Paula Deen’s Monster Cookie Recipe is a beloved classic that combines the best of chewy, crunchy, and sweet all in one bite. Known for her Southern charm and comforting dishes, Paula created this cookie to satisfy every craving with a mix of oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and colorful candies. It’s the perfect treat for sharing with family and friends or enjoying as an indulgent snack anytime.
We love how this recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a cookie that’s big on flavor and texture. Whether you’re a fan of Paula Deen’s cooking or just looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert, these monster cookies deliver every time. Let’s dive into making this irresistible treat that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients
To make the iconic Paula Deen Monster Cookie, we carefully combine a mix of dry and wet ingredients along with colorful, crunchy mix-ins. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the cookie’s perfect texture and flavor.
Dry Ingredients
Our base starts with wholesome dry ingredients that provide the chewy and hearty texture needed for these monster cookies:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
Wet Ingredients
The wet ingredients bind our cookie dough and lend moisture and richness. Here’s what we use:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups packed brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Mix-ins and Toppings
The signature monster aspect comes from the variety of colorful mix-ins and toppings that give these cookies their iconic look and irresistible crunch:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| M&M’s® candy pieces | 1 ½ cups |
| Semi-sweet chocolate chips | 1 ½ cups |
| Chopped walnuts (optional) | 1 cup |
Pro tip: For maximum chew and crunch, fold in the mix-ins gently to avoid breaking the candy pieces. Adding nuts is optional but adds a delightful texture.
Equipment Needed
To successfully make Paula Deen Monster Cookie Recipe, having the right equipment on hand makes the process smooth and enjoyable. Below is the essential gear we recommend:
- Mixing Bowls: Use one large bowl for combining wet ingredients and another for dry ingredients. This helps in precise mixing.
- Electric Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: Essential for creaming butter, peanut butter, and sugars until light and fluffy. This step gives moisture and richness to the cookies.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements ensure the perfect texture and balance of flavors.
- Rubber or Silicone Spatula: Ideal for gently folding in the M&M’s®, chocolate chips, and optional walnuts without breaking them.
- Cookie Scoop or Tablespoon: Use for portioning cookie dough evenly to create uniform cookies that bake consistently.
- Baking Sheets: Plain, rimmed sheets allow cookies to spread evenly.
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: Prevent cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Cooling Rack: Vital for cooling cookies evenly and preserving their texture after baking.
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Mixing Bowls | Separate mixing of wet and dry ingredients |
| Electric Hand or Stand Mixer | Creaming butter and sugars for smooth texture |
| Measuring Cups and Spoons | Accurate ingredient measurements |
| Rubber/Silicone Spatula | Gently folding in mix-ins without them breaking |
| Cookie Scoop or Tablespoon | Even portioning for consistent cookie sizes |
| Baking Sheets | Baking the cookies evenly |
| Parchment Paper / Silicone Mat | Non-stick surface for baking |
| Cooling Rack | Cooling cookies evenly to maintain texture |
Preparation
To achieve the perfect Paula Deen Monster Cookie, precise preparation is key. Let’s walk through the essential first steps to set us up for success.
Preheating and Lining Baking Sheets
First, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven reaches the right temperature for even baking before the cookies go in.
Next, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents sticking and promotes even browning without additional grease. Using lined sheets also makes cleanup easier and preserves the texture of the cookies.
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Oven Temperature | 350°F (175°C) |
| Baking Sheet Prep | Use parchment paper or silicone mat |
Measuring Ingredients
Accurate measurement is crucial for the Paula Deen Monster Cookie Recipe. Let’s outline the best practices to measure each ingredient precisely.
- Dry Ingredients: Use dry measuring cups for flour, oats, and sugars. Spoon the ingredient lightly into the cup and level it off with a straight edge for accuracy.
- Wet Ingredients: Measure liquids with a clear liquid measuring cup placed on a flat surface to check the level at eye height.
- Small Quantities: Use measuring spoons for vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt to ensure precise amounts.
“Precision in measuring ingredients guarantees the dense chewy texture and balanced sweetness these monster cookies are known for.”
| Ingredient Type | Recommended Tools | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Ingredients | Dry measuring cups | Level off for accurate measurement |
| Wet Ingredients | Liquid measuring cup | Measure at eye level on flat surface |
| Small Amounts | Measuring spoons | Use exact spoon size for accuracy |
Following these preparation steps carefully will help us bake cookies with the perfect characteristic chewiness and monster charm Paula Deen’s recipe delivers.
Directions
Follow these precise steps to craft the perfect Paula Deen Monster Cookies that boast the iconic chewy texture and bold flavors.
Mixing the Dough
- In a large bowl, cream together unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 3 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Stir in vanilla extract for added flavor depth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients on low speed, mixing just until combined.
- Finally, fold in the rolled oats by hand using a rubber spatula until evenly distributed without overmixing.
Adding Mix-ins
Gently fold in the following to preserve their texture and create the signature monster cookie crunch:
- M&M’s® candy pieces
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Optional chopped walnuts
Pro Tip: Use a spatula to fold in these mix-ins slowly to avoid breaking the candies and chips.
