The Ultimate Guide to King Arthur Flour Monster Cookies: Chewy, Chunky, and Irresistible
Among the vast universe of cookies, Monster Cookies hold a special, cherished place. If you’re new to their delightful existence, prepare to be introduced to a baking phenomenon. Monster Cookies are renowned for being generously sized, supremely satisfying oatmeal peanut butter cookies, absolutely loaded with an impressive array of mix-ins. We’re talking about an abundance of chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter chips, and vibrant M&Ms. The texture is usually a delightful balance of chewy and hearty, though some recipes might lean towards a crispier edge. However, the King Arthur Flour Monster Cookie recipe offers a magnificent blend of both chewiness and a slight crispness, making it, in many opinions, the pinnacle of Monster Cookie perfection.
Interestingly, some traditional Monster Cookie recipes are entirely flourless, relying solely on peanut butter and oats for structure. What sets the King Arthur Flour version apart, and indeed makes it a standout favorite for many, is the inclusion of a modest amount of all-purpose flour. This subtle addition plays a crucial role in achieving the cookie’s signature texture – a delightful chewiness complemented by a satisfying crumb. While I appreciate the flourless counterparts, the King Arthur recipe is often my top choice for its consistent results and balanced profile. I’ve occasionally experimented with it, sometimes opting for gluten-free flour to accommodate dietary needs, or swapping a few tablespoons of regular flour for peanut butter flour to intensify that rich, nutty flavor. But truthfully, the recipe is utterly fantastic and delivers superb results without any alterations whatsoever.
What Makes Monster Cookies So Irresistible?
The allure of Monster Cookies lies in their glorious maximalism. They aren’t just cookies; they’re a celebration of everything wonderful in a single bite. Imagine the comforting chewiness of oatmeal, perfectly balanced with the creamy, rich notes of peanut butter. Then, layer in a trifecta of sweet indulgence: semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips melting in your mouth, the distinct, nutty sweetness of peanut butter chips, and the playful crunch and vibrant color of M&Ms. This combination creates a symphony of textures and flavors that captivates taste buds of all ages. Each cookie is a substantial treat, designed to satisfy even the most monstrous cravings. They’re hearty enough to feel substantial, yet soft and tender enough to be utterly addictive. It’s this delightful chaos of ingredients that earns them their iconic “monster” name and secures their spot as a beloved classic.
The Joy of One-Bowl Baking: Simplicity Meets Deliciousness
One of the many beautiful things about Monster Cookies, particularly this recipe, is their incredible simplicity. You don’t need a myriad of bowls or a heavy-duty electric mixer to achieve cookie greatness. This recipe is designed to be made in just one large bowl, primarily by hand, which makes the baking process remarkably relaxing and enjoyable. There’s a certain meditative quality to gently stirring together the ingredients, watching them transform into a delicious dough. This hands-on approach minimizes cleanup, making it an ideal recipe for busy weeknights or a fun activity with children. For those who enjoy precision and an even cleaner kitchen, using a kitchen scale for ingredient measurements can further reduce the need for multiple measuring cups. If a magical land existed where one could only possess a handful of cookie recipes, this one, with its ease and abundance of flavor, would undoubtedly be among my select few. It truly has everything a baker could desire in a stress-free, delicious package.
Exploring Other Monster Cookie Avenues: Flourless Varieties
While the King Arthur recipe shines with its flour-inclusive approach, it’s worth noting the existence and popularity of flourless Monster Cookies. These versions typically result in a denser, sometimes fudgier cookie, with the peanut butter and oats doing all the heavy lifting in terms of structure. If you’re curious to explore more traditional, flourless Monsters, I highly recommend seeking out Ann Romney’s Oatmeal Peanut Butter M&M Cookies. These cookies gained significant attention as contenders in Family Circle’s highly anticipated Presidential Cookie Bake-Off, where they famously competed against (and ultimately lost to) Michelle Obama’s Black & White Chocolate Chip Cookies. Another excellent option for flourless delights is the Bird Bakery Monsters, which are also exceptionally good and offer a different take on the classic. Trying both flour-inclusive and flourless versions can be a fun culinary experiment, allowing you to discover your personal preference for this beloved cookie.
