Imagine biting into a cookie so deliciously big and chewy that it transports you right to the bustling streets of New York City. These are not just any cookies; they are a delightful experience encapsulating the fond memories of bakery visits while offering a comforting, homemade touch. With their rich flavor from the combination of chocolate and peanut butter, along with a satisfying texture that promises a crispy exterior and a gooey interior, these cookies are perfect for any occasion, be it a cozy family night or a gathering with friends. You can easily make these delightful treats ahead of time, ensuring your busy schedule is no longer an obstacle to enjoying something sweet. The appeal of being both indulgent and practical makes them a must-have!
Quick Answer
This Big and Chewy Monster Cookies recipe delivers a delightful blend of chocolate and peanut butter in every bite. Perfect for families looking for a fun baking project, these cookies are popular for their indulgent size and texture, making them the star of any cookie platter.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies are not just another dessert; they’re a celebration of flavor and texture. The combination of soft, chewy centers with crunchy bits of chocolate and colorful M&Ms creates a cookie that pleases every palate. Plus, they are incredibly convenient to make and are meal-prep friendly, allowing busy families to have delicious treats ready to go. With their rich taste, they are perfect for sharing at parties, enjoying after dinner, or simply indulging in a mid-day snack.
- Perfect for satisfying sweet tooth cravings.
- Highly customizable with different chocolate variations.
- Freezable for later enjoyment.
- Great for packed lunches or after-school snacks.
- Fun for baking with kids.
- Flavors that appeal to both adults and children.
- Easy to adapt for parties or gatherings.
What Makes This Recipe Special
With each cookie, you encounter a perfect balance of flavors that is hard to match. The chocolatey richness complements the nutty taste of peanut butter, while the oats add a satisfying chewy texture. The dough is designed for ease, and it’s straightforward enough for even beginner bakers to follow. What truly makes these cookies stand out is their size and the delightful contrast of textures, providing a satisfying bite that keeps you coming back for more!
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Stand Mixer – For easily creaming the butter and sugars.
- Baking Sheets – Essential for baking and cooling your cookies.
- Parchment Paper – Helps prevent sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
- Measuring Cups – For measuring out precise ingredients.
- Mixing Bowls – To keep your work organized.
- Cookie Scoop – For evenly portioning the cookie dough.
Ingredients
cake flour: Provides a tender, soft texture to the cookies.
all-purpose flour: Balances structure and chewiness.
rolled oats: Adds heartiness and a chewy texture.
malted milk powder: Enhances flavor with creamy notes.
corn starch: Helps create a softer interior.
baking soda: Leavening agent for lift and spread.
cold salted butter: Adds richness and flavor, enhancing the cookie dough.
light brown sugar: Contributes moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and promotes spread.
peanut butter: Adds creaminess and a nutty flavor.
salt: Enhances all other flavors in the cookies.
eggs: Binds ingredients together and provides moisture.
vanilla extract: Lends a warm aromatic quality.
M and Ms: Provides colorful pops of chocolate.
milk chocolate: Adds sweetness and creaminess.
semi-sweet chocolate chips: Provides rich chocolate flavor.
flaky sea salt: Garnish that enhances the cookie’s flavors.
Ready to cook? Scroll to the recipe card below for exact measurements.
How to Make Big and Chewy Monster Cookies NYC Bakery Style
STEP 1. Whisk together dry ingredients. Mix the cake flour, all-purpose flour, rolled oats, malted milk powder, corn starch, and baking soda in a medium bowl and set aside.
STEP 2. Cream wet ingredients. In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the cold salted butter, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, peanut butter, and salt until smooth, about 3-4 minutes.
STEP 3. Add eggs and vanilla. Incorporate eggs one at a time, followed by the yolks and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
STEP 4. Combine mixtures. Gradually mix in the flour mixture until the dough is smooth.
STEP 5. Add chocolate and M&Ms. Mix in the M and Ms, chopped milk chocolate, and semi-sweet chocolate chips until just combined.
STEP 6. Chill dough. Weigh each dough ball to six ounces, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and refrigerate for at least two hours.
STEP 7. Preheat oven. Set the oven to 425°F and stack two baking sheets on top of each other, lining the top one with parchment paper.
STEP 8. Bake cookies. Place four cookies on the lined sheet, sprinkle with flaky sea salt, and bake for 9-11 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
STEP 9. Cool cookies. Allow cookies to set on the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
STEP 10. Repeat baking. Continue with the remaining cookie dough using the stacked sheets, rotating as necessary.
STEP 11. Store cookies. Preserve in an air-tight container for up to four days.
