You’ve probably made cookies before, but have you ever made a GIANT cookie? A giant cookie is a perfect sweet treat for a special occasion, such as a birthday celebration or game days.
Not only is it visually stunning, but cutting into it and sharing it with others adds to the enjoyment. And let’s not forget the crispy edges!
Making one at home is pretty simple. A combination of butter, brown sugar and vanilla gives this cookie a classic flavor, while the addition of chocolate chips makes it extra indulgent.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the steps for making a giant cookie that will be the star of any celebration.
What You’ll Need to Make a Giant Cookie
A giant cookie requires:
- Large bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment-lined baking sheet or a silicone baking mat
- Oven
- Timer
- 12″ pan
Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
To make a giant cookie, you will need the following:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
How to Make your Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a baking pan by greasing, spraying with cooking spray, or lining it with baking parchment paper.
Step 2
Place the butter and sugar in a mixing bowl. Cream the ingredients together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until they are light and fluffy.
Step 3
Add the eggs and vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
Step 4
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture and blend until all the flour disappears into the dough.
Step 5
Stir in the chocolate chips well until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6
Press the cookie dough onto the baking pan, forming it into a large, even circle, and bake for 22-25 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
You can also insert a toothpick into the center to check if it comes clean. Note that, because the cookie is so large, baking time may vary.
Step 7
Let the cookie cool in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. To remove the cookie from the pan, use a spatula to lift it onto a cutting board carefully.
Frosting and Decorating your Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie
First, you have the option of using homemade frosting or canned frosting. Both options work well for decorating purposes, it just depends on how much time you have to make homemade frosting.
If using homemade frosting, mix together powdered sugar, butter or shortening, vanilla extract, and milk until desired consistency is reached.
If using canned frosting, simply open the can and either spread with a knife onto the cookie or use frosting sets with different tips to create designs by piping the cookie with swirls of frosting on the edges, you can also add color to frosting to look more fun.
Once your frosting is ready, get creative with decorations! Sprinkles, crushed candy canes, and other small candies all make for great additions.
Allow the frosting to set before serving or packaging. Serve with a scoop of your favorite ice cream for an extra-special treat!
Recipe Variations for your Giant Cookie
For a giant cookie, there are several options for the base. Some bakers prefer traditional chocolate chip cookie dough or cookies with coconut incorporated, while others might opt for peanut butter or oatmeal base.
You can also add mix-ins such as nuts, M&Ms, or dried fruit to the dough before baking. Experiment with different cookie cake flavors to find your favorite combination.
Tips for Storing Cookie Leftovers
Storing the leftovers of a frosted cookie cake includes:
- Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator or freezer.
It’s also important to label the container with the date so you know when it was stored and can track how long it will stay fresh.
Another tip is to cut the leftover unfrosted cookie into smaller portions before storing them, making them easier to grab and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy them again.
Alternatively, consider slicing the cookie and freezing the individual slices for a quick and easy snack later.
FAQs
How Do You Know When Giant Cookies Are Done?
By carefully watching the edges become slightly browned, you will know when giant cookies are ready, and the center appears set and not gooey. You can also insert a toothpick into the center of the cookie, and if it comes out clean, the cookie is finished baking.
What Ingredient Makes a Cookie Rise?
The main ingredient responsible for a cookie’s rise is baking soda or baking powder, which releases carbon dioxide gas as it reacts with other ingredients in the dough. This creates air pockets, causing the cookie to expand and rise while baking.
Should You Chill Cookie Dough Before Baking?
Chilling the dough can help prevent spreading and result in a thicker, more well-defined cookie shape. It can also allow the flavors to meld together for a more refined taste.
However, chilling the dough too long can make it harder to work with and result in a more complex, dense cookie.
Why Do My Cookies Come Out Flat?
There are a few reasons your cookies may appear flat in your 12-inch pan. One possibility is that your oven temperature may be too high, causing the outer edges of the cookie to overcook and lose their lift. You can prevent this by adding leavening agents in your cookie dough, such as baking soda or baking powder.
How Do You Keep Cookies From Spreading Out Too Much?
One way to prevent cookies from spreading too much is by chilling the cookie dough before baking. Chilling the dough helps it firm and hold its shape better during baking.
Another method is to use a smaller amount of butter or shortening in the dough, which can help the cookies have their shape.
Final Thoughts
Baking giant cookies can be a fun baking adventure. Still, it is essential to remember to use proper measurements and oven temperature and to support the cookie with parchment paper or aluminum foil if you’re baking in a sheet pan to prevent it from spreading too much. With these tips in mind, anyone can bake a delicious and impressive homemade cookie cake for a special occasion or fun.
