Ultimate Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies: Loaded with Chocolate & Candy
Prepare yourself for an extraordinary baking adventure! These Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies are truly a cut above the rest, designed to be colossal, incredibly chewy, and absolutely bursting with the quintessential flavor combination of peanut butter and chocolate. Each magnificent cookie is generously studded with a delightful assortment of classic Reese’s Pieces, rich peanut butter chips, decadent chocolate chips, and delightful Reese’s Mini Peanut Butter Cups. This recipe promises an intensely satisfying experience for every enthusiast who adores the timeless blend of sweet and savory peanut butter complemented by luscious chocolate.
If your heart beats for the harmonious taste of classic peanut butter and chocolate, then these jumbo peanut butter cookies are destined to become your new favorite indulgence. Crafted entirely from scratch, this recipe is surprisingly straightforward and remarkably quick to pull together, making it an ideal choice for both seasoned bakers and beginners. Forget those smaller, often unsatisfying cookies – these impressive giants are meticulously designed to impress and delight with every single bite. We’re confident that this recipe will quickly earn its place as your most cherished, go-to cookie recipe, perfect for any occasion that calls for a truly spectacular treat.
Embracing the “Giant” Cookie Trend: Why Size Matters!
We’ve affectionately dubbed these cookies “giant” for a very good reason: their impressive size! They easily outweigh and surpass the dimensions of any regular-sized cookie you’d typically encounter, often sprawling to the approximate size of your palm, or even larger. In our kitchen, the allure of crafting and enjoying larger cookies has grown immensely over time. There’s something uniquely satisfying about a more substantial treat, providing a longer-lasting indulgence. However, no matter the size, nothing truly compares to the rich, classic taste of peanut butter perfectly balanced with decadent chocolate. The ultimate way to elevate such a beloved flavor combination is to extend the enjoyment, and that’s precisely what we’ve accomplished by significantly increasing the cookie size. Each generously sized cookie offers a delightful journey through various textures and intense flavors, ensuring every bite is as exciting and rewarding as the very first.
These oversized delights aren’t merely about their impressive stature; they represent a truly indulgent experience. The lavish amount of mix-ins guarantees a concentrated burst of Reese’s candies, chocolate, and peanut butter goodness in every single bite. They are perfectly suited for sharing with friends and family (though you might find yourself wanting to keep them all!) or for those moments when a standard cookie simply won’t fulfill your craving. Furthermore, taking the time to make them from scratch ensures a level of freshness, quality, and homemade love that store-bought alternatives simply cannot replicate. Get ready to enjoy a cookie experience like no other!
Gathering Your Essential Ingredients for the Best Giant Peanut Butter Cookies
To craft these magnificent Reese’s Peanut Butter cookies, you’ll need a selection of high-quality ingredients that work together harmoniously to achieve their irresistible taste and perfect texture. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and the vital role each component plays in creating these extraordinary treats:
- Unsalted Butter: You will need ½ cup (which is one stick) of unsalted butter, ideally softened to room temperature. Butter is fundamental for providing richness, contributing to the cookie’s tender texture, and effectively carrying all the delightful flavors throughout the dough. Opting for unsalted butter allows you precise control over the overall saltiness of your cookies.
- Sugars: A strategic blend of ¾ cup of packed light brown sugar and ¼ cup of granulated white sugar is absolutely crucial. Brown sugar is the secret to a wonderfully chewy texture and imparts a deeper, molasses-like flavor, while granulated white sugar ensures the cookies are perfectly sweet and contributes to a subtle crispness around the edges. This combination creates the ideal balance of sweetness and chewiness.
- Large Egg: Just 1 large egg serves as the primary binding agent, effectively holding the dough together and introducing essential moisture. It also plays a significant role in developing the rich, tender crumb that makes these cookies so delightful.
- Vanilla Extract: A teaspoon of pure vanilla extract is not to be underestimated; it expertly elevates and harmonizes all the other flavors, adding a warm, aromatic depth that is absolutely essential for a truly delicious homemade cookie. Please, do not skip this vital ingredient!
