Recipe: Make-Them-Your-Way Monster Cookies
Cookies are a convenient and delicious dessert option for any summer gathering.
You can use the basic cookie dough recipe below, and then customize your approach by picking mixed-in treats that you most like.
You can make a hearty and more nutritious cookie for a day of adventure and hiking by using nuts, seeds and dried fruit. Or you can stick with the classic combo of M&Ms and chocolate chips for a family-friendly day at the park. It’s up to you – they’re delicious no matter what you do.
Make-Them-Your-Way Monster Cookies
Makes about 30 cookies
Ingredients
- ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, at room temperature
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup quick oats
- 1½ cups of mixed-in additions, which can include any combination of dried fruit (cranberries, blueberries, raisins), chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds), seeds (pumpkin, sunflower), chocolate candy or baking chips such as peanut butter, semi-sweet chocolate or toffee pieces.
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.
- In a large bowl cream together butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar. Mix in peanut butter, egg and vanilla.
- Slowly add baking soda and flour, do not over-mix.
- Add quick oats and 1½ cups of addition mix-ins until just incorporated. Rolls balls of about 2 tablespoons of dough.
- Place balls on prepared baking sheet, and bake for 11-13 minutes.
- Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Nutrition facts will vary depending on mix-ins. Each cookie without additions has 110 calories; 6.5 grams of fat; 11 grams of total carbohydrate; and 2 grams of protein.
Source: The Avera Heart Hospital nutrition team. Learn more about recipes and nutrition.