Portioning the Cookies
We want uniform cookies for even baking and presentation.
- Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion dough evenly—about 1.5 tablespoons per cookie.
- Place dough balls on the prepared baking sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Leave approximately 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
| Portion Size | Dough per Cookie | Spacing on Sheet |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 1 tablespoon | 2 inches |
| Medium | 1.5 tablespoons | 2 inches |
| Large | 2 tablespoons | 3 inches |
Baking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) if not done already.
- Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown but the centers remain soft.
- Rotate baking sheets halfway through baking for even heat distribution.
- Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies chewy inside.
Cooling and Setting
- Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow cookies to set for 5 minutes on the sheet.
- Transfer cookies to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
- This cooling method helps cookies retain their chewy texture while firming up.
Make-Ahead Tips
Preparing Paula Deen Monster Cookie dough in advance saves time and enhances flavor. Here are our key tips to make your baking experience smoother and your cookies even more delicious:
- Chill the Dough: After mixing the dough and folding in the M&M’s®, chocolate chips, and walnuts, cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 48 hours. Chilling firms the dough which helps control spreading and allows the flavors to meld, creating a richer taste.
- Portion Beforehand: For convenient baking, scoop the dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets before refrigerating. Arrange each dough ball 2 inches apart to prevent sticking. Freeze the trays for about 1 hour, then transfer the frozen dough balls into a ziploc freezer bag. This method lets you bake fresh cookies anytime without extra prep.
- Freezing Storage Times: Use the following guideline to maximize freshness and texture:
| Make-Ahead Method | Storage Duration | Baking Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerated dough | Up to 48 hours | Bake directly from fridge, add 1-2 minutes bake time if chilled longer than 24 hours |
| Frozen dough balls | Up to 3 months | Thaw at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before baking |
- Baking from Cold Dough: We recommend baking the cookies straight from the refrigerator or freezer. Cold dough slows spreading creating thicker, chewier cookies with the classic Paula Deen monster cookie texture.
- Enhancing Texture: If you find your batter too stiff to fold in the mix-ins after chilling, let it soften at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes. This makes folding easier without overworking the dough.
“Chilling and portioning your Monster Cookie dough is a game changer that delivers consistent, bakery-quality cookies every time.”
Storage Recommendations
To keep our Paula Deen Monster Cookies fresh and delicious, proper storage is essential. Follow these guidelines to preserve the perfect texture and flavor.
Storing Baked Cookies
- Cool completely on a wire rack before storing to prevent condensation from making the cookies soggy.
- Place cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- For added softness, layer cookies with parchment paper or wax paper.
- Store at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- To extend shelf life, refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing Baked Cookies
- Arrange cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour.
- Transfer frozen cookies into a freezer-safe airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw cookies at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
Storing Cookie Dough
| Storage Method | Duration | Tips for Best Results |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerate dough | Up to 3 days | Cover tightly; let soften for 10 minutes before scooping. |
| Freeze dough balls | Up to 3 months | Flash freeze on baking sheet, then store in airtight container. |
We recommend baking cookies directly from chilled or frozen dough for thicker, chewier results. If dough feels too stiff, let it sit at room temperature briefly for easy portioning.
Conclusion
Paula Deen’s Monster Cookie Recipe is a timeless treat that brings joy with every bite. Its perfect balance of textures and flavors makes it ideal for any occasion, whether you’re sharing with friends or enjoying a sweet moment alone. With straightforward steps and accessible ingredients, it’s a recipe we’re confident will become a staple in your baking repertoire. Give it a try and watch these cookies quickly become a favorite in your household.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Paula Deen’s Monster Cookies special?
Paula Deen’s Monster Cookies combine oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and colorful candies for a chewy, crunchy, and sweet treat that is perfect for sharing or indulging.
What are the main ingredients in Monster Cookies?
The main ingredients include rolled oats, peanut butter, all-purpose flour, baking soda, butter, sugars, eggs, vanilla extract, M&M’s®, chocolate chips, and optional walnuts.
What equipment do I need to bake these cookies?
You’ll need mixing bowls, an electric mixer, measuring cups and spoons, a spatula, a cookie scoop or tablespoon, baking sheets, parchment paper or silicone mats, and a cooling rack.
How do I prepare to bake Paula Deen’s Monster Cookies?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), line baking sheets with parchment or mats, and accurately measure all ingredients to ensure even baking and the perfect texture.
How long should I bake the Monster Cookies?
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden brown but the centers remain soft for the best chewy texture.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, chilling the dough for at least an hour helps control spreading and enhances flavor. You can also portion and refrigerate or freeze dough for convenient baking later.
How do I store the cookies for freshness?
Cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, refrigerate up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, cookie dough balls can be frozen for up to 3 months. Bake directly from chilled or frozen dough for best results.
What is a pro tip for mixing in the candies and chips?
Gently fold in M&M’s®, chocolate chips, and walnuts to preserve their shape and texture in every bite.
Why should I use parchment paper or silicone mats?
They prevent sticking and promote even browning for perfectly baked Monster Cookies every time.