Monsters on the Plate

Monsters came out from under the bed and jumped on the plate! 

I don't remember my dad checking for monsters under the bed or in the closet. I do remember him shooting rattle snakes, reading in the car during shopping trips, and when my brother, sister and I were fighting he would yell at us, "Damn it, we're family". Even though I don't remember him checking for monsters for me, I know he would eat these monster cookies in an instant. Peanut butter, chocolate, and oatmeal would be somethings the majority of dads would go for. These cookies are a great way to get rid of the bottom of the bags in your pantry. You can add any types of chocolate chips (dark, semi-sweet, milk, or white), any type of nuts, or raisins.  For my monster cookies, I used M&Ms, semi-sweet and white chocolate chips, and in half some shredded coconut. Just pour it all in to get rid of the monsters. 

Monster Cookies                                               

Ingredients added from Paula Dean

3 eggs

1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter

1 stick butter, softened

1/2 cup multi-colored chocolate candies, M&Ms

1/2 cup chocolate chips, or a combination of any different chips

1/4 cup raisins, optional 

1/4 shredded coconut, optional (add a bit extra peanut to keep dough moist)

2 teaspoons baking soda

4 1/2 cups quick-cooking oatmeal (not instant)

- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or nonstick baking mats.

- In a very large mixing bowl, combine the eggs and sugars. Mix well. Add the salt, vanilla, peanut butter, and butter. Mix well. Stir in the chocolate candies, chocolate chips, raisins & coconut, if using, baking soda, and oatmeal.
- Drop by tablespoons 2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheets.

- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Do not overbake. Let stand for about 3 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool. When cool, store in airtight container.