Cookie Monster Cookies

Description

Cookie Monster Cookies

Get ready for some fun with these Cookie Monster Cookies! Inspired by the iconic Sesame Street character, these cookies are vibrant, playful, and packed with surprises! With an Oreo cookie center and a mix of chocolate chips, every bite brings a burst of flavors and textures. Perfect for a kids’ party or anyone young at heart, these colorful treats are as delightful to make as they are to eat!

½ cup (120 g) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
¼ cup (50 g) light brown sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
Blue gel food coloring
1¾ cups (230 g) all-purpose flour
Pinch of salt
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ cup (40 g) dark chocolate chips
¼ cup (40 g) white chocolate chips
¼ cup (30 g) crushed mini cookies
3 chopped Oreo cookies
12 whole Oreo cookies

Directions:
1. Beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy.
2. Add egg, vanilla, and food coloring, mixing until smooth.
3. Fold in dry ingredients, then add chopped Oreos, mini cookies, and chocolate chips.
4. Chill dough for 30 mins.
5. Shape dough around whole Oreo, bake at 350°F (180°C) for 12-15 mins.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Kcal: 593

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these detailed instructions for perfect Cookie Monster Cookies every time.

1. Cream the Base: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar together for 2-3 minutes until light, fluffy, and fully combined.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth. Then, add the blue gel food coloring a few drops at a time, mixing thoroughly until you achieve a vibrant, deep Cookie Monster blue.
3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until no flour streaks remain.
4. Fold in Mix-Ins: Using a spatula, gently fold in the dark chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, crushed mini cookies, and the 3 chopped Oreo cookies until evenly distributed.
5. Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This crucial step prevents overspreading and makes the dough easier to handle.
6. Assemble and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Scoop about 2-3 tablespoons of dough, flatten it slightly in your palm, and wrap it completely around a whole Oreo cookie. Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are just set but the centers still look soft.
7. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions

These playful cookies are a showstopper on their own, but you can elevate them further. Serve on a bright blue platter for a thematic display. They pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk for kids or a scoop of vanilla ice cream sandwiched between two slightly warmed cookies for an indulgent dessert. For a party, place them in clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon as a fun favor.

How-to Summary

Create vibrant blue sugar cookie dough, fold in chocolate chips and cookie pieces, chill, then wrap portions around whole Oreo cookies. Bake until just set for a soft, surprise-filled treat that’s bursting with color and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use natural food coloring instead of gel?
Yes, but liquid food coloring may alter the dough’s consistency and produce a lighter, less vibrant blue. Gel or paste coloring is highly recommended for intense color without adding excess liquid.

How do I store these cookies, and how long do they last?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. The Oreo in the center will stay surprisingly crisp. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can refrigerate the wrapped dough for up to 48 hours before baking. Let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly before shaping.

What can I use instead of mini cookies?
If you don’t have mini cookies, you can substitute with additional crushed graham crackers, more chopped Oreos, or even pretzel pieces for a sweet and salty twist.

Why did my cookies spread too much?
This is likely due to dough that wasn’t chilled sufficiently, or butter that was too warm. Ensure your dough is firm and cold before baking, and always use a cool baking sheet for each batch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the Dough: Once you add the flour, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough cookies.
• Skipping the Chill Time: Chilling is non-negotiable. It solidifies the fat, preventing flat, greasy cookies and making the dough manageable for wrapping the Oreos.
• Using Warm Dough to Wrap Oreos: If the dough is too soft, it will stick to your hands and won’t envelop the Oreo neatly. Ensure it’s chilled.
• Overbaking: Remove the cookies when the edges are set but the centers look slightly underdone. They will continue to cook on the hot baking sheet, resulting in a perfectly soft texture.

Conclusion

Cookie Monster Cookies are more than just a dessert; they’re a joyful baking project that brings a pop of color and a delightful surprise to any table. By following this detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll create irresistibly fun treats that are sure to spark smiles and satisfy any sweet tooth. Happy baking!