Are you craving a chewy, intensely flavorful cookie but want to avoid peanut butter? Then you've come to the right place! This recipe delivers all the monster cookie goodness – the oats, the chocolate chips, the chewy texture – without relying on peanuts. It's a perfect example of delicious and easy recipes, ideal for a quick afternoon snack or a simple dessert after a healthy meal. Perfect for homemade cooking enthusiasts of all levels!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick-cooking)
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate – your choice!)
- ½ cup dried cranberries or raisins (or a mix!)
- ½ cup shredded coconut (optional, but adds a lovely texture)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (or a mix!)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your cookies bake evenly and prevent sticking.
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Cream Butter & Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. A hand mixer or stand mixer works best for this step, but you can certainly do it by hand with a little elbow grease!
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Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
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Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the oats, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
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Mix in the Goodies: Stir in the chocolate chips, dried cranberries (or raisins), coconut (if using), and nuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
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Scoop & Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. Keep a close eye on them as ovens can vary.
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Cool & Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Monster Cookie Success:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened – this ensures proper creaming and a smooth cookie dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Adjust to Your Taste: Feel free to adjust the mix-ins to your liking. Add more chocolate chips, use different nuts, or experiment with other dried fruits.
- Storage: Store your monster cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week (if they last that long!).
Variations:
- Spiced Monster Cookies: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.
- White Chocolate Craze: Substitute white chocolate chips for semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Peanut-Free, But Nutty: Try substituting sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for the nuts.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Around 150-200 (depending on ingredients and size)
This recipe is a fantastic option for quick dinner ideas, especially if you want a sweet treat to accompany a savory main course. It's also a perfect example of healthy meals you can make quickly and easily. These monster cookies are guaranteed to be a hit with everyone, making them a truly delightful addition to your baking repertoire. Enjoy!