- Peanut Butter: To achieve that intense, unmistakable peanut butter flavor that defines these cookies, you’ll incorporate ½ cup of your favorite creamy peanut butter. It is important to use a classic, shelf-stable variety (such as Jif or Skippy) rather than natural, oil-separated peanut butter, as the latter can unpredictably alter the cookie’s desired texture.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundational structure of your cookie dough is provided by 2 cups of all-purpose flour. This component provides the necessary framework for the cookies to maintain their impressive size and shape while developing their characteristic chewy quality.
- Salt: A mere ½ teaspoon of salt might seem insignificant, but it is incredibly vital for balancing the sweetness and naturally enhancing all the intricate flavors within the dough. It thoughtfully brings out the very best in both the peanut butter and chocolate notes.
- Baking Powder: As a crucial leavening agent, ½ teaspoon of baking powder is solely responsible for helping these magnificent cookies puff up beautifully during baking. This contributes significantly to their soft, slightly cakey interior while ensuring they retain a wonderfully chewy edge.
- Candies & Chips: This is where the signature “Reese’s” magic truly comes alive and makes these cookies unforgettable! You will need a generous 1 ¼ cups each of high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips, decadent peanut butter chips, and vibrant Reese’s Pieces candy. To elevate the indulgence even further, we add 1 cup of Reese’s Mini Peanut Butter Cups. This abundant mix-in strategy guarantees an explosion of rich peanut butter and satisfying chocolate in every single, glorious bite.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Irresistible Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies
Creating these enormous, flavor-packed Reese’s Peanut Butter cookies is a surprisingly straightforward and immensely enjoyable process. Follow these detailed steps meticulously to ensure your cookies emerge from the oven perfectly soft, delightfully chewy, and abundantly loaded with deliciousness:
- Cream Together Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, combine the softened unsalted butter with both the brown sugar and granulated white sugar. Beat them together on medium speed for approximately 2-3 minutes, until the mixture becomes wonderfully light, fluffy, and visibly pale in color. This initial creaming step is absolutely crucial for incorporating air and achieving the desired cookie texture.
- Incorporate Flavorful Additions: Reduce the mixer speed to low. Add the large egg and beat until it is just fully combined into the mixture. Then, add the vanilla extract and the creamy peanut butter. Continue mixing until all these wet ingredients are thoroughly incorporated and the mixture is smooth and uniform. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly blended.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. This ensures that the leavening and seasoning are evenly distributed throughout the dry mixture.
- Integrate Dry into Wet: Gradually add the whisked dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in the large bowl. Mix on low speed just until they are combined. It’s imperative not to overmix at this stage, as excessive mixing can lead to gluten development, resulting in tough cookies. The dough will be quite thick and may appear crumbly, which is precisely the correct consistency.
- First Round of Candies: Now for the first layer of delicious mix-ins! Add ¼ cup each of the semi-sweet chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and Reese’s Pieces to the dough. Using a sturdy spatula or even your clean hands, gently fold these candies and chips into the dough until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Form the Giant Cookie Balls: Divide the robust cookie dough into 6 equal-sized portions. Each portion will be notably large, signifying the “giant” nature of these cookies. Roll each portion into a smooth, substantial ball. Don’t be concerned if they seem enormous – that’s exactly the impressive size we’re aiming for!
- Load with Remaining Candies: Take the remaining chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, Reese’s Mini Peanut Butter Cups, and Reese’s Pieces. Generously press these extra goodies all over the tops and sides of each cookie dough ball. This step is not just for aesthetic appeal; it ensures that every surface of the cookie is packed with incredible flavor and candy, creating those beautifully bumpy, irresistible exteriors.
- Crucial Chilling Step: This step is absolutely non-negotiable for achieving the best possible results! Place the formed cookie dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring ample space between them. Refrigerate them for a minimum of 30 minutes. Chilling allows the butter to firm up, which significantly prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven and helps them maintain their impressive thickness and desirable chewiness. This chilling period also allows the flavors to deepen and meld, enhancing the overall taste.
