Here’s a detailed breakdown of the Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies with all the delicious mix-ins like chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, M&Ms, and honey-roasted peanuts. These cookies are perfect for those who love a hearty, chewy cookie packed with flavors and textures!
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour: Helps bind the ingredients and gives the cookies structure.
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent, helping the cookies rise slightly.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances sweetness.
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats: Adds a chewy texture and heartiness to the cookies.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened but still cool: Provides richness and tenderness.
- ⅔ cup creamy peanut butter, at room temperature: Adds flavor and creaminess.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a slightly crisp edge.
- ½ cup packed brown sugar: Adds a deeper molasses flavor and moisture to the cookies.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
- 1½ cups mix-ins: A combination of chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, M&Ms, and chopped honey-roasted peanuts. These add texture and a variety of flavors to each bite.
- ¼ cup chocolate chips and/or M&Ms for topping the cookies, optional: These are pressed on top of the dough balls before baking for a colorful, decorative touch.
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and rolled oats.
- Set the dry mixture aside.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
- In another large bowl (or using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment), beat the butter and peanut butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add both the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the mixture, and beat until well combined.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate everything evenly.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the flour and oat mixture to the wet ingredients.
- Mix on low speed until fully combined and a dough forms. Make sure not to overmix.
- Stir in 1½ cups of your chosen mix-ins (chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, M&Ms, and chopped honey-roasted peanuts) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
5. Form the Cookies:
- Scoop out the dough into generous ¼-cup balls. Using an ice cream scoop works great for this to ensure even portions.
- Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one.
- Gently flatten the dough mounds slightly using your hand or the back of a spoon.
- If desired, press some extra chocolate chips or M&Ms onto the tops of the dough balls for decoration.
6. Bake the Cookies:
- Bake the cookies for 10-13 minutes, rotating the baking sheets halfway through the baking time to ensure even baking.
- The edges of the cookies should just start to darken, but the centers should remain soft and underbaked. This ensures a chewy center once they cool.
7. Cool the Cookies:
- Remove the baking sheets from the oven and place them on wire racks to cool.
- Let the cookies cool on the sheets to firm up before handling them, as they will be very soft straight out of the oven.
Baking Tips:
- Underbaking: Don’t be afraid to pull the cookies from the oven when they look underbaked in the center. They will continue to set as they cool, resulting in a soft and chewy texture.
- Mix-in Variations: You can get creative with the mix-ins! Substitute different nuts, candies, or chocolate varieties to match your taste.
- Storing: These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or you can freeze the dough balls to bake later.
These Peanut Butter Oatmeal Monster Cookies are packed with flavor and texture, making them perfect for a sweet indulgence. Enjoy with a glass of milk or share them with friends and family during the holidays!