Description
These Apple Monster Cookies are a delightful combination of soft, chewy texture with the natural sweetness of apples, oats, and raisins, enhanced by warming spices and topped with fun candy eyes. Perfect for a festive treat or any time you want a monster-sized cookie packed with flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup shredded, peeled apple (about 1 large apple, such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Topping
- 1 cup candy eyes
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt to distribute the leavening agent and spices evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Using an electric mixer, cream the softened unsalted butter with the packed light brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes. Scrape down the bowl sides to ensure even mixing.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition for proper incorporation. Then stir in the vanilla extract to add aroma and flavor.
- Gradually Add Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined to avoid overworking the dough and developing gluten.
- Stir in Oats, Apple, Raisins, and Nuts (if using): Fold in the rolled oats, shredded peeled apple, raisins, and chopped walnuts or pecans (if desired), ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Chill Dough (Optional): Cover the dough bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes up to 2 hours to firm up the dough for easier handling and better texture.
- Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.
- Drop Dough onto Baking Sheets: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the baking sheets, keeping about 2 inches of space between each to allow spreading.
- Add Candy Eyes: Gently press 2 to 3 candy eyes onto the top of each cookie ball before baking to create a fun and monster-like appearance.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the centers look set but still soft.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is optional but recommended for better shape and texture.
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans or omit nuts for a nut-free version.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of flavors that complements the sweetness.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- To enhance the monster effect, consider using different colored candy eyes or adding edible decorations.