- Preheat Oven: While your cookies are happily chilling, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Prepare a clean baking sheet by lining it with fresh parchment paper; this prevents sticking and promotes even baking.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Carefully arrange the chilled cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring you leave generous space between each cookie, as they will spread during baking. Bake your cookies for approximately 18 minutes. The edges should appear set and lightly golden brown, but the centers may still look slightly soft. This is the perfect indication that they will be wonderfully chewy inside.
- Cool and Savor: Once baked, carefully remove the cookies from the oven. Allow them to cool on the hot cookie sheet for a critical 5 minutes. This resting period helps them to set properly and prevents them from crumbling when transferred. After 5 minutes, gently transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. The anticipation will undoubtedly be worth the wait! Finally, enjoy these magnificent, flavor-packed Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies
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Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated white sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 ¼ cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 ¼ cups peanut butter chips
- 1 ¼ cups Reese’s Pieces candy
- 1 cup Reese’s Mini Peanut Butter Cups
Instructions
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and both sugars (brown and granulated white) until light and fluffy. Beat in the large egg, vanilla extract, and creamy peanut butter until well combined.
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Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined. The dough will be thick and appear quite crumbly; do not overmix.
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Add ¼ cup of the semisweet chocolate chips, ¼ cup of the peanut butter chips, and ¼ cup of the Reese’s Pieces candy. Gently stir these into the dough until evenly distributed.
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Divide the cookie dough into 6 equal, large portions. Roll each portion into a firm ball.
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Press the remaining chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, Reese’s Mini Peanut Butter Cups, and Reese’s Pieces generously all over the top and sides of each cookie dough ball. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is essential!
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Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
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Bake the chilled cookies for 18 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden, and the centers may still appear slightly soft. Let them cool on the cookie sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your glorious giant cookies!
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Optimal Storage: How Long Do Peanut Butter Cookies Stay Fresh?
These incredibly delicious giant Reese’s Peanut Butter cookies are undeniably at their absolute best when enjoyed fresh, straight from the oven. However, they are remarkably resilient and will maintain their wonderful taste and desirable texture for a good few days if stored correctly. You’ll find them still tasting fantastic up to 3 days after baking. For optimal freshness, to prevent them from becoming stale, and to preserve their soft and chewy quality, it is absolutely crucial to store them properly in an airtight container at room temperature. This protective environment ensures they remain moist and flavorful.
If, by some miracle, you find yourself with leftover cookies that you can’t possibly devour within a week (though we highly doubt that will be an issue!), your best solution is to freeze them. Freezing cookies extends their shelf life significantly, allowing you to enjoy them weeks or even months later, ensuring that no deliciousness goes to waste. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw them at room temperature for an hour or two, or warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds to recapture that delightful, just-baked warmth and softness.
The Non-Negotiable Step: Why Chilling Cookie Dough is Essential
While patience might not always be a virtue when delicious cookies are involved, we strongly advise against skipping the chilling step in this recipe – it’s not merely a suggestion; it’s a critical process that yields truly superior results. Here’s an in-depth look at why that dedicated time in the refrigerator is so important for perfect Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies:
- Prevents Excessive Spreading: This is arguably the most crucial reason to chill cookie dough. When the dough is cold, the butter and other fats within it firm up. As the cold dough enters a hot oven, the butter melts much more slowly. This slower melting process prevents the cookies from spreading too rapidly and too much, which is a common issue with unchilled dough. The result? Thicker, chewier cookies that hold their impressive shape beautifully, instead of turning into flat, thin, and often crispy discs.
- Deepens and Develops Flavor: As the cookie dough chills, the flour has ample time to fully absorb the moisture from the wet ingredients. This extended hydration process leads to a more concentrated, complex, and harmonious flavor profile. The sugars also get more time to fully dissolve into the dough, which contributes to a more uniform sweetness and a richer overall taste. This resting period truly allows the distinctive peanut butter and chocolate flavors to meld and intensify.
