Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, is beloved for her approachable and delicious recipes, and her Monster Cookies are no exception. These aren’t your average cookies; they are packed with oats, chocolate chips, candies, and nuts, creating a truly monstrously good treat. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing cookie that’s both fun to make and even more fun to eat, look no further than the Pioneer Woman’s Monster Cookies.
What makes these cookies so special? It’s the delightful combination of textures and flavors. The oats provide a chewy base, while the chocolate chips and M&Ms offer bursts of sweetness. Nuts add a satisfying crunch, and a hint of vanilla ties everything together. These cookies are perfect for bake sales, potlucks, or simply a fun weekend baking project with the family.
The original recipe from the Pioneer Woman is known for making truly large cookies, but you can easily adjust the size to your preference. Whether you prefer giant, shareable cookies or smaller, bite-sized treats, this recipe is versatile and forgiving.
Ready to bake up a batch of these iconic cookies? Here’s a slightly adapted version of the Pioneer Woman’s Monster Cookie recipe, perfect for home bakers of all skill levels.
Baking Your Own Monster Cookies: Pioneer Woman Style
This recipe is adapted from Ree Drummond’s original Monster Cookie recipe, focusing on ease of baking and delicious results.
Ingredients:
- 2 sticks (1/2 pound) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt (or 1 teaspoon if using salted nuts)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats (quick or regular)
- 1 cup mini chocolate candies (like M&Ms)
- 3/4 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans, cashews, or walnuts work well)
- 2 1/4 cups Rice Krispies cereal
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3 minutes.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in remaining ingredients: Gently fold in the oats, mini chocolate candies, chocolate chips, and chopped nuts. Finally, add the Rice Krispies cereal and mix until everything is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Scoop and bake: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
- Bake to golden perfection: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are just set. Baking time may vary depending on your oven and cookie size.
- Cool and enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
These Monster Cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They are the perfect treat for any occasion and are sure to become a family favorite. Get ready to experience the monstrously delicious flavor of Pioneer Woman Monster Cookies!
