Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies Recipe
If you are a fan of nostalgic campfire treats but love a twist on classic flavors, this Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies Recipe is going to be your new favorite indulgence. These cookies combine the richness of creamy peanut butter with the gooey sweetness of marshmallows and melted semi-sweet chocolate, all sandwiched between soft, chewy cookies. It’s like having your s’mores fix without the campfire, perfect for any time of year and guaranteed to bring a huge smile with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture for your Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies Recipe. From the comforting nuttiness of peanut butter to the soft melt of marshmallows, every component is essential.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure to the cookie dough.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with a slight crisp edge.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Brings moisture and a deeper caramel flavor.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: For rich creaminess and tenderness.
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient for that nutty, luscious taste.
- 1 large egg, room temperature: Keeps the dough together and adds softness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, aromatic touch.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and become light.
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: For melty, chocolate bursts in every bite.
- 1 cup mini marshmallows: The gooey, fluffy essence of s’mores that everyone loves.
How to Make Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Mix Wet Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it reaches the perfect temperature while you get your dough ready. In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and peanut butter until the mixture is light and fluffy. This fluffy base is key for tender cookies with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined and smooth. The egg acts as a binder for your cookie dough, while the vanilla enhances the sweet and nutty notes, making each bite irresistibly aromatic.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Incorporate
Whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking soda in a separate bowl. Gradually add this dry mix into your wet ingredients, mixing gently to avoid overworking the dough. Overmixing can make cookies tough, so just blend until everything comes together nicely.
Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. These little bits will melt during baking, infusing the cookies with rich chocolate pockets that contrast beautifully with the peanut butter.
Step 5: Scoop and Bake Initial Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone mats. Make sure to space them well apart since the cookies will spread. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn a lovely golden brown while keeping the centers soft and chewy.
Step 6: Add Marshmallows and Bake Again
Once the initial baking is done, press mini marshmallows into the center of each cookie. Return the cookies to the oven for just 1 to 2 minutes more until the marshmallows turn puffy and slightly toasted on top—this step creates the iconic s’mores gooeyness you crave.
Step 7: Assemble the Sandwiches
Allow the cookies to cool slightly but while still warm, pair each marshmallow-topped cookie with another cookie and gently press them together to form the sandwich. This final touch makes eating these cookies a delightfully messy and fun experience.
How to Serve Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Top your sandwich cookies with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate for an extra-special look and taste. Adding a few crushed graham cracker crumbs on top can also enhance the visual appeal and reinforce that classic s’mores flavor.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or hot cocoa. The creamy drinks complement the rich peanut butter and the sweet marshmallow perfectly, creating a cozy dessert combo that’s sure to impress guests or treat yourself after a long day.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering these sandwich cookies in a clear glass jar or a rustic wooden tray with some colorful napkins for an inviting presentation. For a party, arrange them on a tiered dessert stand and garnish the platter with fresh berries or edible flowers to elevate the humble cookie into a festive centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These sandwich cookies keep beautifully at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This lets the flavors meld even more, and the marshmallows stay soft without becoming stale. Just make sure to keep them away from heat or humidity.
Freezing
If you want to keep these treats longer, freeze them by wrapping each sandwich cookie individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen cookies will stay tasty for up to 2 months, perfect for when you need a quick sweet fix.
Reheating
To enjoy the Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies Recipe like fresh-baked, let them thaw at room temperature if frozen, then warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This will soften any hardened marshmallows and refresh the melty chocolate goodness.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful texture contrast with little bits of peanuts throughout the cookie. Just be mindful it might slightly change the overall chewiness of the dough.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make a gluten-free version, try substituting with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, but expect slight changes in texture.
Can I substitute mini marshmallows with regular-sized ones?
Yes, but you may want to cut the regular marshmallows into smaller pieces to ensure even melting and easier cookie sandwich assembly.
Is it necessary to press marshmallows on after the first bake?
Yes, this step melts the marshmallows just enough to become soft and gooey without burning, which is essential for the classic s’mores experience.
How many cookies does this recipe make?
This recipe yields about 12 sandwich cookies, perfect for sharing or enjoying over a few days of sweet snacking.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough giving this Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies Recipe a try. It’s a comforting blend of beloved flavors that come together effortlessly to create a treat your family and friends will rave about. Whether for a casual afternoon snack or a fun dessert, these cookies promise a warm hug of sweetness with every bite.
Print
Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Delightfully rich and gooey Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies combining the classic flavors of peanut butter, chocolate, and marshmallows wrapped in a soft, chewy cookie. Perfect for a nostalgic treat or sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Topping
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the cookies.
- Cream Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and creamy peanut butter until the mixture is light and fluffy, which incorporates air and creates a tender cookie texture.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined and smooth, ensuring even distribution of flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking soda, then gradually add this to the wet ingredients, stirring gently to avoid overmixing, which can make the cookies tough.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly into the dough for delicious chocolate bursts.
- Scoop the Dough: Using a tablespoon, scoop out dough portions onto lined baking sheets, spacing them apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake First Stage: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden brown but the centers remain soft, indicating the perfect bake without drying out.
- Add Marshmallows: Remove the cookies from the oven and gently press mini marshmallows into the center of each cookie, then return them to the oven for an additional 1-2 minutes until the marshmallows puff up and become gooey.
- Cool and Assemble: Allow the cookies to cool slightly before sandwiching two cookies together to create the perfect peanut butter s’mores sandwich cookie.
Notes
- Use room temperature egg and butter for better mixing and texture.
- Spacing dough portions apart helps cookies bake evenly without merging.
- Press marshmallows gently to avoid them melting off the cookie.
- For extra gooeyness, serve the cookies slightly warm.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American