Indulge in the ultimate treat with these gooey Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies that combine the classic flavors of a campfire favorite with rich, creamy peanut butter. These irresistible cookies feature a perfect balance of chewy peanut butter cookies embracing melted chocolate and fluffy marshmallow fluff. They’re guaranteed to transport you straight to summer nights under the stars, regardless of the season!
The Magic of Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies
There’s something inherently nostalgic about s’mores – that magical combination of graham crackers, chocolate, and toasted marshmallows. Now, imagine elevating this beloved treat by incorporating rich, creamy peanut butter into the mix! These Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies take all the flavors you love about traditional s’mores and transform them into a convenient, handheld delight that doesn’t require a campfire.
The smell when these cookies bake in the oven is absolutely incredible!! The rich aroma of peanut butter wafts through your kitchen, creating an irresistible invitation that’s nearly impossible to decline. Once assembled, these sandwich cookies deliver the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and creamy textures that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
I’ve been perfecting this recipe for years, and I’m thrilled to finally share it with you. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a special treat for your family, or simply satisfying your own sweet tooth, these cookies are guaranteed to impress. Additionally, they make a wonderful gift for friends and neighbors during the holiday season!
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
These Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies aren’t just another dessert – they’re an experience waiting to happen. Here’s why you’ll absolutely fall in love with them:
- Simple Ingredients – You likely have most of these pantry staples already on hand.
- No Flour Needed – That’s right! These peanut butter cookies are naturally gluten-free.
- Quick Preparation – From start to finish, you can have these cookies ready in about 30 minutes.
- Customizable – Easily adapt the recipe to suit your taste preferences.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Prepare the cookies in advance and assemble when ready to serve.
The combination of rich peanut butter, melted chocolate, and fluffy marshmallow creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of chewy cookie exterior and gooey, sweet filling. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be adding them to your regular baking rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For these delectable Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies, gather these simple ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips, melted
- 1 cup marshmallow fluff
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The peanut butter cookie base requires just seven ingredients, while the filling needs only two! The combination creates something truly magical that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
Essential Kitchen Tools
To create these mouthwatering cookies, you’ll need:
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer (hand or stand)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Fork (for creating the classic crisscross pattern)
- Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl (for melting chocolate)
- Cooling rack
- Spatula for spreading
These basic kitchen tools make the process straightforward and enjoyable. No special equipment required!
Possible Substitutions and Additions
One of the best things about these Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies is how versatile they are. Feel free to customize them with these substitutions and additions:
Substitutions:
- Peanut Butter: Swap with almond butter, cashew butter, or sun butter for those with peanut allergies.
- Chocolate Chips: Dark, milk, or white chocolate all work beautifully.
- Marshmallow Fluff: Use mini marshmallows (slightly toasted) for a different texture.
- Sugars: For a less sweet version, reduce the sugar slightly or try coconut sugar.
Exciting Additions:
- Sprinkle crushed graham crackers between the layers for authentic s’mores crunch
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to the cookie dough for warmth
- Mix mini chocolate chips into the cookie dough for extra chocolate flavor
- Drizzle caramel over the marshmallow layer for indulgent caramel s’mores cookies
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the melted chocolate for a sweet-salty contrast
The possibilities are endless! Don’t be afraid to get creative and make these cookies your own.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create the perfect Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat until well incorporated and the mixture becomes lighter in color.
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the peanut butter mixture. Mix thoroughly until the batter becomes smooth and glossy.
Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and stir to combine. The dough should be thick but still slightly sticky.
Roll the dough into small balls, about 1-inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
Using the tines of a fork, press down on each cookie ball to create the classic crisscross pattern and flatten the cookies slightly.
Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are golden brown. Be careful not to overbake – these cookies should remain slightly soft in the center.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the cookies cool, melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth.
To assemble the sandwich cookies, spread a layer of melted chocolate on the flat side of one cookie. Allow it to set slightly for about 1 minute.
Top the chocolate layer with a generous dollop of marshmallow fluff, then sandwich with another cookie, flat side down.
Let the assembled cookies set for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the fillings to stabilize.
The result is a perfect marriage of textures – chewy peanut butter cookies embracing creamy chocolate and pillowy marshmallow. It’s s’mores perfection in every bite!
