Thick & Chewy Monster Cookies – not just for monsters.
So I have a bone to pick real quick. If you’re not up for a good old-fashioned bone pickin’, scroll down to the recipe and I’ll catch up with ya later.
ANYWAY.
I was in the book store yesterday, specifically in the coffee shop inside. I was ordering my drink when an older woman came into the cafe. She took one look at me – clad in a floral 50’s style dress, flats, and my tattoos on full display – and made a face. Not a good face, but a face. You know the face. She was in line, but refused to come near me – she stood far enough away that another woman cut her in line and she didn’t even say anything because she was so busy staring at me.
I glanced her way and gave her a smile, but she refused to change her expression. It was like a mixture of annoyance, disapproval and a certain je ne sais quoi that I couldn’t place because I am not crotchety. Most days, anyway. 🙂
Once I received my drink, I had to walk past her to get to the door. She literally backed up into the bakery case with her hands up like I was holding her hostage… or like I was a flea-ridden chipmunk with the plague*. I kind of breezed past her, unsure of why she was putting her hands up like I was a cop about to arrest her.
I get that face and reaction often. It comes from every walk of life, but usually older folks. And I can understand if I think really hard about it – tattoos can be menacing in their own confounding way. If you see someone with a tattoo – no matter what the subject matter is – it can often come across as aggressive, like we’re part of this gang that non-tattooed people don’t know about.
I suppose you could make the case that back in their day, only the friendly neighborhood criminal had tattoos, and they were usually faded badges from assorted military branches or pin-up girls. Bad boys had tattoos. I get it.
But maybe – just maybe – I can get all the tattoo naysayers to change their tune with this post. Because your sour expressions, your sighs of disapproval, your hostile body language – it hurts my feelings. Do I go home and cry about the old lady who made a face about my tats? No. I’ll forget about it tomorrow, most likely, when I have more pressing things to think about, like taxes and if I should order chicken McNuggets or a sandwich. But in that moment, seen and treated like I’m some kind of social pariah – it’s not fair. It’s not fun. And it’s completely unnecessary.
I have a lollipop tattoo on my leg. A freaking LOLLIPOP. If I’m in any kind of gang, it’s the Lollipop Guild with those triplet munchkins from The Wizard of Oz… which actually would be a pretty badass gig. Who can I contact about that?
What I’m trying to say in a really roundabout way is, don’t judge a book by its cover. I may have tattoos and wear tutus and have wacky glasses, but I’m harmless. I will say hello to anyone and everyone and talk to you about your day. I compliment nearly everyone I meet, and they come from the heart. I hope to brighten as many people’s days as I possibly can. And I do it all with my tattoos proudly displayed in public for everyone to see. The disapproving glances I receive are unwarranted – it’s not like I can return my tattoos or change the fact that I have them, so why give me a hard time? And why is my body cause for YOUR concern? But that’s a tad political and we don’t talk about that kinda stuff on a dessert blog.
And anyway, there are plenty of bad people out there who do deserve your nasty glares. Al Capone didn’t have tattoos, and it’s not like he was a stand-up dude that you’d bring home to mom and dad. But a girl in a swing dress with a donut on her leg? Probably not a criminal or someone you need to treat as if she’s a chipmunk with the bubonic plague.**
I’m so glad we’re on the same page!
So let me brief ya real quick on these cookies – they’re fat. They’re chewy. They’re soft. And they’re fully loaded with all this wonderful goodness, like chocolate chips, peanut butter, oats and miniature M&M’s candies. And I could not stop eating them, so there’s that.
Do yourself a flava and make ’em!
Thick & Chewy Monster Cookies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup miniature M&M's candies
- 1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the butter and peanut butter until smooth. Add in the brown sugar & sugar, creaming together until combined. Add in the eggs and vanilla, beating well. Then add in the baking soda, cornstarch and flour, mixing until combined. Mix in the oats, M&M's and chocolate chips last until just combined.
- Cover and refrigerate dough for at LEAST 1 hour, up to overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment or silicone liners, or spray lightly with cooking spray. Drop heaping 1/4 cup-sized balls of dough onto the baking sheets, about 2-3" apart. Bake for approx. 12-14 minutes, rotating pans halfway through baking time to ensure even cooking. Cookies may appear slightly undone in the center; this is normal and they'll continue to set as they cool. Cool on the racks. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Gooey, chewy, soft and bursting with salty peanut butter, rich chocolate and crunchy M&M’s, this cookie is called a Monster cookie for a reason!
Have a super sweet day!
xo, Hayley
*real life: there is a flea-ridden chipmunk with the plague nearby my house. Apparently this is “normal.” I think it’s the government’s way of telling us that the apocalypse is coming.
**it bears mentioning twice because HOW is a chipmunk with the plague “normal”!? Like, why are we not alarmed that a small, cute, Snow-White creature has the BUBONIC PLAGUE? This is madness.
