“Every spring, my kitchen transforms into a joyful pastry wonderland as I dive into baking the most whimsical treats. This year, I’m excited to share my Giant Chocolate Chip Peep Stuffed Easter Cookies that combine two beloved childhood favorites—soft, buttery cookies and vibrant, squishy marshmallows! Not only are these cookies a fun way to elevate your Easter celebrations, but they also come together with ease, making them perfect for any home chef looking to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. With each chewy bite revealing a gooey surprise, they’re sure to spark nostalgia and delight among both kids and adults alike. Ready to brighten your dessert table? Let’s hop to it!”
Why are these cookies a must-bake?
Delightful Surprise: Imagine biting into a cookie only to discover a gooey marshmallow center! These Giant Chocolate Chip Peep Stuffed Easter Cookies are a whimsical treat that adds excitement to any dessert table. Easy to Make: The recipe is simple—perfect for bakers of all levels! Colorful and Festive: Easter sprinkles and vibrant Peeps transform these cookies into eye-catching delights. Nostalgic Flavor: Each bite brings back memories of childhood treats, making them a hit with both kids and adults. Versatile Options: You can swap chocolate chips for white chocolate or use a gluten-free blend if needed. Whether you’re serving them alongside fresh strawberries or Cannoli Cookies Bring, they’ll surely be a crowd-pleaser!
Chocolate Chip Peep Stuffed Easter Cookies Ingredients
• Get ready to create an irresistible treat!
For the Cookie Dough
- Unsalted Butter (2 sticks) – Ensures rich flavor and a tender texture; remember to use it at room temperature for optimal mixing.
- Granulated Sugar (½ cup) – Adds sweetness and helps achieve that delightful crispy edge.
- Brown Sugar (¾ cup) – Brings moisture and chewiness thanks to its natural molasses content.
- Large Eggs (2, room temperature) – Acts as a binder while adding moisture; room temperature eggs mix better.
- Vanilla Extract (2 tsp) – Elevates the flavor profile; feel free to choose between pure or imitation varieties.
- Baking Soda (½ tsp) & Baking Powder (½ tsp) – Essential for leavening, ensuring your cookies rise beautifully without becoming too flat.
- Cornstarch (1 tbsp) – Contributes to a soft texture and helps achieve that thick cookie consistency.
- Salt (¾ tsp) – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors throughout.
- All-Purpose Flour (3 cups) – Provides structure to your cookies; for a gluten-free option, substitute with a suitable blend.
For the Sweet Additions
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (2 cups) – Drenches each cookie with bursts of rich chocolate flavor.
- Easter Sprinkles (½ cup) – Adds a fun, colorful touch that makes these cookies perfect for spring celebrations!
- Peep Brand Easter Marshmallows (1 package, 6-8 count) – The magical gooey center that melts during baking; any flavored marshmallows work too!
Dive into this delightful baking adventure and treat yourself and your loved ones to these Chocolate Chip Peep Stuffed Easter Cookies that will create sweet memories!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chocolate Chip Peep Stuffed Easter Cookies
Step 1: Dough Preparation
Begin by creaming together 2 sticks of room temperature unsalted butter, ½ cup granulated sugar, and ¾ cup brown sugar in a stand mixer on medium-high speed. Beat the mixture for about 5 minutes until it appears light and fluffy. Once combined, add 2 large room temperature eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition, followed by 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, mixing for another minute.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, ¾ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of baking powder. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into the wet ingredients in the stand mixer on low speed. Mix just until combined, being careful not to overwork the dough, then gently fold in 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips and ½ cup of Easter sprinkles.
Step 3: Forming Cookies
Next, portion out the dough into 4-ounce rounds, aiming for about 8 cookies total. Flatten each dough ball in the palm of your hand and place a Peep in the center. Carefully wrap the dough around the Peep, ensuring it is completely enclosed. This will create the delightful surprise once baked, maintaining the integrity of the “Chocolate Chip Peep Stuffed Easter Cookies.”
Step 4: Chilling Process
Place the wrapped dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then chill them in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This step is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking, so feel free to chill them for up to 48 hours if needed. While they chill, preheat your oven to 375°F.
Step 5: Baking the Cookies
Once ready to bake, line two baking sheets with parchment paper and arrange 4 cookie dough balls per sheet, giving them ample space to spread. Bake in the preheated oven for 14 to 16 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the centers look slightly set but still soft. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking, as you want that chewy texture.
Step 6: Cooling the Cookies
After baking, remove the trays from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 20 to 30 minutes. This allows the marshmallow center to set while still keeping a gooey texture. Once they’ve cooled slightly, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely, making your Chocolate Chip Peep Stuffed Easter Cookies ready to enjoy!
What to Serve with Giant Chocolate Chip Peep Stuffed Easter Cookies
Indulging in these whimsical cookies is just the beginning of your festive celebrations; let’s explore perfect pairings to create a delightful spread.
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Cold Milk: The classic pairing! A cold glass of milk complements the sweetness and enhances the gooey marshmallow center in each cookie.
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Rich Hot Chocolate: This cozy drink adds a decadent layer to your dessert experience, especially when garnished with whipped cream or marshmallows.
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Fresh Strawberries: Juicy strawberries provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness, and their natural tartness balances the rich chocolate and sugary Peep surprise perfectly.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream by the side makes for a fabulous à la mode twist, creating a delightful fusion of warmth and coolness.
