Patriotic Monster Cookies (Print version)

Chewy oat and peanut butter cookies studded with semisweet chips and patriotic red, white, and blue candies.

# Ingredient List:

→ Wet Ingredients

01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 cup packed light brown sugar
04 - 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
05 - 3 large eggs
06 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Dry Ingredients

07 - 4 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
08 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
09 - 2 teaspoons baking soda
10 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Add-Ins

11 - 1 1/2 cups red, white, and blue chocolate candies
12 - 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
13 - 1 cup mini pretzels, lightly crushed (optional)

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.
03 - Add creamy peanut butter and mix to combine. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each, then mix in vanilla extract.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, baking soda, and salt.
05 - Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet batter, mixing just until combined.
06 - Gently fold in the chocolate candies, semisweet chocolate chips, and pretzels if using.
07 - Scoop heaping tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each about two inches apart.
08 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn golden and centers remain soft.
09 - Allow to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • These cookies stay irresistibly soft and chewy, even a day or two later (if they last that long).
  • It’s pure joy watching everyone hunt for their favorite colored candy bites in each cookie.
02 -
  • More time in the oven means crispier cookies—if you love super-chewy, take them out when they still look slightly underdone.
  • If using natural peanut butter, make sure it’s well-stirred so the dough doesn't turn greasy or fall apart.
03 -
  • Never over-mix after adding the dry ingredients—stop as soon as it all comes together for the best texture.
  • Pressing some extra candies on top before baking gives the most festive look (and happy faces at the table).

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