star of this specific monster cookie variation! Crushed Oreos infuse the cookies with their iconic chocolate cookie and creamy filling flavor, alongside a satisfying crunch that makes these cookies truly special.
Oreo Monster Cookies Recipe
10 minutes
13 minutes
38 minutes
15 minutes
32 cookies
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1½ cups dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup unsalted butter melted (2 sticks)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup peanut butter
- 2 cups quick-cooking oats
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 cup M&M’S
- 1 cup crushed Oreos (from about 12 cookies)
Equipment
- Kitchen Scale (optional)
- Hand Mixer
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Rubber Spatula
- Large Mixing Bowls
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking soda, dark brown sugar, baking powder, and kosher salt. Whisk them together to ensure they are well-integrated and set this mixture aside.1½ cups all-purpose flour,
1 teaspoon baking soda,
1½ cups dark brown sugar,
1 teaspoon baking powder,
1 teaspoon kosher salt
- To the dry ingredient mixture, incorporate the wet ingredients: pure vanilla extract, melted unsalted butter, large eggs, and creamy peanut butter. Use a hand mixer to blend these components until a smooth, well-combined dough forms.1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract,
1 cup unsalted butter,
2 large eggs,
½ cup peanut butter - Slowly incorporate the quick-cooking oats into the dough, adding them about 1 cup at a time. Mix until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.2 cups quick-cooking oats
- Using a sturdy rubber spatula, gently fold in the remaining mix-ins: mini chocolate chips, M&M’s, and the crushed Oreos. Be careful not to crush the Oreos further while folding.½ cup mini chocolate chips,
1 cup M&M’S,
1 cup crushed Oreos - Cover the bowl containing the cookie dough and place it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. This chilling step is crucial for flavor development and preventing excessive spreading.
- While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Once chilled, scoop out 2-tablespoon-sized balls of dough. Space them approximately 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow for proper spreading during baking.
- Bake the cookies for 8 minutes, then carefully rotate the baking pan 180 degrees. Continue baking for an additional 5-8 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be mindful not to overcook them; they should still be wonderfully soft and chewy on the inside!
- Allow the freshly baked cookies to cool on the baking pan for a few minutes to firm up slightly before carefully transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
Notes & Expert Tips for Success
Ingredient Specifics:
- Peanut Butter: You can use either crunchy or creamy peanut butter based on your preference. Crunchy will add another layer of texture, while creamy will ensure a smoother dough.
- Oats: It’s crucial to use quick-cooking oats for this recipe. Other types of oats, like old-fashioned or steel-cut, may not fully cook within the given baking time, leading to a less desirable texture.
Baking Tips for Perfect Cookies:
- Don’t Skip the Chill: Chilling the dough for at least 15-20 minutes is not just a suggestion; it’s a vital step! This allows the oats to hydrate, ensuring they become soft and chewy, not dry and tough. Chilling also helps the flavors meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in thicker, more satisfying cookies.
- Preventing Over-Spreading: These cookies are designed to be thick and substantial. If you notice your cookies spreading more than desired, try chilling the dough for an additional 10-15 minutes (up to 30 minutes total) before baking the next batch. You can also press a few extra M&Ms and Oreo pieces onto the tops of the scooped dough balls before baking for a picture-perfect finish.
- Don’t Overbake: Monitor your cookies closely during the final minutes of baking. They are ready when the edges are set and lightly golden, but the centers still look slightly soft. Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly cookies rather than the desired soft and chewy texture. Remember, cookies continue to bake slightly on the hot baking sheet after being removed from the oven.
- Even Baking: Rotating the baking sheet halfway through baking helps ensure that all cookies bake evenly, preventing some from being underdone while others are overdone.
Make Ahead & Storage:
- Make Ahead Dough: The cookie dough can be prepared 1-2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If chilling for an extended period, allow the dough to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften slightly before scooping and baking.
- Storage of Baked Cookies: Once the Oreo monster cookies have completely cooled, store them in an airtight container or a resealable bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, they can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. These cookies also freeze exceptionally well; store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Calories from Fat 108
Becky Hardin
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How to Make Oreo Monster Cookies: A Detailed Step-by-Step Guide
Baking these incredible Oreo Monster Cookies is a rewarding experience. Follow these detailed steps to ensure every batch is perfect:
Step 1: Gather and Prepare Your Ingredients
Before you begin mixing, take a moment to gather all the necessary ingredients. This “mise en place” step ensures a smooth baking process. Melt the butter and allow it to cool slightly, and crush your Oreo cookies. For the Oreos, you can place them in a resealable bag and crush them with a rolling pin or pulse them briefly in a food processor until they form coarse crumbs. Avoid turning them into a fine powder; you want discernible chunks for texture.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a spacious mixing bowl, meticulously combine 1½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1½ cups of dark brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Use a whisk to thoroughly blend these dry components together. This ensures that the leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed throughout the mixture, which is crucial for uniform rise and flavor in your cookies. Once combined, set this bowl aside.
Step 3: Incorporate the Wet Ingredients and Oats
Now it’s time to bring the dough to life. Add 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract, 1 cup of melted unsalted butter (ensuring it’s not hot, just cooled melted), 2 large eggs, and ½ cup of your preferred peanut butter to the dry mixture. With a hand mixer, blend all these ingredients together until they are fully incorporated and the dough appears uniform and smooth. Next, gradually introduce 2 cups of quick-cooking oats, adding them about 1 cup at a time. Mix on low speed until the oats are just combined into the dough. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as it can lead to tougher cookies.
