Paula Deen Monster Cookies Recipe

I’ve been baking Paula Deen’s Monster Cookies for years, and they’re always a massive hit, especially when I’m looking to treat the family.

I make sure to mix the dough until it’s just right – overmixing can lead to less than monstrous cookies!

Each cookie is like a treasure trove of goodies with chocolate chips, M&Ms, and oats all packed into one.

What I really love about this recipe is the texture combination – chewy, crunchy, and oh-so-satisfying.

Remember to give them space on the baking sheet; these cookies spread out and deserve room to grow!

How to Make Paula Deen Monster Cookies

Ingredients List

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1 (12-ounce) jar creamy peanut butter
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 1/2 cups quick-cooking oatmeal
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup candy-covered plain chocolate candies (such as M&Ms)
• 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (any kind, optional)

Step-by-step Process

Step 1

Prep your ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (approximately 180°C); then prepare your cookie sheets using parchment paper or nonstick baking mats.

This is essential for easy cookie removal once they’re baked.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, add and mix the wet ingredients: softened butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and the creamy peanut butter.

Ensure that these ingredients are well combined.

Once the wet ingredients are properly mixed, it’s time to add the dry ingredients.

Stir in the baking soda, salt, and quick-cooking oatmeal.

Step 3

Make sure the mixture becomes evenly incorporated—this forms the cookie dough.

To the cookie dough you have just made, add the chocolate chips, candy-covered chocolate candies, raisins (if using), and nuts (if using).

Mix these extras thoroughly into the dough.

Step 4

With the dough ready, use a tablespoon to drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared cookie sheets.

You can gently shape each dough scoop into balls if you prefer.

Place the cookie sheets into the preheated oven.

Step 5

Allow the Monster Cookies to bake for about 10-12 minutes until they turn golden and are slightly firm.

Keep in mind that baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven.

Remember to let your Paula Deen Monster Cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Enjoy your creations!

Side Dishes for Paula Deen Monster Cookies

Accompanying your delicious Paula Deen Monster Cookies with the perfect side dishes can elevate your dessert experience.

Here are the main side dishes that pair well with these cookies, enhancing their flavors and textures.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate chip cookies offer an extra dose of sweetness to pair well with the chocolate candies in the monster cookies.

The combination of these two types of cookies allows for a diverse chocolate experience, keeping your taste buds excited.

Ingredients Substitutes

You might not always have the exact ingredients at hand, or you may want to try alternative options for health or dietary reasons.

Here are some possible substitutes you can consider using in place of the designated ingredients

Granulated Sugar substitutes 

You can substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar or even powdered sugar if you’re running low on granulated sugar.

These substitutes will still provide the necessary sweetness to your monster cookies without drastically changing their taste or texture.

Brown Sugar substitutes 

If you don’t have brown sugar on hand, you can make your own by mixing 1 cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of molasses.

Or, you can use turbinado sugar or muscovado sugar as alternative options that still provide similar taste and texture.

Creamy Peanut Butter substitutes 

If you’re out of creamy peanut butter or have a peanut allergy, almond butter and sunflower seed butter make for great alternatives.

Both options will still yield a delicious and chewy monster cookie while catering to different dietary needs.

Vanilla Extract substitutes 

Should you run out of vanilla extract, you can use almond extract or maple syrup as substitutes.

While the flavor profile may differ slightly, both options will complement the taste of your chewy monster cookies well.

How to Store Paula Deen Monster Cookies

After baking the Paula Deen Monster Cookies for 8-10 minutes, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool down.

Make sure you place the rack on a heat-resistant surface.

The cookies should retain their shape and texture while cooling.

Storing in Airtight Containers

Once the monster cookies have completely cooled down, transfer them to an airtight container.

You can place parchment paper or wax paper between layers to prevent the cookies from sticking together.

Make sure to close the container securely to preserve the cookies’ freshness.

Freezing the Cookie Dough

If you have leftover monster cookie dough or want to prepare it in advance, you can freeze it for later use.

Use an ice cream scoop to form uniform balls of dough, then place them on a prepared cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Place the cookie sheet in the freezer for a few hours until the dough is solid.

Once the cookie dough balls are frozen, transfer them to resealable plastic bags.

Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing the bags.

Store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the Dough

One mistake to avoid when preparing Paula Deen monster cookies is overmixing the dough.

Overmixing can lead to tough, dense cookies instead of the desired soft and chewy texture.

It’s important to mix the dough just until all the ingredients are combined, but not so much that the mixture becomes overworked.

Overcrowding the Baking Sheet

When placing the cookie dough onto the baking sheet, be sure to leave enough space between each cookie to allow for proper spreading.

Overcrowding the baking sheet can result in cookies merging together, producing unevenly shaped baked goods.

As a general rule, aim to leave a couple of inches between each scoop of dough.

Incorrect Baking Time and Temperature

Follow the recommended baking time and temperature from the Paula Deen monster cookies recipe.

Baking at too high a temperature or for too long can cause the cookies to become hard or overly browned.

On the other hand, baking at too low a temperature or not long enough can result in undercooked and doughy cookies.

Not Allowing the Cookies to Cool

Finally, be patient and allow your baked cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Removing them too soon can cause the cookies to fall apart, while leaving them on the baking sheet for too long can make them tough and dry.

Give the cookies a few minutes to set before enjoying their soft, chewy deliciousness.