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These Air Fryer Monster Cookies are my secret for when a cookie craving strikes but I want something quick and festive. Loaded with mini M and Ms and chocolate chips, they bake up soft and chewy in just minutes and bring big smiles every time I make them.
I love that this recipe makes small batches so I can whip up a fresh batch for after school or weekend movie nights. The first time I made these cookies in my air fryer my kids and husband ate the entire plate before they even cooled down.
Ingredients
- Butter: softens the dough and helps with that classic chewy texture Use European style butter if available for richer flavor
- White sugar: helps the cookies spread and brown
- Brown sugar: brings a hint of molasses and moisture for softness Light or dark brown both work
- Egg: binds everything together and keeps the cookies tender Look for large eggs for best results
- Vanilla: adds warmth and balances the chocolate Use pure extract for best taste
- Flour: forms the structure of the cookies Use all purpose and fluff it up before measuring
- Baking soda: keeps the cookies light and helps them rise Fresh baking soda is important for a good lift
- Salt: sharpens the flavors and balances the sweet Opt for fine sea salt if you have it
- Mini M and Ms: add pops of color and fun Choose fresh candies so the colors do not bleed
- Mini chocolate chips: scatter chocolate throughout every bite Use semisweet for plenty of chocolate flavor
Step by Step Instructions
- Prep the Air Fryer:
- Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper just big enough to cover the bottom This keeps the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easy
- Cream Butter and Sugars:
- Beat softened butter with both sugars in a medium bowl until the mixture is light and creamy This step helps dissolve the sugar for better texture
- Mix in Egg and Vanilla:
- Add the egg and vanilla and beat again until smooth The egg will help the dough come together and add richness
- Stir in Dry Ingredients:
- Mix in the flour baking soda and salt just until you do not see any streaks of flour Do not over mix or the cookies can turn out tough
- Fold in Mix Ins:
- Gently stir in the mini M and Ms and mini chocolate chips Try to mix just enough so candies are evenly distributed
- Form the Cookies:
- Scoop tablespoon sized balls of dough and group them at least an inch apart in your lined basket This gives them space to spread
- Air Fry:
- Bake at 330 degrees Fahrenheit for around 7 to 8 minutes The cookies will puff up and start to brown lightly on the edges
- Cool:
- Allow the cookies to rest in the basket for a minute before transferring to a rack The cookies will finish setting as they cool
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Mini M and Ms have always been my favorite mix in for treats like this because they add such a fun splash of color to any plate of cookies. My daughter loves helping me press a few extra candies on top before baking so every cookie looks like it came from a bakery.
Storage Tips
Once cooled store these cookies in an airtight tin or zip top bag at room temperature They stay fresh for up to four days. If you want to keep them longer freeze in layers with parchment in between and thaw at room temperature for a snack any time.
Ingredient Substitutions
This recipe is very forgiving. You can swap peanut butter chips for the chocolate chips or add a tablespoon of quick oats for extra chew. If you are out of brown sugar use all white sugar with an extra half teaspoon of vanilla as a substitute though the flavor will be a little lighter.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cookies warm with milk or vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. They make great lunchbox desserts and are always a party hit when stacked tall on a platter. For special occasions use seasonal color candies to match any theme.
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History of Monster Cookies
Monster Cookies started in Midwest kitchens as a way to use up bits of chocolate chips oatmeal and leftover candies. They are meant to be big bold and full of all your favorite mix ins. Modern versions like this air fryer recipe make it simple to enjoy a small batch without turning on the oven.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini?
Yes, but using mini chocolate chips ensures even distribution and helps the cookies hold their shape in the air fryer.
- → How do I keep cookies soft and chewy?
Avoid overbaking and remove the cookies once the edges start to brown. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
- → What is the best way to line the air fryer basket?
Use a piece of parchment paper cut to fit the bottom of the basket, allowing air to circulate around the cookies.
- → Can I use other candies besides M&Ms?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute different chocolate candies or even peanut butter chips for a tasty twist.
- → Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling is not required for this method, but it can help prevent spreading if your kitchen is warm.
- → How many cookies does this make?
You should get about a dozen cookies, depending on the size of your dough scoops and how many fit in your air fryer at once.