Perfect Pairings
These Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies are delicious on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with:
- A tall glass of cold milk
- Hot coffee or espresso
- Vanilla ice cream (try making ice cream sandwiches!)
- Hot chocolate for the ultimate cozy treat
- Fresh strawberries for a fruity contrast
For a truly elevated dessert experience, try serving these cookies alongside my Delightful Creamy Crab Dip as part of a larger spread. The contrast between sweet and savory will delight your guests!
Pro Tips for Cookie Success
Follow these expert tips to ensure your Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies turn out perfectly every time:
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your egg is at room temperature for better incorporation into the dough.
Don’t Overmix: Once all ingredients are combined, stop mixing to prevent tough cookies.
Watch Closely While Baking: These cookies can go from perfect to overcooked quickly, so keep an eye on them.
Cooling is Crucial: Allow cookies to cool completely before assembling to prevent the marshmallow fluff from melting.
Assembly Timing: If you assemble too far in advance, the cookies may soften from the moisture in the marshmallow fluff. For best results, assemble within a few hours of serving.
Cookie Size: Keep the cookies uniform in size for even baking and prettier sandwich cookies.
These little details make all the difference between good cookies and great cookies. Take your time and enjoy the process!
Storage Instructions
These Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies can be stored in several ways:
Assembled Cookies: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Cookie Bases: The peanut butter cookies (without filling) can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week, or frozen for up to 3 months.
Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the cookie bases in advance, then assemble with the fillings the day you plan to serve them.
For the freshest experience, I recommend enjoying these cookies within 1-2 days of making them, when the contrast between the chewy cookie and gooey fillings is at its peak!
Did You Know?
S’mores have been a beloved American treat since the early 20th century. The first published recipe appeared in a Girl Scout handbook in 1927, called “Some Mores” – which eventually evolved into the shortened “S’mores” we use today.
By combining this classic campfire treat with the beloved peanut butter cookie, we’re creating a delicious fusion of two American favorites. The addition of peanut butter brings protein and healthy fats to the table, making these cookies slightly more nutritious than traditional s’mores – though they’re still definitely a special treat!
If you enjoy these cookies, you might also love my Delightful Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies for another nostalgic dessert experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful texture to your cookies. Just be aware that the dough might be slightly more difficult to shape.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
This could happen if your peanut butter was particularly oily. Try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking next time.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time for a party?
Yes! Bake the cookies in advance, but assemble them with the fillings no more than a few hours before serving for the best texture.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
The cookies themselves contain no flour and are naturally gluten-free. However, always check your marshmallow fluff and chocolate chip brands to ensure they’re also gluten-free.
Can I freeze these cookies?
The peanut butter cookies freeze wonderfully on their own, but I don’t recommend freezing the assembled sandwich cookies as the texture of the marshmallow fluff will change.
What if I don’t have marshmallow fluff?
You can place a regular marshmallow between the cookies and microwave for 5-10 seconds to create a similar effect. Alternatively, try a thick layer of buttercream frosting for a different but delicious variation.
For a completely different flavor profile but equally delicious recipe, check out my Beef and Cheese Chimichangas when you’re ready for a savory meal after all these sweets!
Time to Indulge!
These Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies represent the perfect marriage of childhood nostalgia and sophisticated flavors. The rich peanut butter cookies provide the ideal canvas for the classic s’mores combination of chocolate and marshmallow, creating a treat that’s impossible to resist.
What makes these cookies truly special is their ability to bring people together. There’s something magical about watching someone take their first bite and seeing their eyes light up with delight. Whether served at a summer barbecue, a cozy winter gathering, or simply as an after-school treat, these cookies never fail to create moments of joy.
I encourage you to give this recipe a try and make it your own! Experiment with different types of nut butters, chocolates, or additional mix-ins. Baking should be fun and personal, and this versatile recipe gives you plenty of room to play.
Don’t forget to share your creations on Pinterest and tag me in your photos – I absolutely love seeing your versions of my recipes!
Nutritional Information (approximate per sandwich cookie):
Calories: 320
Protein: 6g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 30g
Note: Nutritional values are estimates only and may vary based on exact ingredients used.