If you are a fan of nostalgic campfire treats and crave a delightful twist on classic cookies, the Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies Recipe will become your new go-to indulgence. These cookies are a heavenly blend of rich peanut butter, melty chocolate chips, and gooey mini marshmallows all sandwiched together for a bite that captures the sweet magic of s’mores in every mouthful. Perfectly soft with a little crisp at the edges, they’re a playful way to enjoy s’mores indoors any time of year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple yet essential, each ingredient in this recipe plays a star role in building the flavors and textures that make these cookies unforgettable. From the creamy peanut butter that adds richness, to the mini marshmallows that create that signature gooey s’mores effect, these staples come together harmoniously.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides structure and a tender crumb to the cookies.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a slight crispness on the edges.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Brings a subtle molasses flavor and moisture for chewiness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Contributes creaminess and richness to the dough.
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter: The star flavor that lends a nutty depth and smooth texture.
- 1 large egg, room temperature: Binds ingredients while adding moisture and tenderness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with its warm, sweet aroma.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda: Provides gentle leavening for slight lift and softness.
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Adds melty pockets of rich chocolate throughout.
- 1 cup mini marshmallows: The gooey surprise at the center that mimics classic s’mores.
How to Make Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s at just the right temperature when your dough is ready. Have all your ingredients measured out and at room temperature—especially the butter and egg—to make mixing smoother and more even.
Step 2: Cream the Butter, Sugars, and Peanut Butter
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and creamy peanut butter until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and well combined. This step is crucial for a soft, tender cookie with a delightful texture.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is fully incorporated. These ingredients add moisture, richness, and depth of flavor, helping to bind the dough while keeping the cookies tender.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Fold into Wet
Whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking soda in a separate bowl. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, stirring gently to prevent overmixing. This careful incorporation keeps your cookies tender rather than tough.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Sprinkle in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and fold them evenly throughout the dough. These little pockets of chocolate will melt during baking, giving your cookies that rich, indulgent surprise we all love.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake the Cookies
Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges just start to turn golden but the centers remain soft.
Step 7: Add Mini Marshmallows and Finish Baking
Carefully press mini marshmallows into the center of each cookie. Return them to the oven for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, just enough to puff the marshmallows without letting them burn. This step completes the s’mores magic inside these cookies.
Step 8: Sandwich and Cool
Let the cookies cool slightly until they’re just warm but manageable. Then sandwich pairs together with the gooey marshmallow sides facing each other. The marshmallows will gently stick the cookies together creating that perfect s’mores sandwich effect.
How to Serve Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a fun twist, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the sandwiches before serving. The salt balances the sweetness and enhances the peanut butter flavor wonderfully. You can also roll the edges of the marshmallow filling in crushed graham crackers for an authentic campfire vibe.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a tall glass of cold milk or a warm cup of hot chocolate to complement their rich, nutty, and chocolaty flavors. They also pair brilliantly with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Surprise your guests by arranging the sandwich cookies on a rustic wooden board or colorful platter lined with parchment paper. For parties, tie each cookie sandwich with a piece of twine or a festive ribbon to make them giftable treats everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once fully cooled, place leftover Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for about 3 to 4 days, making them perfect for quick snacking or sharing later.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie sandwiches by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and then storing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly-baked warmth and gooey marshmallow texture, pop a cookie sandwich in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This quick heat-up revives their soft, melty charm without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter will add a delightful crunch and slightly different texture to your cookies. Just keep in mind the dough might be a bit more rustic but will still taste fantastic.
What if I don’t have mini marshmallows?
If mini marshmallows aren’t available, chop regular marshmallows into smaller pieces and press them into the cookies. They’ll melt just as wonderfully and create that iconic gooey center.
Can I make these gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. The texture may vary slightly, but the flavor remains delicious.
Are these cookies suitable for kids?
Yes! Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies are a great treat for kids, combining familiar flavors in a fun and approachable way. Just be sure to check for any peanut allergies before serving.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Definitely. Chopped roasted peanuts or even some crushed graham crackers can be folded into the dough for added texture and crunch. Just be careful not to add too much or it might affect the baking.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly comforting about the combination of peanut butter, chocolate, and marshmallow all in one delightful cookie sandwich. This Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies Recipe brings together the best of campfire memories with the joy of homemade baking, perfect for sharing or savoring solo. I honestly can’t recommend trying these enough—they’re easy to make, fun to eat, and guaranteed to become a favorite in your cookie jar.
Print
Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings (12 sandwich cookies)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in these delightful Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies, combining the classic flavors of creamy peanut butter, gooey marshmallows, and rich chocolate chips within a soft, homemade cookie. Perfect for a crowd-pleasing treat, these cookies are baked to golden perfection with a melty marshmallow center that recreates the cozy campfire s’mores experience right from your oven.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Mix-Ins
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when your dough is prepared, allowing for even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and creamy peanut butter until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process aerates the dough, contributing to a tender cookie texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the room temperature egg and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture ensuring they are well incorporated for a smooth dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently to avoid overworking the dough, which can make cookies tough.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips to evenly distribute the chocolate throughout the cookie dough.
- Form Cookies: Using a tablespoon-sized scoop, drop dollops of dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper, spacing them apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown but the centers remain soft, indicating perfect doneness.
- Add Marshmallows: Remove the cookies briefly from the oven and press mini marshmallows into the center of each cookie. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 1-2 minutes until the marshmallows become puffy and begin to lightly brown.
- Sandwich Cookies: Let the cookies cool slightly so the marshmallows set but are still soft, then sandwich them together in pairs with the marshmallow side facing inward for delicious s’mores-style sandwich cookies.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature ingredients to ensure even mixing and texture.
- Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to keep cookies tender and soft.
- You can substitute creamy peanut butter with natural peanut butter, but the texture may be slightly different.
- Press marshmallows gently to avoid breaking the cookies before the second bake.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep marshmallows soft and fresh for up to 3 days.