Monster Cookies Tips for Perfection
Achieving the perfect Monster Cookie is relatively straightforward, but a few key tips can elevate your baking experience and ensure consistently delicious results:
- Choose the Right Peanut Butter: For the best texture and flavor, especially in this King Arthur recipe, opt for a mainstream, sweetened peanut butter like Jif or Skippy. Natural, unsweetened peanut butter can alter the cookie’s texture, sometimes making them excessively chewy or crumbly due to differences in oil and sugar content.
- Don’t Skip the Resting Time: The 30-minute resting period for the dough is crucial. It allows the old-fashioned rolled oats to absorb moisture from the other ingredients, leading to a softer, more cohesive cookie texture and preventing them from becoming overly dry or crumbly.
- Proper Dough Scooping and Shaping: Use a quarter-cup measure to scoop consistent amounts of dough. After placing them on the parchment-lined baking sheet, gently press down on the tops to flatten them slightly. This ensures even baking and prevents the cookies from remaining spherical, encouraging a perfect spread and a beautifully textured surface.
- Mind the Oven Temperature and Time: Preheat your oven to a precise 350 degrees F. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers appear set. Avoid overbaking, which can lead to dry cookies. Remember, cookies continue to cook slightly on the hot baking sheet after removal from the oven.
- Cooling Process is Key: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for at least 5 minutes before attempting to transfer them to a wire rack. Monster Cookies are quite delicate when hot, and this initial cooling period helps them set and firm up, preventing breakage.
- Customize Your Mix-ins: While the recipe calls for specific chips and M&Ms, feel free to get creative! You can adjust the ratios or add other favorites like chopped nuts, toffee bits, or different kinds of candy-coated chocolates to truly make them your own “monster” creation.
- Storage: Store cooled Monster Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days to maintain their freshness and delicious texture.
Here is the King Arthur Monster Cookie recipe, lovingly adapted from The King Arthur Flour Cookie Companion: The Essential Cookie Cookbook. While this recipe yields a generous full batch, which is perfect for gatherings or when you need to satisfy a serious cookie craving, I often scale it down to make a small batch for personal enjoyment. However, if any plausible excuse arises to bake a full batch, I seize the opportunity without hesitation – because who can resist a house filled with the aroma of these phenomenal cookies?
Recipe
Monsters
Anna
Pin Recipe
10 minutes
15 minutes
30 minutes
55 minutes
Dessert
American
24
Ingredients
-
3
large
eggs -
1
cup
regular or organic granulated sugar
(200 grams) -
1
cup
packed light brown sugar
(220 grams) -
2
teaspoons
baking soda -
1
teaspoon
salt -
1
teaspoon
corn syrup or maple syrup
(6 grams) -
1 ½
teaspoon
vanilla extract -
1 ½
cups
peanut butter (mainstream sweetened type)**
(390 grams) -
½
cup
unsalted butter, melted and cooled
(114 grams) -
½
cup
all-purpose flour
(63 grams) -
4 ½
cups
old-fashioned rolled oats
(360 grams) -
½
cup
dark chocolate chips -
½
cup
butterscotch or peanut butter chips -
½
cup
white chips -
½
cup
mini candy coated chocolates
M&Ms
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F or wait and do it a little later in the process. The dough will need to sit for 30 minutes. Have ready two or three parchment lined baking sheets.
-
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the eggs, both types of sugar, baking soda, salt, syrup and vanilla. Stir in the peanut butter and melted butter. When mixed, add flour and stir until blended. Lastly, stir in the oats, all the different chips and the candies.
-
Let the dough sit for 30 minutes so that the oats can absorb some moisture. At this point, you might also want to preheat the oven.
-
Using a quarter cup measure, scoop up dough and arrange mounds about 4 inches apart on the sheets. Press the tops down slightly to flatten somewhat (you want even mounds rather than spheres).
-
Bake at 350 degrees F for 12 to 15 minutes or until cookies appear set and lightly browned around the edges. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool.
Notes
Monster Cookies
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Bake Your Own Batch of Joy
Monster Cookies, especially this King Arthur Flour version, are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a delightful experience. From the satisfying process of combining ingredients in a single bowl to the incredible aroma that fills your kitchen, every step is a pleasure. The result is a cookie that truly lives up to its name – a magnificent, generously sized creation bursting with flavor and texture. Whether you’re baking for a party, a family gathering, or simply to indulge your own sweet tooth, these Monster Cookies are guaranteed to impress and satisfy. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and prepare to fall in love with what might just become your new go-to cookie recipe. Don’t hesitate to share your baking journey and tell us how these fantastic Monster Cookies turned out for you!