Step 4: Gently Fold in the Flavorful Mix-Ins
This is where the “monster” in monster cookies truly comes alive! Using a robust rubber spatula, carefully fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips, 1 cup of colorful M&M’s, and 1 cup of the crushed Oreos. The goal here is to distribute them evenly throughout the dough without overworking it or breaking the Oreo pieces down too much. You want those distinct chunks of Oreo for texture and flavor. Take your time to ensure every scoop of dough will have a good assortment of these delicious additions.
Step 5: Chill the Dough for Best Results
Once all the mix-ins are incorporated, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. This chilling period is not optional; it’s essential for achieving the perfect monster cookie texture. Chilling allows the butter to re-solidify, preventing the cookies from spreading too thinly during baking, and gives the oats time to absorb moisture, resulting in a wonderfully chewy, rather than dry, cookie. It also gives the flavors a chance to deepen, making your final product even more delicious.
Step 6: Preheat and Scoop the Cookies
While your dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper; this prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Once the dough has chilled, scoop out generous 2-tablespoon-sized balls of dough. A cookie scoop is ideal for ensuring uniform size, which leads to even baking. Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each to allow for their inevitable delicious spread.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for an initial 8 minutes, then carefully rotate the pan 180 degrees. This helps ensure even heat distribution and prevents one side of the cookies from browning more quickly. Continue baking for an additional 5-8 minutes. The cookies are ready when their edges are set and lightly golden brown, but the centers still appear slightly soft. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. Remember, these cookies should be soft and chewy, so avoid overbaking them, which can lead to a dry texture. The residual heat from the pan will continue to cook them slightly even after they’re out of the oven.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven. Let them cool on the baking pan for a few moments, typically 5-10 minutes. This critical step allows them to set and firm up enough to be transferred without breaking. After they’ve rested on the pan, carefully transfer the warm, delicious Oreo Monster Cookies to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Allowing them to cool on a rack ensures air circulation, preventing soggy bottoms and achieving that perfect texture throughout. Then, it’s time to enjoy your monstrously good creation!
Get Creative: Variations to Try with Your Monster Cookies
While crushed Oreos are a fantastic addition to these monster cookies, the beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. The options for customization are truly endless, allowing you to tailor these treats to your specific cravings or what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different mix-ins to discover your next favorite combination!
- Different Baking Chips: Beyond classic chocolate chips, consider white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, peanut butter chips, or even a mix of several. Each adds a distinct flavor profile.
- Salty Pretzels: For a delightful sweet and salty contrast, crush some pretzels and fold them into the dough. The crunch and saltiness cut through the sweetness beautifully.
- Chopped Candy Bars: Transform leftover Halloween candy or your favorite chocolate bar into delicious cookie additions. Snickers, Reese’s peanut butter cups, or Heath bars, when chopped, melt wonderfully and add incredible flavor.
- Nuts: Add a handful of chopped walnuts, pecans, or even roasted peanuts for extra crunch and a nutty flavor boost.
- Dried Fruit: For a touch of fruity sweetness and chewiness, try adding dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots.
- Different Cookies: Instead of Oreos, try crushed chocolate chip cookies, shortbread cookies, or even graham crackers for a different twist.
- Seasonal Sprinkles: For holidays or special occasions, swap out or add in seasonal sprinkles alongside the M&Ms for a festive touch.
Serving Suggestions for Your Irresistible Treats
These Oreo Monster Cookies are undeniably delicious on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments. Enjoy them:
- With a Tall Glass of Milk: The classic pairing! The coolness of milk perfectly complements the rich, chewy cookies.
- Alongside Coffee or Tea: A warm beverage is a great match for these hearty cookies, making them ideal for a mid-afternoon snack or an evening dessert.
- As an Ice Cream Sandwich: For an indulgent treat, place a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cooled monster cookies. Vanilla, chocolate, or even peanut butter ice cream would be fantastic!
- Warm with a Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream: A warm cookie with melting cold ice cream is a heavenly combination that’s hard to beat.
- Packed in Lunchboxes: They make a delightful surprise in school or work lunchboxes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oreo Monster Cookies
- What makes these “monster” cookies?
- Monster cookies are known for being loaded with a variety of mix-ins, typically including oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and M&Ms. This recipe adds crushed Oreos, making them even more monstrously delicious!
- Can I use regular rolled oats instead of quick-cooking oats?
- It is highly recommended to use quick-cooking oats as specified. Regular rolled oats are thicker and require a longer cooking time, which might result in a tougher, undercooked texture in these cookies. Quick-cooking oats ensure a soft and chewy texture.
- Why is chilling the dough important?
- Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in a thicker, chewier cookie. It also allows the flavors to meld and the oats to hydrate, ensuring a perfect texture. Don’t skip this step!
- How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
- Ensure your butter is melted and cooled, not hot. Always chill your dough as instructed. If you’re still experiencing spreading, try chilling the dough for an extra 10-15 minutes, or ensure your oven temperature is accurate.
- Can I freeze the cookie dough?
- Yes! You can scoop the cookie dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet until solid. Then transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, place them on a prepared baking sheet and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
More Delightful Cookie Recipes to Try!
If you loved these Oreo Monster Cookies, be sure to explore more fantastic cookie recipes that are easy to make and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth:
Classic Butter Cookies
Brownie Mix Crinkle Cookies
Homemade Churro Cookies
Decadent Chocolate Pudding Cookies
Browse All Cookie Recipes
A special note about this recipe: While our philosophy at Easy Dessert Recipes often leans towards recipes with fewer than 10 ingredients for ultimate simplicity, these Oreo Monster Cookies are a delightful exception we simply couldn’t leave out of our collection. Their extraordinary flavor profile and truly unique texture make them absolutely worth the slightly longer ingredient list and extra steps. If you have a bit more time and a pantry stocked with these wonderful ingredients, the effort is undeniably rewarded with a batch of cookies that are deeply satisfying and incredibly fun to make and share. Dive in and experience the monstrous joy!