- Improves Texture Dramatically: Chilling contributes significantly to achieving that coveted chewy texture. Cookies baked from properly chilled dough tend to boast a delightful soft, tender interior with perfectly crisp edges, offering a stark and pleasing contrast to the often cakey or crumbly texture that can result from baking unchilled dough. It creates that ideal balance we all crave in a homemade cookie.
- Makes Dough Easier to Handle: From a practical standpoint, cold dough is considerably less sticky and much easier to work with. This is particularly beneficial when you’re forming these large, giant cookie balls and pressing in generous amounts of extra candies. The firmer dough makes the entire preparation process smoother, less messy, and ultimately more enjoyable.
In essence, choosing to bypass the chilling time means your cookies will very likely spread more than intended, diminishing their impressive “giant” thickness, and they will unfortunately lack the same rich, developed flavor and the ideal chewy texture. That additional 30 minutes (or even longer!) in the fridge is a small, worthwhile investment for a truly superior, professional-quality Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookie experience that will delight every single time.
Explore More Irresistible Peanut Butter Cookie Recipes
If you’ve fallen head over heels for the magical combination of peanut butter and chocolate, then you’re absolutely in luck! There’s an entire world of delightful peanut butter cookie recipes just waiting to be explored and savored. Here are some of our other cherished creations that expertly celebrate this beloved flavor pairing, offering a variety of textures and twists for every palate:
- REESE’S CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES
- BEST CHOCOLATE CHIP PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES
- REESE’S PEANUT BUTTER CORNFLAKE COOKIES
- PEANUT BUTTER CHIP CHOCOLATE COOKIES
- REESE’S CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES
- PEANUT BUTTER OATMEAL CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES
- LOADED REESE’S COOKIES
- PEANUT BUTTER KETO COOKIES
- REESE’S PEANUT BUTTER PUDDING COOKIES
- CAKE MIX PEANUT BUTTER BLOSSOMS
- REESE’S CHOCOLATE COOKIE CUPS
- BUTTERFINGER PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES
- CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER CAKE MIX COOKIES
- PEANUT BUTTER SANDWICH COOKIES
The unbeatable combination of peanut butter and chocolate truly stands as a definition of ultimate comfort food, and in these magnificent giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies, you get to savor this divine pairing for a longer, more intensely gratifying experience. Made from scratch with meticulous care and a touch of love, this recipe promises a delightful culinary journey from the moment you catch the first enticing aroma wafting from your oven to the very last, satisfying bite. It’s more than just a cookie; it’s a moment of pure bliss that is sure to become a cherished favorite and a delicious tradition in your home.
Baking, for us, is often so much more than simply following a recipe; it’s a cherished ritual about creating lasting memories and sharing immeasurable joy with loved ones. I distinctly recall a summer not too long ago when three of my five energetic children were away at various overnight camps. This delightful situation left my two youngest children with the rare and luxurious privilege of having their own rooms for an entire week! You might immediately think, “Score!” for them, right? Well, not quite. The peculiar reality of being kid #4 or #5 in a bustling household is that you’re simply not accustomed to the quiet, or to being truly alone—ever! So, it took only about an hour or so, perhaps a little more, before these two little ones, unaccustomed to the unexpected solitude and quiet of their own rooms, promptly decided they needed to bunk with me. Thankfully, they were thoughtful enough to bring their own tiny beds, which swiftly transformed my room into a cozy, week-long slumber party, filled with endless giggles, whispered secrets, and the comforting presence of togetherness. It was a sweet, heartwarming reminder that even in moments of unexpected quiet, the profound connection and genuine comfort of family are what truly matter most. And what, you might ask, could possibly be a better way to enhance and celebrate those cherished family moments than with warm, incredibly satisfying homemade cookies? These giant Reese’s Peanut Butter cookies, in particular, are absolutely perfect for bringing everyone together, igniting smiles, and making those everyday family memories just a little bit sweeter, a whole lot more delicious, and undeniably unforgettable.
