Imagine the nostalgic flavors of a campfire s’more combined with the rich, nutty goodness of a peanut butter cookie. These Gooey S’mores Sandwich Peanut Butter Cookies bring together the best of both worlds, offering a delightful treat that’s perfect year-round. Whether you’re reminiscing about summer nights or seeking comfort during colder months, these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Drawing from your love for peanut butter treats (like the Peanut Butter Banana Cookies ) and s’mores-inspired desserts (like the S’mores Sandwich Cookies), these cookies are a must-try. Let’s bake some gooey goodness!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All-Season Delight: Perfect for any time of the year, bringing warmth and comfort with every bite.
- Simple Ingredients: Utilizes pantry staples, making it easy to whip up whenever the craving strikes.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in 25 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Decadent Filling: Combines marshmallow fluff, creamy peanut butter, and melted chocolate for a gooey center.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with your favorite nut butters or chocolate varieties.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for gatherings, bake sales, or as a thoughtful homemade gift.
Gooey S’mores Sandwich Peanut Butter Cookies
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Spatula
- Microwave-safe bowl (for melting chocolate)
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup marshmallow fluff
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter warmed
- ½ cup milk chocolate chips melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, cream together 🥜 peanut butter, 🧈 butter, 🍚 granulated sugar, and 🍯 brown sugar until smooth.
- Add 🥚 egg and 🍦 vanilla, mixing until combined. Stir in 🌾 flour, 🧂 baking powder, and 🧂 salt.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls, place on baking sheet, and flatten gently with a fork in a crisscross pattern.
- Bake for 10 minutes until golden. Cool on wire rack.
- Once cookies are cooled, spread 🍬 marshmallow fluff on one cookie, drizzle with 🥜 warmed peanut butter and 🍫 melted chocolate.
- Sandwich with another cookie and press gently. Let set before serving.
What you will need + Helpful Substitutions
For the Cookies:
- 1½ cups creamy peanut butter: Provides the base flavor and texture. Substitute with almond or cashew butter for a different nutty profile.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness. If using salted butter, reduce added salt accordingly.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Contributes to the cookie’s sweetness and crisp edges.
- ½ cup packed brown sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of molasses flavor.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together. For an egg-free version, consider using a flaxseed egg.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances overall flavor.
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure. For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- ¾ tsp baking powder: Leavens the cookies, making them light and tender.
- ¼ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness.
For the Marshmallow Filling:
- 1 cup marshmallow fluff: Creates the gooey center. Homemade marshmallow fluff can be used as an alternative.
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter, warmed: Adds a nutty layer to the filling.
- ½ cup milk chocolate chips, melted: Provides a sweet, chocolaty drizzle. Dark or semi-sweet chocolate can be used for a richer flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Cookie Dough:
- In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten each ball gently with a fork, creating a crisscross pattern.
- Bake:
- Bake the cookies for 10 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
- Remove from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 20-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth.
- Warm the peanut butter slightly to make it easier to drizzle
- Assemble the Sandwich Cookies:
- Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread a layer of marshmallow fluff on the flat side of half the cookies.
- Drizzle the warmed peanut butter over the marshmallow layer, followed by the melted chocolate.
- Top each with another cookie, pressing gently to create a sandwich.
Filling and Sandwiching Tips
- Even Layers: Use a piping bag or a small spoon to apply the fillings evenly.
- Avoid Overfilling: Too much filling can cause the cookies to slide apart.
- Chill Before Serving: Placing the assembled cookies in the refrigerator for 15 minutes can help set the filling.
Creative Variations & Flavor Twists
Want to jazz up your batch of sandwich peanut butter cookies? Try these variations:
- Nutty Overload: Add crushed roasted peanuts into the dough or sprinkle some over the marshmallow before sandwiching.
- Salted Caramel Drizzle: Skip the chocolate and drizzle salted caramel over the marshmallow layer.
- S’mores Stack: Layer graham cracker crumbs into the marshmallow filling for that classic crunch.
Baking Science Behind the Texture
Let’s geek out for a moment. Why are these cookies so irresistible?
- Fat-to-flour ratio: The combination of peanut butter and butter ensures a soft yet structured cookie. Too much fat would lead to spreading; too little would dry them out.
- Sugar blend: White sugar gives a slight crispness, while brown sugar keeps them moist and adds depth.
- Baking powder vs. soda: Baking powder is milder, which allows the cookies to puff gently without overly browning.
Storage, Make-Ahead Advice, and Freezing
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.
- Make-Ahead: The cookie dough can be prepared and refrigerated up to 2 days in advance. Allow it to come to room temperature before baking.
- Freezing: Both the baked cookies and the assembled sandwich cookies can be frozen. Wrap them individually and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Presentation Ideas
Your cookies deserve the spotlight! Here’s how to serve them with flair:
- Holiday Ready: Add colored sprinkles or crushed peppermint to the chocolate drizzle for Christmas flair.
- Picnic Style: Wrap each sandwich in parchment and tie with twine for an Instagram-worthy treat.
- Party Platter: Stack cookies on a tiered dessert stand with mini marshmallows and chocolate chunks scattered around for decoration.
Make It a Gift
Want to brighten someone’s day? These cookies make wonderful edible gifts:
- Pack them in cellophane bags tied with rustic ribbon.
- Layer in mason jars with chocolate drizzle visible on the side.
- Add a cute tag: “Baked with love and gooey goodness.”
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Bakers
Pressed for time but still want that home-baked cookie magic?
- Pre-Make Dough: Shape the dough into balls and freeze them. Just bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes.
- Assembly Line Filling: Have all components ready—fluff, melted chocolate, and peanut butter in piping bags—for smooth sandwiching.
- Kid-Friendly Zone: This is a great recipe to make with kids. Let them assemble their own sandwiches and decorate with sprinkles or crushed graham crackers.
What to Serve with These sandwich peanut butter cookies
- Beverages: Pair with a glass of cold milk, hot cocoa, or a cup of coffee.
- Vanilla Bean Milkshake: A cool, creamy shake complements the cookie’s rich flavor.
- Peanut Butter Milkshake: Decadent, nutty match.
- Dessert Platter: Include them in a dessert spread alongside brownies, fruit tarts, and other cookies.
- Fresh Strawberries: Light, tart complement.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: For an indulgent treat, use the cookies to sandwich a scoop of your favorite ice cream.
Expert Baking Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and egg are at room temperature for a smoother dough.
- Consistent Size: Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform cookie sizes, which promotes even baking.
- Don’t Overbake: Cookies continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven. For soft cookies, remove them when the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Natural peanut butter can be used, but it may affect the texture due to its oil separation. Stir well before using.
Is there a substitute for marshmallow fluff?
You can use homemade marshmallow fluff or softened marshmallows as an alternative.
Can I make gluten-free peanut butter cookies ?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help maintain their shape.
Can you bake peanut butter cookies without pressing them with a fork?
Yes, but the fork press helps flatten the cookies for even baking. Without it, the cookies may bake up thicker and require slightly more time. If you prefer a puffier cookie, skip the fork press and keep an eye on the baking time.
Can you make peanut butter cookie dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Peanut butter cookie dough can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store it tightly wrapped in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze dough balls and bake directly from frozen—just add 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time.
These Gooey S’mores Sandwich Peanut Butter Cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a delightful fusion of flavors that evoke cherished memories and create new ones. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or indulging in a moment of self-care, these cookies are sure to bring joy and satisfaction. Happy baking!
