Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies: A Decadent Dessert Experience
Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies bring together the nostalgic joy of a classic campfire treat and the rich comfort of a homemade peanut butter cookie. Perfect for holiday trays, summer gatherings, or indulgent weekend baking projects, these cookies balance texture and flavor in a way that’s sure to delight kids and adults alike. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every aspect of the recipe, including techniques, tips, and variations to make these sandwich cookies truly your own.
Introduction to Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies
S’mores are a beloved American classic, typically made with graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows roasted over an open fire. This recipe takes that concept and elevates it with a soft, chewy peanut butter cookie base that replaces the graham crackers, and a marshmallow filling with hints of peanut butter and vanilla. Optional graham cracker coatings and melted chocolate drizzles offer the perfect finishing touch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines classic s’mores flavors with rich peanut butter cookies
- Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
- Can be customized with additional fillings or coatings
- Freezes well for make-ahead convenience
- Perfect for potlucks, bake sales, and gifting
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Peanut Butter Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and a tender texture.
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter: The star flavor, providing nuttiness and moisture.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetness and structure.
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar: Adds depth and softness.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients and helps the cookies rise.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all other flavors.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Leavening agent for slight puff.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavor.
For the Marshmallow Filling:
- 3 cups mini marshmallows: Classic s’mores element.
- 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter: Adds flavor and cohesion.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings out sweetness and aroma.
Optional Coating:
- ½ cup finely crushed graham crackers: Adds a s’mores-inspired crunch.
- ¼ cup melted chocolate: For drizzling over the top.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Dough
Start by creaming the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together in a large mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3–5 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated evenly.
Add in the egg and vanilla extract and beat until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. This step helps solidify the fat in the dough, leading to cookies that hold their shape and develop a richer flavor.
- Shape and Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Using your hands or a cookie scoop, roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a spoon or fork.
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. The centers will appear slightly underdone, but they will continue to cook as they cool. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Marshmallow Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mini marshmallows, peanut butter, and vanilla extract. Stir with a spatula until the marshmallows are evenly coated. If desired, you can gently warm the mixture in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to make it easier to mix.
Alternatively, you can melt the marshmallows in a saucepan with a small amount of butter for a gooier texture. Once melted, stir in the peanut butter and vanilla, then allow the mixture to cool slightly before using it as a filling.
- Assemble the Sandwich Cookies
Once your cookies are fully cooled, begin assembling the sandwich cookies. Take one cookie and place a generous dollop of marshmallow filling on the flat side. Use a spoon or small spatula to spread the mixture evenly. Top with another cookie, flat side down, pressing gently to seal.
Repeat with the remaining cookies and filling until you have a batch of delightful sandwich cookies.
- Optional Finishing Touches
For added visual and textural appeal, you can roll the edges of the sandwich cookies in finely crushed graham crackers. This creates the perfect nod to traditional s’mores. If you’re a fan of chocolate, drizzle melted chocolate over the tops of the cookies using a spoon or piping bag. Let the chocolate set before serving or storing.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Storage: Store the assembled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freezing: Freeze the unassembled cookies in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw before assembling with fresh marshmallow filling.
- Make-Ahead: You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours. Let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before shaping and baking.
Variations and Customizations
- Chocolate Peanut Butter: Add mini chocolate chips to the cookie dough or use chocolate peanut butter for the filling.
- Flavored Marshmallows: Use flavored marshmallows such as strawberry or toasted coconut for a fun twist.
- Nut-Free Version: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or almond butter if allergies are a concern.
- Giant Cookies: Make larger cookies and turn this into a decadent dessert sandwich to be served with a fork and knife.
Baking Tips for Best Results
- Always use room-temperature ingredients for smoother blending.
- Don’t skip chilling the dough—it prevents cookies from overspreading.
- Flatten the dough balls slightly to ensure even baking.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
- Cool completely before adding filling to avoid melting.
Serving Suggestions
These Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies are delightful on their own but can also be served in fun and creative ways:
- With a scoop of ice cream for a cookie sundae
- Packed into lunchboxes or picnic baskets
- As part of a dessert board for entertaining
- Wrapped in cellophane and tied with ribbon for gifting
Conclusion
Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies are a fun, nostalgic, and richly satisfying treat that combines beloved elements of two classic desserts. Whether you’re baking for a special event or simply treating yourself at home, these cookies deliver texture, flavor, and a little bit of whimsy in every bite. With their chewy peanut butter base, gooey marshmallow center, and optional graham cracker and chocolate enhancements, they’re a treat that’s as memorable as it is delicious. Try this recipe once, and it’s sure to become a go-to in your baking rotation.