Happy New Year! I hope you are all having an incredible start to 2013.
First, I’d like to say thank you to all of you that have taken time out of your hectic holiday schedules to contact me via email or Facebook – your kind words truly brought joy to my Christmas.
Many of the emails were questioning my absence here on MBA for the past few weeks. Simply put, I needed a break. I have undergone a few changes in my personal life and things just got a bit too overwhelming for me.
Despite the fact that I missed blogging in the worst way during my hiatus, I feel refreshed, rested and ready to bake up a storm.

The first recipe I’ll be sharing with you are for Monster Cookies. My mom and I whipped these together over the holidays and I happened to snap a few photos of them in a makeshift studio on her patio.
If you’re anything like me, you need to ease back into regular life with a little comfort thrown in after the stress of the holidays. Monster Cookies are exactly that kind of comfort. Will they set the world on fire? Probably not. But at the end of the day, with a cup of decaf tea and Revenge on a Sunday night, they help remind me that everything is just fine.
Besides, what’s not to love about Monster Cookies? Oatmeal, candy, raisins.. you name it, this cookie’s got it. Sometimes going old-school is exactly what you need to get you back into the groove.
I missed you guys.
Monster Cookies
Yield: about 3 dozen cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
Ingredients:
3 large eggs
1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 12-ounce jar crunchy peanut butter
1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup M&M's
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup raisins, optional
2 teaspoons baking soda
4 1/2 cups quick-cooking oatmeal (not instant)Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or nonstick baking mats.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a an extra large bowl with an electric mixer, 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, baking soda, and oatmeal. Drop by tablespoons 2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheets.
3. 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 an airtight container at room temperature.
Recipe adapted from Paula Deen via Food Network
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{ 40 comments… read them below or add one }
I think it is good to take a step away from blogging at times. It sounds like you are refreshed and ready to get back at it. And there is no better cookie then a monster cookie to kick it off! Yours look great!!!
Welcome back. I hope you are renewed!
Monster Cookies are classic and some of my favorites
Where in the world did you get that little milk jug? It’s just beyond cute!
All my favorite ingredients in one cookie! Yum!
I love monster cookies. My co-worker brings in a gigantic batch each year for her birthday and I love the oat / peanut butter / chocolate combination. I’ve never made them myself though and I probably should!
Oooh, Monster Cookies! So good! So delicious!
Welcome back! These look great!
One question…no flour?
Welcome back! My friends and family enjoyed many MBA cookies over the Christmas Holiday. I know Monster Cookies will be a welcome addition
Yumm… these cookies look so good too.
And I agree taking a break from blogging and life is just what one needs when times get hectic.
Glad you are feeling better!
I make these babies every year and give them away to a friend. It’s expected of me! We don’t do the raisins, but love the cookies. Simple and tasty! My recipe calls for 2 cups of pb and 4 cups of oatmeal. I used natural this last time and they didnt hold together as well, but still tasted great! Thanks for sharing!
Monster cookies are always a good idea. These sound lovely!
Welcome back Jamie! Sending you a big virtual hug and a New Year full of good and happy things. These cookies look like a good start – definitely trying a batch here today. xx, Allison
One of my all time favorite cookies
Monica.
Taking a break is good and even better is knowing when you need one so kudos to you Jamie.
I’m putting my home up for sale and while a subsequent move to a smaller, more manageable home will be good in the long term, the additional work of downsizing possessions, selling and moving feels a bit ‘over the edge’ even in just the contemplation.
Cookies might just help.
in cookie monster voice ‘Me need these cookies!’
Welcome back!! You feed MY baking addiction so I’m glad to see your posts. =D
Real life really throws a wrench in what we’d love to do doesn’t it? LOL Hope you’re feeling a fresh spring in your step.
So nice to have you back and I pray that things are better now. These cookies look wonderful and perfect to start off 2013.
Looks amazing, and you would have never known it was a temporary studio! I love the peanut butter and m&m’s – they’re so playful and remind me of childhood treats.
Excellent way to bring in a New Year-Yum!
I adore monster cookies! They are so hearty and wonderful. Glad to see that you’re back in the saddle, Jamie! Happy new year!
We missed you too! Welcome back! Those cookies look seriously, seriously good, and I will most certainly be making them this weekend–I already have everything on hand! Yes!!
Glad to see you back! Hope all is well. I tell everyone you are my favorite baker! Just don’t overwhelm yourself right away. A cookie here and there, or cupcake once in a while is fine!
Hey Queenie, Glad you are back, even Momma missed your blog….. Enjoyed the time we all share together with each other during the holiday season… And the only thing you need to remember is that Momma, Daddy, and Jared will always have your back…..We love you more than words could ever say..xxxxxoooooo
Im with ya on that one! I took a break myself and Im back and at it tomorrow
It is really good to take a break here and there. Welcome back! These cookies look gorgeous!
Yum! Love how you used crunchy peanut butter. Welcome back!!!
Happy New Year! Sometimes we need a break to recharge. The cookies look delish.
I have adored and used your blog like Google searching for great tasty ideas time after time. As a teacher myself, I often wonder how you keep up! Glad you were able to rest!
Thank, Jaime, for all that you do for everyone. I’ve only been reading your blog for the past few months but enjoy looking at your beautiful photos and making your delicious creations of love. You obviously have great passion and creativity. I’m glad to hear that you took take of yourself to catch a breather and feel fresh again! I missed your emails, they always brightened my day. BTW, everyone loved your S’mores cookies and I made amazing vanilla extract for Christmas gifts thanks to your recipe. Thanks for sharing and spreading your energy and knowledge!
These are one of my most favorite cookies EVER!! Love them and I’m so glad you are back
Welcome back – I hope everything is ok! These monster cookies look fantastic – they might be my favorite type of cookie ever
What a YUM way to start the New Year! And to keep it going!
Welcome back
I hope everything gets sorted out soon.
The cookies look great! I can’t believe there is an entire jar of peanut butter in here though! o.o
Welcome back! I wanted to let you know that I made homemade vanilla extract to give as gifts ( and some for myself!). I even printed out the label that you had put up last year. The bottles look so cute! Thank you. : ) Debbie
I love, love, love monster cookies… they’re totally my favorite… plus, I like to believe they’re a little healthy with the oatmeal and raisins
In my recipe, I use smooth peanut butter and add chopped pecans… although, next time I think I’ll give the crunchy peanut butter a try too
These look fantastic! Even if they are still holiday themed. I love even the name of these, Monster Cookies! I, personally, am not a fan of raisins, but as it said in your post, they are optional, which I thought was a good idea. Without the raisins it is mostly like an oatmeal chocolate chip cookie, with m&m’s, I love that particular type of cookies and you do not see them often so this is a great recipe to have in my back pocket! Definitely want to try this!
I think it’s great to step away from blogging sometimes – I did for a bit over Christmas, and it was just what the doctor ordered. I hope you’re feeling better soon – sending lots of love and hugs your way!
Hope everything’s okay! These looks look fab!!
Happy new year. These look great.
YUM! These would be my family’s new favorite. I’m sure of it.
Missed you! xoxoxo
Glad you are back! I hope all is well in your life.
I love Monster cookies! I have not made them in many years, though. This has inspired me to make them for the upcoming holiday weekend.
Thanks so much for your fabulous blog and all the time I know it takes to keep it going. It’s a great reference and I know I can always find something yummy to bake!
Michele