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Lemon Bars: The zesty flavor of lemon bars brings a bright burst of citrus that cuts through the sweetness and adds a festive flair to your dessert table.
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Easter Fruit Salad: Create a cheerful fruit salad with vibrant seasonal fruits like berries, melon, and pineapple to bring freshness and a rainbow of colors.
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Chocolate Milkshake: For an extra indulgent touch, serve these cookies alongside a thick chocolate milkshake for a childhood-inspired treat that will thrill any sweet tooth!
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Sparkling Lemonade: A fizzy, citrusy beverage refreshes your palate and brings a fun, festive sparkle to the occasion, perfect for spring gatherings.
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Coffee: A warm cup of coffee enhances the flavors of the cookies while providing a comforting notes that appeals to adults celebrating alongside the kids.
Chocolate Chip Peep Stuffed Easter Cookies Variations
Feel free to get creative with these delightful cookies and make them your own with these fun twists!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend to ensure everyone can enjoy these treats without worry.
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Flavor Explosion: Swap out semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate or double chocolate for an indulgent treat that truly dazzles.
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Small but Mighty: Use mini Peeps for smaller, bite-sized cookies, perfect for little hands or as a charming addition to your dessert platter.
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Seasonal Surprise: Experiment with different flavored marshmallows, like strawberry or lemon, for a burst of unexpected flavor.
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Nutty Addition: Fold in some chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for a delightful crunch that balances the gooeyness of the marshmallows.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the dough for an unexpected heat that beautifully contrasts the sweetness.
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Layered Delight: Create a sandwich by filling two cookies together around a Peep, and drizzle them with caramel or chocolate for an extra decadent treat!
These variations not only keep your baking exciting but also make these cookies perfect for your seasonal gatherings. If you’re looking for more festive ideas, don’t forget to try out the delightful Pistachio Shortbread Cookies during your celebrations!
Make Ahead Options
These Giant Chocolate Chip Peep Stuffed Easter Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks who want to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the cookie dough and chill it for up to 48 hours in advance, ensuring they remain just as delightful. Simply follow the dough preparation and forming steps, then wrap the dough around the Peeps and refrigerate. When you’re ready to enjoy these treats, preheat your oven and bake them as instructed, which takes only 14-16 minutes. This way, you’ll have fresh, gooey cookies with minimal effort, making your Easter celebrations even sweeter!
How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Chip Peep Stuffed Easter Cookies
- Room Temperature: Keep baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This maintains their soft, chewy texture while preventing them from drying out.
- Fridge: While not necessary, you can store cookies in the fridge for extra freshness, ensuring they remain in a sealed container. They will stay fresh for up to 10 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag, topping with parchment to separate layers. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To enjoy frozen cookies, allow them to thaw at room temperature, then reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that freshly baked feel.
Expert Tips for Chocolate Chip Peep Stuffed Easter Cookies
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Chilling Is Key: Allow the dough to chill for at least 2 hours. This prevents the cookies from spreading too much, helping maintain their shape and the delicious marshmallow surprise inside.
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Always use room temperature butter and eggs. This results in a better texture and ensures that the ingredients blend smoothly, making your dough lighter.
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Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet ones, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the desired soft and chewy Chocolate Chip Peep Stuffed Easter Cookies.
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Watch Your Oven Time: Bake the cookies just until the edges are golden and the centers are soft. Remember, they will continue to cook a bit as they cool on the baking sheet.
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Even Dough Thickness: Make sure the dough is evenly thick around the Peeps. This prevents any “marshmallow blowout” during baking, keeping the gooey center intact.
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Get Creative: Consider using different colored Peeps or adding various chocolates for unique flavors and fun surprises, giving a special twist to your Easter treats!
Chocolate Chip Peep Stuffed Easter Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of butter should I use for these cookies?
Absolutely! For the best results, I recommend using unsalted butter at room temperature. This allows for better aeration, resulting in a tender and rich cookie. Room temperature butter mixes easily with sugars, creating that perfect fluffy texture.
How should I store the baked cookies?
You can keep your baked Chocolate Chip Peep Stuffed Easter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This will help maintain their soft and chewy texture while preventing them from drying out.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes! For freezing, first lay the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze until solid. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer bag, using parchment paper to separate layers. They’ll stay good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature and then reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
What if my cookies spread too much during baking?
Very! If your cookies end up spreading too much, it might be due to warm dough. To avoid this, make sure to chill the dough for at least 2 hours before baking. This step helps maintain their shape and ensures that the gooey marshmallow surprise stays intact.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Absolutely! If you need a gluten-free option, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free one-to-one blend. Also, be sure to check the packaging of the Peeps or any other ingredients for potential allergens, especially if serving to guests with dietary restrictions.
Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
Yes! The cookie dough can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Just make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This is a great way to prepare ahead for your Easter celebrations!
Chocolate Chip Peep Stuffed Easter Cookies for Sweet Celebrations
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by creaming together unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a stand mixer on medium-high speed for about 5 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add large eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition, followed by vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, sift flour, cornstarch, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into the wet ingredients.
- Fold in chocolate chips and Easter sprinkles.
- Portion the dough into 4-ounce rounds, flatten each dough ball, place a Peep in the center, and wrap the dough around it.
- Chill the wrapped dough balls in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F, line baking sheets with parchment paper, and arrange the dough balls on the sheets.
- Bake for 14 to 16 minutes until edges are golden brown and centers look slightly set.
- Let cookies cool on baking sheets for 20 to 30 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
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