As I strolled through the vibrant aisles of my local grocery store, the first sight of colorful Peeps brought me back to cherished childhood memories of Easter egg hunts and family gatherings. This year, I’m marrying that nostalgia with a touch of gourmet flair through my Giant Chocolate Chip Peep Stuffed Easter Cookies! Not only are these cookies a show-stopper for your festive celebrations, but they are also customizable to match your favorite colors and flavors. With their thick, chewy texture and gooey marshmallow surprise, these cookies are sure to delight friends and family alike. Plus, they come together quickly—making them a perfect solution for any last-minute gatherings. So, who’s ready to whip up a batch of these whimsical treats and make some new memories this Easter?
Why are these cookies a must-bake?
Nostalgic Delight: These Giant Chocolate Chip Peep Stuffed Easter Cookies evoke childhood memories with every bite. Customizable Fun: Personalize your cookies with different colored Peeps or chocolate varieties, ensuring every batch is unique! Whimsical Presentation: The vibrant colors and festive sprinkles make them a hit at any gathering. Quick and Easy: Coming together in a snap, they’re an ideal choice for last-minute baking. Chewy and Gooey: Thick, chewy cookies paired with a soft, marshmallow surprise create an irresistible texture that everyone will love. Treat yourself and explore more sweet ideas, like these Chocolate Chip Peanut delights for a different twist!
Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie Ingredients
For the Dough
• Unsalted Butter – Gives richness and moisture; ensure it’s at room temperature for the best results.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cookies and promotes a nice, crisp edge.
• Brown Sugar – Adds chewiness and moisture for that delightful texture.
• Large Eggs – Helps bind everything together; use room temperature for smoother mixing.
• Vanilla Extract – Elevates the overall flavor, making each bite even more delicious.
• Baking Soda – A leavening agent that ensures the cookies rise properly.
• Baking Powder – Works in tandem with baking soda for additional fluffiness.
• Cornstarch – Softens the texture and helps achieve a thicker cookie; prevents toughness.
• Salt – Balances out the sweetness and enhances the flavor profile.
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides the necessary structure for your cookies.
For the Mix-Ins
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Adds an indulgent chocolate flavor; feel free to swap with white chocolate or dark chocolate.
• Easter Sprinkles – Fun and festive, these add visual flair to your creation.
• Peep Brand Easter Marshmallows – The gooey surprise inside; you can replace them with large flavored marshmallows if you prefer.
These Giant Chocolate Chip cookies, with their fun marshmallow center, are sure to brighten your family gatherings this Easter!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Giant Chocolate Chip Peep Stuffed Easter Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a stand mixer, beat 1 cup of unsalted butter with ¾ cup granulated sugar and ¾ cup brown sugar on medium-high for about 5 minutes. You’re looking for a light and fluffy mixture that appears pale in color. This crucial step adds the right texture to your Giant Chocolate Chip cookies, ensuring they’re both chewy and delicious.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
With the mixer on low speed, gradually add in 2 large eggs, ensuring to mix well after each addition to maintain a smooth batter. Then, pour in 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, mixing for an additional 1 minute. This blend will deepen the flavor profile of your Giant Chocolate Chip Peep Stuffed cookies, making them irresistible.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Sift together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients on low speed, mixing until just combined. This step builds the structure in your cookies while keeping them soft and chewy.
Step 4: Fold in Mix-Ins
Gently fold 1 ½ cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips and ½ cup of Easter sprinkles into the dough using a spatula. Mix until the chocolate and sprinkles are evenly distributed throughout the dough. This is a fun step in making your Giant Chocolate Chip Peep Stuffed cookies colorful and festive for Easter celebrations.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Use a 4-ounce cookie scoop to portion the chilled dough, flatten each dough ball slightly, and place a Peep in the center. Carefully wrap the dough around the Peep to create a spherical shape. This ensures that each cookie has a sweet marshmallow surprise hidden inside once baked, adding an exciting element to your Giant Chocolate Chip cookies.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Refrigerate the stuffed dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for at least 2 hours or up to 48 hours. Chilling is crucial for proper baking, helping prevent spreading during the baking process and resulting in wonderfully thick cookies.
Step 7: Preheat and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the dough chills. Prepare baking sheets with parchment paper, then place only 4 cookies per sheet to allow room for expansion. Bake for 14-16 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Your Giant Chocolate Chip Peep Stuffed cookies should look inviting and slightly soft in the center when done.
Step 8: Cool
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking tray for 20-30 minutes so the marshmallow center can set. These cookies will be hot and gooey, so be patient. Once they’ve cooled slightly, transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling completely, revealing their colorful, delightful reveal inside.
Make Ahead Options
These Giant Chocolate Chip Peep Stuffed Easter Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 48 hours in advance, ensuring you save time during your busy schedule. Simply follow the recipe up to the chilling step and refrigerate the shaped stuffed cookie dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This chilling is crucial to maintain their structure and prevent spreading while baking. When you’re ready to enjoy these delightful treats, bake the cookies directly from the fridge. They’ll come out just as delicious, with a gooey marshmallow surprise inside, making your baking experience as joyful and effortless as possible!
Variations & Substitutions for Giant Chocolate Chip
Invite your inner chef to explore playful twists and satisfying swaps for your Giant Chocolate Chip Peep Stuffed Easter Cookies!
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Miniature Peeps: Swap large Peeps for mini versions, adjusting cookie size to about 2 ounces for a quicker bake. These adorable bites pack the same sweet surprise in a convenient size.
