Festive Holiday Monster Cookies

A delightful treat to sweeten your holiday gatherings! These festive monster cookies are a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making them an irresistible addition to your dessert table.

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Introduction

The holiday season is all about creating memories, and what better way to do so than with the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through your home? Festive Holiday Monster Cookies are a celebration of indulgence, with candy-coated chocolates, crushed pretzels, and chocolate chips adding a playful twist to a classic dessert. These cookies are not just delicious but also visually appealing, thanks to their holiday-themed colors. Perfect for cookie exchanges, family gatherings, or as edible gifts, these cookies are bound to become a festive favorite.

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Why These Cookies Are Perfect for the Holidays

1. Colorful Appeal: Holiday-themed candy-coated chocolates give these cookies a festive vibe.
2. Sweet & Salty Balance: The combination of semi-sweet and white chocolate with crushed pretzels offers a perfect balance of flavors.
3. Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up a batch of these delightful cookies.
4. Versatile: These cookies can be customized with different mix-ins to suit your preferences.

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Ingredients Overview

Here’s a closer look at the ingredients that make these cookies a holiday masterpiece:

• Salted Butter: Adds richness and flavor.
• Dark Brown Sugar & Granulated Sugar: Ensure the cookies are perfectly sweet with a hint of caramel from the brown sugar.
• Eggs: Provide structure and moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the dough.
• Baking Soda & Baking Powder: Ensure the cookies rise just the right amount.
• Kosher Salt: Balances the sweetness.
• Old-Fashioned Oats: Add texture and a nutty flavor.
• Mix-Ins: Candy-coated chocolates, crushed pretzels, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and white chocolate chips make these cookies truly special.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking.

2. Cream Butter and Sugars

• In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of softened butter, 1 cup dark brown sugar, and 1/2 cup granulated sugar.
• Beat until the mixture is creamy and smooth, about 2–3 minutes.

3. Add Eggs and Vanilla

• Incorporate 2 large eggs and 1 egg yolk, one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed before adding the next.
• Stir in 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract for a fragrant, flavorful dough.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking soda, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt.

5. Form the Dough

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a smooth dough forms.
• Mix in 2 cups of old-fashioned oats for added texture.

6. Fold in the Mix-Ins

• Gently fold in 1 cup of holiday-themed candy-coated chocolates, 1 cup of crushed pretzels, 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips, and 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips.

7. Scoop and Arrange

• Scoop the dough into 1/4-cup-sized balls, spacing them about 3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.

8. Bake to Perfection

• Bake for 8 minutes, rotate the pan, and bake for an additional 2 minutes.
• Press the remaining candy-coated chocolates onto the cookies and bake for an extra 2–3 minutes.

9. Cool and Serve

• Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.
• Transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling or serve warm for the best taste.

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Tips for Baking Success

1. Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
2. Uniform Size: Use a cookie scoop to ensure evenly sized cookies that bake consistently.
3. Don’t Overbake: The cookies should appear slightly underbaked when removed from the oven; they’ll firm up as they cool.

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Variations and Customizations

• Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
• Different Candies: Swap holiday-themed candies for your favorites, such as peanut butter cups or toffee bits.

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Storing and Freezing

Storing

• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
• To keep them soft, place a slice of bread in the container.

Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread.

Freezing Dough

• Scoop the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet until solid.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Bake from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the baking time.

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Nutrition Information

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: ~250
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dessert

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Conclusion

Festive Holiday Monster Cookies are the ultimate holiday indulgence, combining the perfect balance of sweet and salty with a delightful crunch. These cookies are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, making them a show-stopping addition to your festive celebrations. With easy-to-follow steps and versatile customization options, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your holiday baking tradition. Whether you enjoy them warm from the oven or save them for later, they’re guaranteed to spread joy and cheer to all who taste them.

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