Copycat Half Baked Harvest Monster Cookies Recipe

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These Half Baked Harvest Monster Cookies are no exception. With a foundation of oats and peanut butter, these cookies are a delightful medley of textures and tastes, bursting with chocolate chips and colorful M&M’s. They’re everything you could want in a treat—crispy edges, chewy centers, and loaded with bits of deliciousness in every bite.

How to make Half Baked Harvest Monster Cookies

Half Baked Harvest Monster Cookies are fun, bakery-style cookies from Half Baked Harvest — the popular food blog by Tieghan Gerard.

Ingredients

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter (natural or standard works—use what you like best!)
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients:

• 4½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick oats, as they’ll change the texture)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Mix-Ins:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or dark chocolate if you prefer)
• 1 cup M&M’s (classic or seasonal colors for a themed touch)
• Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) or other goodies like shredded coconut.

Instructions:

1. Prep and Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line 2-3 large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents the cookies from sticking and ensures even baking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth, light, and fluffy. This should take 2-3 minutes on medium-high speed.
3. Mix in the Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition to fully incorporate them. Then, mix in the vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the oats, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined—don’t over-mix, to keep the cookies tender.
5. Fold in the Extras: Using a spatula or wooden spoon, fold in the chocolate chips, M&M’s, and any optional add-ins like nuts or shredded coconut. You’ll have a thick, chunky dough loaded with goodies!
6. Scoop and Shape: Use a cookie scoop or your hands to portion the dough into balls. Make each ball approximately 2 tablespoons in size for classic Monster Cookies or larger for bakery-style cookies. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.
7. Bake to Perfection: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 11-13 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden and the centers still look a little soft. The cookies will continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet.
8. Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely (if you can wait that long!). Serve warm, at room temperature, or store for later.

Tips for Making the Best Half Baked Harvest Monster Cookies

1. Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, peanut butter, and eggs are at room temperature to ensure smooth mixing and an even cookie texture.

2. Choose the Right Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter works best for this recipe. If you use natural peanut butter, make sure it’s fully stirred and not overly oily, as it can affect the dough consistency.

3. Chill the Dough for Perfect Half Baked Harvest Monster Cookies: If your dough feels too soft or sticky, pop it into the fridge for 20-30 minutes before baking. This will help prevent the cookies from spreading too much.

4. Customize Your Mix-Ins: Monster Cookies are versatile! Feel free to swap out M&M’s or add other mix-ins like Reese’s Pieces, white chocolate chips, or dried cranberries to create your own flavor blend.

5. Don’t Overbake: These cookies are meant to be soft and chewy. Pull them out of the oven as soon as the edges are golden but the centers still look slightly undercooked—they’ll firm up as they cool.

6. Storage Tips: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or freeze the dough balls unbaked so you can whip up fresh cookies anytime.

What to serve with

Half Baked Harvest Monster Cookies are a delectable treat all on their own, but pairing them with complementary drinks, indulgent toppings, and a few creative twists can elevate the experience even further.

Milk and Non-Dairy Alternatives

• Classic Milk: A tall glass of cold milk is the quintessential companion to any cookie, especially Half Baked Harvest Monster Cookies with their rich and chewy texture.
• Chocolate Milk: For an extra indulgence, try chocolate milk. The added cocoa flavor pairs beautifully with the chocolate chips and peanut butter in the cookies.
• Non-Dairy Milk: Almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk are excellent alternatives for those who are lactose intolerant or prefer plant-based options.

Hot Beverages

• Coffee: A cup of freshly brewed coffee offers a lovely bitterness that balances the sweetness of the cookies. Whether you prefer a rich espresso, a foamy latte, or a smooth cold brew, coffee is a fantastic pairing.
• Tea: Opt for a cup of black tea, chai, or even an herbal tea like peppermint or chamomile to accompany your cookies. The subtle flavors in tea complement the cookies without overwhelming them.
• Hot Chocolate: A creamy, rich hot chocolate makes for a cozy and indulgent pairing, especially during colder months.

Cold Beverages

• Milkshakes: Blend up a vanilla, chocolate, or peanut butter milkshake for a decadent treat. You could even crumble some Monster Cookies on top for added texture and flavor.
• Smoothies: A banana or berry smoothie can provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.

Ingredients Substitutes

When baking Monster Cookies, you might encounter dietary restrictions, ingredient shortages, or personal preferences that necessitate substitutions.

Butter

• Coconut Oil: Use in a 1:1 ratio to add a subtle coconut flavor. It’s great for those seeking a dairy-free option.
• Vegan Butter: Another good plant-based alternative, vegan butter can be used in a 1:1 ratio.
• Applesauce: Use in a 1:1 ratio, but note this will make the cookies a bit softer and may change the flavor slightly.

Peanut Butter

• Almond Butter: Offers a different nutty flavor and can be used in an equal quantity.
• Sunflower Seed Butter: A nut-free option suitable for those with allergies; it has a similar texture.
• Tahini: Provides a unique flavor twist; use in equal parts for a sesame-rich cookie.

Granulated Sugar

• Coconut Sugar: Use in equal amounts for a more caramel-like flavor with a lower glycemic index.
• Maple Syrup or Honey: Substitute 3/4 cup for each cup of sugar, and reduce other liquids in the recipe by 2-3 tablespoons to maintain the right dough consistency.

Brown Sugar

• White Sugar with Molasses: For each cup of brown sugar, use 1 cup of white sugar plus 1 tablespoon of molasses.
• Coconut Sugar: A direct substitute that will alter the flavor slightly but maintains moisture.

Eggs

• Flaxseed Meal: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg, and let it sit to form a gel.
• Chia Seeds: Use the same process as with flaxseed, using chia seeds instead.
• Applesauce: Substitute 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce for each egg. This will add moisture but can make the cookies denser.

Vanilla Extract

• Almond Extract: Use half the amount called for due to its stronger flavor.
• Maple Syrup: Enhance the flavor profile by using pure maple syrup, keeping in mind it might slightly alter the sweetness.

Old-Fashioned Oats

• Quick Oats: These can be used interchangeably, although they may slightly alter texture.
• Gluten-Free Oats: Opt for certified gluten-free oats to maintain the cookie’s gluten-free quality for those with Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Baking Soda

• Baking Powder: Use three times the amount of baking powder to replace baking soda. It might slightly change the cookie texture, making them softer.

Chocolate Chips

• Dark Chocolate Chunks: Provides a more intense chocolate flavor.
• White Chocolate Chips: Offers a sweeter and creamier taste variation.
• Cacao Nibs: For a less sweet, more bitter chocolate experience.

M&M’s

• Chocolate-Covered Nuts or Raisins: These alternatives add a different texture along with added flavors.
• Candy-Coated Chocolate Alternatives: Use naturally colored candy-coated chocolates for a similar look and taste.

Final Thoughts

Half Baked Harvest Monster Cookies are versatile treats that can be enjoyed in myriad ways.

More Cookies Recipes:

• Copycat Half Baked Harvest Christmas Cookies Recipe
• Homemade Betty Crocker Snickerdoodle Recipe