Indulge in the Ultimate Comfort: Giant Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Monster Cookies
There’s something uniquely satisfying about a cookie that’s more than just a cookie – it’s an experience. Perhaps it was a spontaneous craving, a sudden urge for something truly substantial, or simply a testament to my ongoing, unabashed peanut butter obsession. Whatever the reason, the decision to bake giant cookies felt less like a choice and more like a delicious destiny. After all, when you’re deeply enamored with peanut butter, a normal-sized treat just doesn’t quite hit the spot. It demands more. It calls for monumental indulgence, a cookie that truly lives up to the magnitude of the craving.
My love affair with peanut butter is hardly a secret, especially if you’ve followed my culinary adventures. Just last week, I shared my recipe for those decadent peanut butter donuts, a testament to this profound devotion. It’s a journey that’s nearing what I affectionately call “the point of no return.” You know, that glorious, inevitable moment when your passion for a particular food escalates beyond all reason and restraint. For me, with peanut butter, it often manifests as a spontaneous encounter between a spoon and a fresh jar, usually while curled up on the couch in my comfiest sweats. It’s a ritual I’ve perfected, especially during those unexpectedly quiet Friday evenings when even my mom has more exciting plans than I do. But enough about my late-night snacking habits; let’s dive into the true star of this post!
Am I alone in thinking that Reese’s Pieces are seriously overlooked in the vast and vibrant candy universe? It feels as though Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, with all their variations, constantly steal the spotlight. Even the tiny, unwrapped mini cups—which, by the way, are ridiculously addictive and disappear within seconds of me getting my hands on them—seem to garner more adoration. Meanwhile, the humble, colorful Reese’s Pieces quietly deliver pure joy, yet they often get the short end of the stick. This is truly baffling, especially when you consider the sheer magic they bring to a recipe like these monster cookies.
It’s no exaggeration to say that these delightful little candies elevate these cookies from merely delicious to utterly drool-worthy. Without them, we’d simply have a batch of classic, albeit still tasty, peanut butter cookies. And don’t get me wrong, I have a deep appreciation for a good old-fashioned peanut butter cookie, especially when it’s thick, chewy, and bursting with rich flavor. But let’s be honest: adding candy makes everything infinitely better. The vibrant orange, yellow, and brown shells, the crunchy exterior yielding to a creamy peanut butter center—it’s a textural and flavor contrast that transforms a great cookie into an unforgettable one. These aren’t just cookies; they’re a celebration of all things peanut butter and candy, designed to bring an extra layer of happiness to your day.
This isn’t just a baking philosophy; it’s a life philosophy. Feeling a bit down after a challenging day? A piece of candy, or better yet, a giant, chewy cookie packed with candy, can truly turn things around. Did that intriguing person from the bar forget to call? No worries, candy understands. Perhaps you pulled a clumsy move and fell up a flight of stairs today? Seriously, don’t even think about it—just grab some CANDY. In my book, candy holds the answer to virtually all of life’s minor (and sometimes major) dilemmas. It’s a simple, sweet comfort that never fails to deliver a moment of pure bliss, providing a much-needed pick-me-up and a reminder that even the smallest pleasures can make a big difference.
And when it comes to experiencing peak candy bliss, there’s one golden rule for these cookies: eat them while they’re still warm. The moment they emerge from the oven, with the Reese’s Pieces just slightly melted and gooey, is pure perfection. Each bite offers a symphony of textures and flavors: the soft, warm, intensely peanut buttery dough, the delightful crunch of the candy shell giving way to its creamy filling, and that incredible melt-in-your-mouth experience. It’s a moment of unparalleled indulgence, a truly heartwarming sensation that makes all the effort worthwhile. Prepare for an explosion of rich, sweet, and utterly comforting goodness with every mouthful.
Seriously, this is the kind of culinary masterpiece that makes me swoon. The thought alone sends me to a happy place.
Ready to experience this ultimate comfort for yourself? These giant Reese’s Pieces peanut butter monster cookies are incredibly easy to make, delivering maximum flavor with minimal fuss. They’re perfect for sharing (if you can bear to part with them!) or for keeping all to yourself for those moments when only an epic cookie will do. Prepare to be amazed by the chewy texture, the rich peanut butter flavor, and the delightful bursts of candy in every bite. This recipe is destined to become a staple in your collection of favorite homemade treats.
Giant Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Monster Cookies
Ingredients for Giant Peanut Butter Monster Cookies
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 ¼ cups dark brown sugar firmly packed
- 1 ¼ cups white sugar
- 1 cup salted butter softened to room temperature
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 15 oz bag of Reese’s Pieces
Instructions for Baking Your Monster Cookies
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Prepare Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150 Celsius). This lower temperature helps ensure the cookies bake evenly without over-browning too quickly, resulting in a perfectly chewy center.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Make sure these are thoroughly combined to ensure even leavening throughout your cookies. Set this mixture aside.
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Cream Wet Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or a large bowl with a hand mixer), combine the dark brown sugar and white sugar. Blend at medium speed until well combined. Add the softened salted butter and continue mixing until the mixture forms a grainy, sandy paste, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is incorporated. Next, beat in the large eggs, creamy peanut butter, and pure vanilla extract. Continue mixing on medium speed until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and perfectly creamy.
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Incorporate Dry into Wet: Gradually add the reserved flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix at a low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Once the dough is just mixed, gently fold in the entire bag of Reese’s Pieces with a wooden spoon or spatula until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. You want those delightful candies in every bite!
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Bake the Giant Cookies: Drop generous balls of cookie dough onto ungreased cookie sheets. Each ball should be approximately the size of your palm to achieve that “monster cookie” status. I typically fit about 6 large dough balls onto each large baking sheet, allowing plenty of space for them to spread. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers still look slightly soft. This ensures a chewy interior. Transfer the warm, baked cookies to wire racks to cool completely.
There you have it—a recipe for pure joy, baked into gigantic, irresistible cookies. Whether you’re fighting off a bad day, celebrating a small victory, or simply indulging in a moment of sweet solitude, these Peanut Butter Monster Cookies are your ultimate companion. Their chewy texture, intense peanut butter flavor, and the delightful surprise of melted Reese’s Pieces in every bite make them truly unforgettable. Don’t forget to enjoy them warm for that ultimate gooey experience, perhaps paired with a cold glass of milk, just like the recipe suggests. They store well in an airtight container at room temperature for several days, but honestly, they rarely last that long. Go ahead, treat yourself to a batch of these magnificent cookies, and let the candy philosophy work its magic!