SaraLily says
I like me some cookies with a bit of meat on their bones 😉
I get looks all the time, too, in my petticoats and novelty prints. I am so over it. I am also used to it and don’t usually notice anymore – I’ve learned that people are just SOOOO confused when someone doesn’t fit in. They can’t handle it and it bothers them sometimes. While most looks I get are just curiosity, I know sometimes I get snickers and points. WHATEVER! I DO WHAT I WANT!
You do you, girl. 😉
thedomesticrebel says
OMG, I know exactly what you mean! When I used to have rainbow colored hair, I was pointed at ALL the time. You’re so right about people being confused about those who don’t fit in… but I prefer not fitting in! 🙂
Vicky Shelley says
I am so sorry you have to put up with ignorant people like that! I am 62 and I would never think about treating anyone like that. I love the recipes you share and love the website. Thank you for sharing.
thedomesticrebel says
Thank you so much for your kind words, Vicky! Have a wonderful day! xoxo.
Karen says
People fear what they don’t understand. Sorry you had to be subjected to that xo
Amanda says
I think you are a beautiful person inside and out. I check your website everyday because sweet things bring a smile to my face and I have you–the creator of such good things–to thank for that. It is a lot easier to judge someone than to understand.
I wish I could meet you in real life. You seem like a wonderful person.
Sending a hug your way. No need to feel down. You have many supporters behind you–many more than that lady, which is why she doesn’t know how to interact with others.
thedomesticrebel says
Thank you SO much for your kind words, Amanda – totally brought tears to my eyes! I am so glad that my site and my desserts can bring a smile to your face – that’s all I ever want! Have a wonderful weekend! xoxo!
Amanda says
Thank you so much for accepting my comments. I truly meant each word. I am a medically-retired military veteran and it is not always easy to come up with a smile. Somehow, you manage to do that for me, so next time you see that lady, just tell her you have some super-powers to make the lives of others just a little bit brighter every time you post and share your creativity and gifts with the rest of the world.
thedomesticrebel says
Amanda, you are so kind and thank you so much for your service! xoxo!
ceil says
You are a precious young lady and a gifted writer! Your cooking creativity never ends! I love reading your blog and admire how you often acknowledge and support others, such as the posting you did recently on Melissa’s Southern Cookbook. Please keep sharing your stories and talents with your readers and friends around the globe. I look forward to seeing your cookbook published soon and plan to share it as gifts with several friends for Christmas! Thank you Miss Hayley for your honest and inspirational thoughts, stories and recipes! I hope to meet you in person one day. Blessings!
thedomesticrebel says
Thank you so much for the sweet words, Ceil! I hope to meet you as well! xoxo!
cakeSpy says
I don’t care for delicate and/or wimpy cookies. Therefore, I love these babies.
thedomesticrebel says
Hear, hear!
Elizabeth @ Confessions of a Baking Queen says
I feel sad for that lady to act that way towards you. So pathetic. But damn these cookies aren’t, love how thick they are
thedomesticrebel says
Ha! Thanks girlfriend! xoxo!
Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says
I don’t know HOW anyone could be scared of you or have such a reaction! You’re a happy bright adorable lady! AND you make gigantic amazing cookies! You’re the total package of awesome!
thedomesticrebel says
Ha, thanks girl!
Laura says
These sound yummy!
Do you think I could make them with out the peanut butter?
thedomesticrebel says
Hi Laura! Sure! One – you could make them with a different nut butter if you’d rather – just follow the recipe as is. Or if you want to eliminate the peanut butter completely, I would increase the butter to 2 sticks (1 cup) to bring back the moisture that the peanut butter had. Hope this helps!
Tricia says
I can’t wait to make these cookies this weekend!
Do they really take a whole tablespoon of vanilla extract? I don’t usually see recipes that call for that much. Admittedly, vanilla is my favorite flavor in the world, but figured I’d double check just in case.
Thanks so much for posting this!
thedomesticrebel says
Hi Tricia! I’m so glad you found this recipe! 🙂 I love adding extra vanilla in my cookie recipes – it really brings those flavors together! But you are welcome to use less. I would start at one teaspoon of vanilla and increase as needed if you’d like!
Tricia says
Just an update- I made these cookies last night (with full amount of vanilla!) and they were freaking awesome! They are everything you promised: huge, chewy, and so yummy! I’ll definitely be making them again soon. Next weekend I am making your sugar cookies. I had a different recipe lined up, but after one bite of these, I scrapped it and will be using your recipe instead. Consider me a new faithful follower of your blog. Thanks again!
Broughton and Arrow says
lol my mom practically died when I got my first tattoo. I have 5 now. She recently asked me why I didn’t get the “ones that fade” and if I’m “over that stage yet”. Haha. On another note I’m totally excited about making these cookies! Monster cookies are my fav!
thedomesticrebel says
LOL. Uh, there’s no such thing as temporary tattoo parlors… unless you count face-painting booths at the fair! Haha. Too funny!
