This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our privacy policy.
Happy New Year! I hope you are all having an incredible start to 2013.
First, I’d like to say thank you to all of you that have taken time out of your hectic holiday schedules to contact me via email or Facebook – your kind words truly brought joy to my Christmas.
Many of the emails were questioning my absence here on MBA for the past few weeks. Simply put, I needed a break. I have undergone a few changes in my personal life and things just got a bit too overwhelming for me.
Despite the fact that I missed blogging in the worst way during my hiatus, I feel refreshed, rested and ready to bake up a storm.
The first recipe I’ll be sharing with you are for Monster Cookies. My mom and I whipped these together over the holidays and I happened to snap a few photos of them in a makeshift studio on her patio.
If you’re anything like me, you need to ease back into regular life with a little comfort thrown in after the stress of the holidays. Monster Cookies are exactly that kind of comfort. Will they set the world on fire? Probably not. But at the end of the day, with a cup of decaf tea and Revenge on a Sunday night, they help remind me that everything is just fine.
Besides, what’s not to love about Monster Cookies? Oatmeal, candy, raisins.. you name it, this cookie’s got it. Sometimes going old-school is exactly what you need to get you back into the groove.
I missed you guys.
[pinit]
Monster Cookies
Ingredients:
3 large eggs
1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 12-ounce jar crunchy peanut butter
1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup M&M's
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup raisins, optional
2 teaspoons baking soda
4 1/2 cups quick-cooking oatmeal (not instant)
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or nonstick baking mats.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a an extra large bowl with an electric mixer, combine the eggs and sugars. Mix well. Add the salt, vanilla, peanut butter, and butter. Mix well. Stir in the chocolate candies, chocolate chips, raisins, baking soda, and oatmeal. Drop by tablespoons 2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheets.
3. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Do not overbake. Let stand for about 3 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool. When cool, store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Recipe adapted from Paula Deen via Food Network
All images and text ©Follow Jamie on Instagram. We love to see what you're baking from MBA! Be sure to tag @jamiemba and use the hashtag #mbarecipes!
Glad you are back! I hope all is well in your life.
I love Monster cookies! I have not made them in many years, though. This has inspired me to make them for the upcoming holiday weekend.
Thanks so much for your fabulous blog and all the time I know it takes to keep it going. It’s a great reference and I know I can always find something yummy to bake!
Michele
YUM! These would be my family’s new favorite. I’m sure of it.
Missed you! xoxoxo
Happy new year. These look great.
Hope everything’s okay! These looks look fab!!
I think it’s great to step away from blogging sometimes – I did for a bit over Christmas, and it was just what the doctor ordered. I hope you’re feeling better soon – sending lots of love and hugs your way!
These look fantastic! Even if they are still holiday themed. I love even the name of these, Monster Cookies! I, personally, am not a fan of raisins, but as it said in your post, they are optional, which I thought was a good idea. Without the raisins it is mostly like an oatmeal chocolate chip cookie, with m&m’s, I love that particular type of cookies and you do not see them often so this is a great recipe to have in my back pocket! Definitely want to try this!
I love, love, love monster cookies… they’re totally my favorite… plus, I like to believe they’re a little healthy with the oatmeal and raisins :) In my recipe, I use smooth peanut butter and add chopped pecans… although, next time I think I’ll give the crunchy peanut butter a try too :)
Welcome back! I wanted to let you know that I made homemade vanilla extract to give as gifts ( and some for myself!). I even printed out the label that you had put up last year. The bottles look so cute! Thank you. : ) Debbie
Welcome back :) I hope everything gets sorted out soon.
The cookies look great! I can’t believe there is an entire jar of peanut butter in here though! o.o
What a YUM way to start the New Year! And to keep it going!