When you want to make a statement with color in a cookie, nothing is as satisfying and fun to bake as Monster Cookies. I have created more color combinations on practically every occasion to coordinate with a variety of themes than you can imagine and the best part is they taste so good too. I love these fresh and flavorful cookies and they love me too.

Today with some Billy Joel tunes cranked up loudly, I am in an extremely happy mood thanks to the New Yorker and these cheerful cookies.  I highly recommend baking some for therapy even if you didn’t think you need it. I am hooked on the look and taste of these Valentine and Christmas colors mashed up. Bake some! They’re even gluten free.

Monster Cookies

• 1-2/3 cups creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup butter, softened to room temperature
• 1-1/8 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 tablespoon Karo syrup
• 3 eggs
• 4-1/2 cups rolled oats
• 3/4 cup chocolate chips
• assorted M&Ms (to press into already BAKED cookies)

Cream butter, peanut butter and sugars together in stand mixer for about two minutes. Add in additional ingredients and mix for another minute or two. Using a large stainless steel scoop (1/4 cup volume), drop 6 balls of dough onto a cookie sheet. They will spread so you can only bake a half dozen at a time.

Shaping

DON’T SKIP THIS NEXT STEP. Your cookies will need a little boost spreading and taking shape. Unlike chocolate chip cookies that you simply drop and bake, these need a helping hand. After dropping six dough balls, flatten each one somewhat with your hands or you can use a 2-3/4 inch biscuit cutter to help guide you for the width. Press the dough down with your fingers to shape it to look like a small sausage patty, shooting for 2-3/4 inches wide before baking. They will spread an additional inch. Bake for about 10 minutes at 350 F degrees. Try not to over bake them.

Add M&Ms

Immediately after taking the baked cookies from the oven, press M&M candies onto the tops. Since I’ve been making these for a few years, I have some strong and annoying opinions on how to make your cookies the most aesthetically pleasing and that is with SIX candies — one in the center and five surrounding the middle one. I don’t know why it bothers me so much when I see a cookies with SEVEN, it’s so strange. I also alternate which colors go in the middle and try to avoid putting two of the same colors right next to each other.

Monster cookies package up beautifully (after they have cooled completely) in a cellophane bag with a ribbon for the perfect gift. The key to my heart when I’m hungry or cranky is a good homemade cookie. If you want to make someone’s day, try giving them a festively wrapped monster cookie. Have fun and please share your creation pictures with me. I’d love to see what you come up with!