How to Make Monster Cookies – A Valentine Tradition

From the time the kids were little until she could no longer cook, my mother-in-law, Linda, always made the kids Monster Cookies for Valentine’s Day. The kids would look forward to these scrumptious cookies every year. With her recipe in hand, let me show you how to make Monster Cookies – a Valentine tradition.
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Before I share the recipe, I have to share a funny story about Jacob and these Monster Cookies. If you knew Jacob, you knew that his weakness was sweets. He loved anything sweet, but especially chocolate more than just about anything else in the world.
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Jacob had gotten a Fossil watch for Christmas. Back then, $80 – $90 was a lot for a kid’s watch. Around Valentine’s Day, he realized that he had lost it. We were searching everywhere for it, but he was as calm as ever. He told us not to worry about it, because eventually he would find it.
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That afternoon, Granny Linda and Papaw brought over the Monster Cookies. Both Shea and Jacob had their own large cookie in a heart shaped cake pan. We left for church that night, and Jacob left his on his bed (which he wasn’t supposed to do). When we came home, our new dog Harry had eaten almost the entire cookie!
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You would not have believed that Jacob was the same person who was so calm, cool, and collected about losing the watch. He was furious and busted out crying that, “Harry ate my cookie!” He ended up calling Granny Linda, and of course she made him another one. All ended well for him. It was us who had an issue with a sick dog through the night!
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Any time I think about Monster Cookies, that story comes to mind. We all loved her Monster Cookies, even the dog!
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Lessons from Monster Cookies
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These cookies were made with love. We are called to love one another at all times, not just at Valentine’s Day.
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“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34
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“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:10
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Let people know how much you value them and their gifts. I know Jacob’s phone call to Granny Linda that night was just about a cookie, but I can only imagine how that may have made her feel. He definitely let her know that she and her gift were both highly valued.
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Tradition Quote
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Granny Linda’s Monster Cookie Recipe (8 Dozen)
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Ingredients:
1 C. Margarine or Butter
1 Lb. Brown Sugar
2 C. Sugar
6 Eggs
1 1/2 t. Vanilla
1 1/2 t. Syrup
4 t. Baking Soda
1 1/2 Lb. Peanut Butter
9 C. Oatmeal
1 Lb. M&Ms (Plain Candy)
6 oz. Chocolate Chips
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Directions:
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Mix in order until well blended. Drop by tablespoons, mash down some to help dough hold together. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes. Let cool slightly before removing from pan.
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Granny Linda would make each family a stack of cookies in a tall Valentine’s baggie. However, as mentioned above, each grandchild would get their own big cookie in a heart shaped cake pan. My kids loved this gift!
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I just placed a Wal-Mart order, and wouldn’t you know it, they are out of the heart-shaped pans. I found these that will work on Amazon. I will just have to have them returned so I can refill them next year.
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As you can tell, this recipe makes a large amount. You can either cut the recipe down, or make 8 dozen like Granny Linda did to bless many people. This is the first time I have made these. I guess now that I know how to make Monster Cookies, the Valentine tradition will continue!
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Have a Grace & Joy-filled day!
Susan
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“When I am filled with cares, Your comfort brings me joy.” Psalms 94:19
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Susan —how many cups is 1 1/2lb. of peanut butter? I don’t have a scale—I guess I can look on my jar and find that weight.
Yes -it’s a huge amount of cookies -but sounds delicious!!
Great memories of Jacob.
Hugs to you all.
Pat Smith
I will try these Monster cookies!!
Enjoy! I’m making a batch tomorrow!
Family traditions are so important and I love this one! Fun way to make cookies special and make great memories!
Our kids have great memories with getting these cookies! Now I’m making them with the grandkids! 😃 Hopefully they will enjoy them also.
Love this recipe! And reading about your memories. How wonderful to make these with your grandchildren.
I gave the first two large cookies out last night, and they were so excited to get them! I love carrying on traditions!
I’ve never heard of these before but they look so good I can’t wait to try them. Such a sweet way to love on someone with cookies too. I hope you guys found the watch and the dog was ok. I’m always amazed at the stuff they get into. Thank you for the recipe, CoCo
They are delicious! I’ve had way too many this week! We did find the watch eventually, and the dog was fine, but it was a rough night. 😂
That is a wonderful tradition!
We have enjoyed it!
I love your cookies and their story. Happy Valentine Day!
Thanks for sharing with us,
Miz Helen
Happy Valentine’s Day to you too!
Thanks for sharing at the What’s for Dinner party! So happy to see you here.