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+ servings
Monster Mac and Cheese

Creamy Monster Mac and Cheese for Epic Comfort Food Cravings

Enjoy delicious Monster Mac and Cheese, a comforting dish perfect for epic food cravings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter Provides richness and moisture; substitute with margarine or vegan butter for dairy-free options.
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar Adds sweetness; can be replaced with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
  • 1 large Egg Acts as a binder; substitute with a flax or chia egg for a vegan option.
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Orange Juice Adds moisture; use bottled juice if fresh is unavailable.
  • 1 tablespoon Finely Grated Orange Zest Enhances flavor; avoid substitutes, zest offers unique oils.
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour Provides structure; use gluten-free flour for gluten-free version.
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder Helps cookies rise; ensure freshness.
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Soda Aids in spreading and browning.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt Enhances overall flavor; use sea salt for a gourmet touch.
For the Mix-Ins
  • 1 cup Dried Cranberries (Chopped) Provides tartness; substitute with raisins or dried cherries.
  • 1 cup White Chocolate Chips Offers sweetness; omit for less sweetness.
  • 1/2 cup Chopped Pecans or Walnuts Adds crunch; omit for nut-free variation.
For the Glaze
  • 1 cup Powdered Sugar For drizzling; adjust sweetness as needed.
  • 2 tablespoons Orange Juice To make the glaze.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking sheets
  • electric mixer
  • spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
  3. Add in the egg, orange juice, and zest. Mix on low speed until just combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to wet ingredients.
  5. Fold in chopped cranberries, white chocolate chips, and nuts gently.
  6. Scoop portions of dough, roll into balls, and place on baking sheets.
  7. Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden.
  8. Let cookies cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Drizzle with orange glaze.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookieCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 1gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 80mgPotassium: 50mgSugar: 10gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

These cookies can be prepared ahead of time and even frozen for later enjoyment. Adjust the amount of sugar in the glaze to achieve your desired sweetness.

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