Gypzysky says
I totally relate! I have tattoos and fun colots in my hair, I know exactly what “look” this person gave you!
I loved your bone picking. And I love this cookie recipe.
You rock AND you are beautiful!
thedomesticrebel says
Thank you so much for your kind words! xoxo!
Chantal says
You should have smiled and given her the “PEACE” sign, it is a sad commentary on this country that this kind of behavior still goes on. EMBRACE LIFE!!! Pity those who don’t. The cookies are awesome, I added 1 Tablespoon of molasses to give them a deeper, slightly darker flavor. This is a great recipe.
thedomesticrebel says
Thanks for your tip, Chantal!
Judy says
I had a “leaking laugh” after reading about your tats!! Growing up in MS. during the Kennedy years my mama told me not to talk to people who had “them nasty tattoos”, I thought maybe they had a really bad disease that caused them nasty tattoos!! In the past few years I’ve seen some incredibly beautiful tatoos that were like works of art. Next time someone stares tell them they should get one and tell them where you got yours.
Kristin says
I’ve been searching for a Monster cookie recipe for my son’s birthday party and I decided to make these due to the thick and chewy nature. While I love the texture, the flavor was lacking a bit. I typically use unsalted butter as that’s usually the standard unless stated otherwise so I’m not sure if that was the issue. I also use natural peanut butter without added sugar and salt. I think I’ll add some salt to the next batch and see if that makes a difference.
Tiffany says
I’ve made these 4 times in the past year. I’ve also tried Sally’s Baking Addiction and the Taste of Home recipe and my family likes these the best! They seem to be much chewier! One of the four times making was for Christmas and they were voted best Christmas cookie this year-beating out scotcharoos -which have come in first the past 4 years!
thedomesticrebel says
Hi Tiffany! So happy to hear you love these! They are super chewy, aren’t they!?
Jacci says
Hayley,
You are a rock star. Here is what I know…everyone has a choice of how they want to live their life in the morning. It sounds to me you choose to live your life to its fullest, and have a great outlook and perspective on life…which probably means you get a lot of enjoyment and happiness. The lady that you encountered in the coffee shop, I feel sorry for her. Because she is so closed minded and judgemental, she is missing out on a great deal of life. Living in fear like that limits your enjoyment, I can’t imagine how miserable her life actually is. So like I said before, you are a ROCK STAR! Oh, and I can’t freaking wait to make these cookies. My only question is do you use salted or unsalted butter?
Keep Rockin’ it Girl,
Jacci
thedomesticrebel says
Hi Jacci! Thanks for your sweet comment 🙂 You can use either unsalted or salted butter – if you use salted, keep in mind that the peanut butter is already kind of salty.
Lori says
I have made these 3 times in two weeks! Very yummy thanks for the recipe!
Brenda says
Hi, I haven’t tried your cookies yet. Can’t wait. Look you have an awesome gift for baking so don’t worry about the negativity. Hoped to see more of your amazing recipes. Thank you. God bless you!
mar says
Hello! Is there anything i can replace peanut butter with? these seem greaaaaat! But I’m not a big PB fan..
thedomesticrebel says
Hi Mar, you could substitute another nut butter, such as almond or cashew!
Michelle Alexandre says
These are awesome cookies, I like to make them with crunchy peanut butter which gives a lil more crunch to them. Delicious!
thedomesticrebel says
Michelle, love that tip!
Tammy says
Does this recipe really call for only 1/2 cup of flour?
thedomesticrebel says
Hi Tammy, no, it calls for 1 and 1/2 cups flour.
Rose says
Made a double batch of these my first round. They were A-mazing!!! Took some to work. They were gone in seconds. The only woman in my shop had to have the recipe. Sent some with my son to school to share…he may or may not have actually shared them. ? Just now whipping up a TRIPLE batch to share after my sons Halloween concert. Can’t wait to see all the happy kids enjoy these awesome cookies. Thank you for the recipe!
thedomesticrebel says
Rose, this delights me so! Enjoy all those cookies!
SK says
These are hands down the best cookies I have made. I found this recipe on Pinterest about a year ago and I’m pretty sure my roommates request these at least twice a month. Do you have any tips on freezing the dough? We eat these so often I want to keep a little dough on hand ?
Lauren says
My new fav chic chip cookie recipe!
Laurie says
Hello sweet and beautiful girl!!! I am 65. When I saw your picture it made me smile, it made me happy, it delighted me. You are absolutely adorable, tattoos and all.
Now off to my kitchen to bake your yummy cookies with my grand daughter!!!!!
Amy Manning says
Amazing cookie recipe! I did change up the chips and added peanut cutter chips and butterscotch chips as well as the chocolate chips. Huge hit! Thank you for an amazing recipe!