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Flavorful Marshmallows: Experiment with flavored marshmallows like strawberry or chocolate for added depth. It’s an easy way to customize each cookie’s personality and flavor profile!
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Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, keeping in mind the texture may vary. This choice lets everyone savor the nostalgic delight, regardless of dietary restrictions.
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Nutty Crunch: Incorporate chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, into the dough for a delightful textural contrast and extra flavor dimension. The nutty bite beautifully complements the chocolate and marshmallow.
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Dairy-Free Delight: Replace butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips to accommodate vegan diets. These swaps don’t compromise taste but offer a compassionate touch.
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Spiced Surprise: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, aromatic flavor that elevates the cookie experience. Hints of spice can add a cozy twist to the classic recipe.
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Hot & Spicy: Mix in a dash of cayenne pepper or chili powder to create a playful balance of heat with the sweetness of the chocolate. Perfect for those adventurous eaters who like a fiery kick!
Looking to explore more scrumptious variations? Try adding festive flair to your desserts with these indulgent Chocolate Chip Peanut treats or get creative with a Pistachio Chocolate Babka. The possibilities are endless!
What to Serve with Giant Chocolate Chip Peep Stuffed Easter Cookies
Indulge your senses and elevate your Easter gathering by pairing these delightful cookies with irresistible side dishes and beverages.
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Ice Cream Sundae: The warm, gooey cookies contrast beautifully with cold vanilla ice cream, creating a deliciously decadent treat.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright, juicy fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi add a refreshing burst that balances the sweetness of the cookies.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of fluffy whipped cream offers a light, airy complement and makes every bite feel extra special.
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Herbal Iced Tea: Cool, refreshing iced tea infused with mint or lemon provides a perfect balance against the cookies’ rich flavors.
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Chocolate Milkshake: Creamy and chocolatey, a milkshake takes a nostalgic turn that pairs wonderfully with the chocolate chip goodness.
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Carrot Cake: Echoing the Easter spirit, a moist carrot cake adds a distinct flavor while keeping the festive theme alive.
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Peep Decorated Cupcakes: Double down on fun with cupcakes adorned with Peeps; it’s a playful way to keep the themed treats going.
Expert Tips for Giant Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Chill Time is Key: Always refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours to prevent spreading. This crucial step keeps your Giant Chocolate Chip cookies thick and perfect.
- Perfectly Wrapped Peeps: When wrapping the Peep in dough, ensure the coverage is thick to avoid any marshmallow blowout during baking.
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh, high-quality chocolate chips and Peeps for the best flavor and texture in your cookies.
- Baking Sheet Spacing: Only place 4 cookies per baking sheet to allow proper expansion and prevent sticking.
- Timing for Warm Cookies: For the ultimate gooey experience, serve your Giant Chocolate Chip cookies warm straight from the oven.
Storage Tips for Giant Chocolate Chip Cookies
Room Temperature: Store baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week to maintain their chewy texture. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Fridge: For longer freshness, you can refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Just make sure they’re fully cooled first!
Freezer: Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months; simply bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. They will come out fresh and gooey!
Reheating: If you want that warm, gooey marshmallow experience again, microwave a cookie for about 10-15 seconds before serving to soften the center.
Giant Chocolate Chip Peep Stuffed Easter Cookies Recipe FAQs
What’s the best way to choose Peeps?
Look for Peeps that are vibrant in color and free from dark spots or hard edges. If they’re fresh, they’ll be soft to the touch and a bit squishy, which makes them perfect for stuffing in cookies. You can also choose themed colors or flavors to match your festive celebrations!
How should I store the baked cookies?
Store your baked Giant Chocolate Chip Peep Stuffed Easter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for about 1 week. To keep them from sticking together, place parchment paper between layers—a little extra care goes a long way in preserving that chewy texture!
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! To freeze your unbaked dough balls, scoop the dough and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, just pop them in the oven directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
What to do if the marshmallows leak during baking?
If you experience marshmallow blowouts, it may mean the dough wasn’t thick enough to contain the filling. Ensure you completely wrap the Peep in dough and shape it into a ball. If they still leak, try chilling the dough longer before baking! It’s the key to maintaining structure and preventing those melty disasters.
Are these cookies suitable for anyone with allergies?
These cookies contain common allergens like gluten, dairy, and eggs. For those with dietary restrictions, you can make gluten-free substitutions with appropriate flour blends or dairy-free versions using plant-based butter and egg replacements. Just be prepared that the texture may vary slightly from the original!
What’s the best way to enjoy these cookies?
For the ultimate experience, serve your Giant Chocolate Chip Peep Stuffed cookies warm! I recommend microwaving them for about 10-15 seconds to melt the marshmallow again, making each bite gooey and delightful. Pair them with a glass of milk or a hot coffee for the perfect treat!
Giant Chocolate Chip Cookies with a Marshmallow Surprise
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a stand mixer, beat 1 cup of unsalted butter with ¾ cup granulated sugar and ¾ cup brown sugar on medium-high for about 5 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add in 2 large eggs and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt.
- Fold in Mix-Ins: Gently fold 1 ½ cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips and ½ cup of Easter sprinkles into the dough.
- Shape the Cookies: Use a 4-ounce cookie scoop to portion the dough, place a Peep in the center, and wrap the dough around it.
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the stuffed dough balls for at least 2 hours or up to 48 hours.
- Preheat and Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 14-16 minutes.
- Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking tray for 20-30 minutes.
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