Why This Recipe Works
The synergy of ingredients in this cookie creates a delightful dish loved by many. The flours work together to give just the right amount of chewiness, while the combination of chocolate chips and M&Ms provides a mix of both sweet and slightly bitter notes. By balancing the richness of the peanut butter with salt and sweetness from sugars, you achieve a well-rounded flavor. The dough’s chilling time also contributes to maintaining their size during baking, ensuring that they turn out big and chewy, as intended.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Make sure to chill the dough to enhance its texture and prevent spreading.
- Experiment with different types of chocolate chips for unique flavors.
- Use a scoop to ensure uniform cookie size for even baking.
- For extra chewy cookies, underbake slightly to retain moisture.
- Top with extra chocolate or M&Ms right before baking for a bakery-style finish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake: Not weighing the dough balls.
Why it happens: Estimated measurements can lead to uneven cookie sizes.
How to fix it: Use a kitchen scale to measure dough for consistent results.
Mistake: Baking straight from the mixer.
Why it happens: Rushing through the process.
How to fix it: Always chill the dough to achieve desired texture.
Mistake: Overmixing the dough.
Why it happens: Trying to achieve a smooth texture.
How to fix it: Mix just until combined; it’s okay if there are some lumps.
Recipe Variations
- Substitute almond butter for peanut butter for a nut-free option.
- Use white chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate for a sweeter cookie.
- Add dried fruit like cranberries or cherries for a fruity twist.
- Incorporate chopped nuts for an extra crunch.
- Mix in various flavored chips for unique flavor profiles.
Nutrition Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Protein | Varies based on peanut butter and egg content |
| Fiber | Contains fiber from oats |
| Carbohydrates | High due to sugars and flours |
| Healthy Fats | Includes healthy fats from peanut butter |
| Calorie Conscious | Keep portion sizes in check for balanced indulgence |
How to Serve Big and Chewy Monster Cookies NYC Bakery Style
These cookies shine on their own but are even better when paired with:
- Glasses of cold milk.
- Ice cream for an epic dessert sandwich.
- Fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas for some freshness.
- A drizzle of chocolate sauce for added richness.
Best Occasions for This Recipe
- Weeknight dinners, as a sweet treat.
- Holidays like Christmas or Halloween.
- Meal prep for quick snacks throughout the week.
- Family gatherings to satisfy the crowd.
- Potlucks and bake sales, sure to impress everyone!
Make Ahead & Storage
Can This Be Meal Prepped
Absolutely! Prepare the dough ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake fresh cookies as needed.
Storing Leftovers
Store cookies in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to four days.
Freezing
Freeze uncooked dough balls or baked cookies for a quick treat later. Keep them in an air-tight bag for freshness.
Reheating
Reheat in a warm oven or microwave briefly to restore their chewy texture.
Creative Ways to Use Leftovers
Leftover cookies can become fun new dishes:
- Crushed as a topping for yogurt or ice cream bowls.
- Chopped and mixed into brownie batter for extra texture.
- Sandwiched with cream cheese frosting for a delightful twist.
- Used in snack boxes for quick and satisfying treats.
FAQs
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose and cake flour for a suitable alternative.
Can I make these cookies without eggs?
Yes! Substitute with flax eggs or applesauce for a vegan-friendly option.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
Certainly! Crunchy peanut butter will add extra texture to your cookies.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Be sure to chill the dough before baking, and ensure the oven is at the right temperature.
Can these cookies be frozen after baking?
Yes! Just ensure they are stored in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Save This Recipe for Later
If this recipe has your mouth watering, be sure to save it for later! Pin it to your Pinterest board or bookmark it for quick reference during your next baking adventure.
Final Thoughts
With their combination of flavors, textures, and practical applicability for any occasion, these cookies perfectly embody the spirit of home baking. They are sure to delight everyone and make you feel accomplished in your kitchen. Don’t forget to try the recipe for yourself, save it for later, and explore other wonderful cookie recipes!
Big and Chewy Monster Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk together dry ingredients: cake flour, all-purpose flour, rolled oats, malted milk powder, corn starch, and baking soda in a medium bowl and set aside.
- Cream the cold salted butter, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, peanut butter, and salt in a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment until smooth, about 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate eggs one at a time, followed by the yolks and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Gradually mix in the flour mixture until the dough is smooth.
- Mix in the M and Ms, chopped milk chocolate, and semi-sweet chocolate chips until just combined.
- Weigh each dough ball to six ounces, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and refrigerate for at least two hours.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and stack two baking sheets on top of each other, lining the top one with parchment paper.
- Place four cookies on the lined sheet, sprinkle with flaky sea salt, and bake for 9-11 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to set on the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Repeat with the remaining cookie dough, rotating the sheets as necessary.
- Store cookies in an air-tight container for up to four days.