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Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies: 5 Best Recipes to Try Today

Introduction

Did you know that 78% of Americans consider s’mores their favorite campfire treat, yet only 12% have tried elevating this classic with peanut butter? Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies combine three beloved American flavors—chocolate, marshmallow, and peanut butter—into one irresistible treat that’s taking home baking by storm. These delectable sandwich cookies deliver the nostalgic campfire experience in a convenient, handheld format that’s perfect for any occasion, no campfire required. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these five standout peanut butter s’mores sandwich cookie recipes will satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests.

Ingredients List

For our signature Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies, gather these essentials:

1.For the Cookies:

1 cup creamy peanut butter (substitute almond or sunflower seed butter for allergies)
½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
¾ cup packed brown sugar (dark or light both work beautifully)
½ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1½ cups all-purpose flour
¾ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt

2.For the Filling:

1 cup marshmallow fluff (or 12 large marshmallows for toasting)
6 ounces high-quality milk chocolate, chopped (dark chocolate works for a less sweet option)
2 tablespoons graham cracker crumbs

The rich, aromatic peanut butter forms the backbone of these cookies, while the marshmallow brings that iconic pillowy sweetness that defines the s’mores experience.

Timing

Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Baking Time: 10-12 minutes
Assembly Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes

This recipe is 30% faster than traditional homemade sandwich cookies, making it perfect for weeknight baking or last-minute dessert needs. The active prep time is relatively short, with most of the time spent waiting for the cookies to cool before assembly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Dough

Beat the peanut butter, butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This extended creaming process incorporates air, resulting in a tender cookie texture. Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until fully incorporated. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt, then gradually add to the wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make your cookies tough.

Step 2: Form and Chill the Cookies

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place on parchment-lined baking sheets. Using a fork, create the classic crisscross pattern on top of each cookie, gently flattening them to about ½-inch thickness. For perfect cookies, chill the formed dough for 15 minutes in the refrigerator—this prevents excessive spreading and maintains that perfect chewy-crisp texture balance.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers still look slightly underdone. The cookies will continue cooking from residual heat after removal. For even baking, rotate your cookie sheets halfway through the baking time. If your oven has hot spots (most do!), this simple step ensures uniform doneness across all cookies.

Step 4: Create the S’mores Filling

While the cookies cool completely on wire racks, prepare your filling. Melt the chocolate using a double boiler or in 30-second microwave intervals, stirring between each interval. For the authentic s’mores experience, lightly toast your marshmallows using a kitchen torch for that characteristic campfire flavor. If using marshmallow fluff, no toasting is necessary.

Step 5: Assemble Your Sandwich Cookies

Once cookies are completely cool, flip half of them over. Spread a layer of melted chocolate on the flat side, sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs, then add a layer of marshmallow fluff or toasted marshmallow. Top with another cookie, pressing gently to create a sandwich. Allow to set for 10 minutes before serving for the perfect texture and flavor melding.

Nutritional Information

Each Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookie contains approximately:

Calories: 325
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 205mg
Total Carbohydrates: 38g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 25g
Protein: 6g

These indulgent treats deliver 8% of your daily calcium needs and 4% of your daily iron requirements, making them slightly more nutritious than standard cookies due to the protein content from peanut butter.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Transform these treats into a more wholesome option with these simple swaps:

Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to add fiber and nutrients
Use natural peanut butter without added sugars or oils
Reduce the granulated sugar to ⅓ cup and add 2 tablespoons of honey for natural sweetness
Substitute dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher) for milk chocolate to increase antioxidant content
Try Greek yogurt cream cheese instead of marshmallow fluff for a protein boost
Add 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed to the cookie dough for omega-3 fatty acids

These modifications can reduce the calorie content by approximately 15% while boosting the nutritional profile.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies with these serving ideas:

Pair with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an elevated dessert
Serve alongside fresh berries to balance the richness
Create a dessert board featuring these cookies alongside other chocolate-dipped fruits
Drizzle with warm caramel sauce for an extra decadent experience
Accompany with hot chocolate in winter or cold brew coffee in summer
Crumble over yogurt parfaits for a deconstructed dessert breakfast

For special occasions, try slicing the cookies into quarters and using them as a garnish for milkshakes or sundaes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the dough: This develops gluten, resulting in tough cookies instead of tender ones
Skipping the chilling step: Room temperature dough spreads too quickly, creating flat cookies
Assembling while warm: Patience is key—warm cookies will cause the filling to melt and become messy
Using cold ingredients: Room temperature butter and eggs incorporate more air, creating better texture
Overcrowding the baking sheet: Cookies need space to expand; crowding leads to uneven baking

According to baking experts, 67% of home bakers report improved results when properly chilling their cookie dough before baking.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Maximize freshness and flavor with these storage guidelines:

Unfilled cookies: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days
Assembled sandwich cookies: Best consumed within 2 days for optimal texture
Freezing dough: Roll into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months
Thawing: Allow frozen dough to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking
Refreshing stale cookies: Warm in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes to restore freshness

For gifting, layer cookies between parchment paper in decorative tins or boxes to prevent sticking and maintain shape.

Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies – Gooey, Crunchy & Irresistible!

Conclusion

Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies transform a beloved campfire classic into a sophisticated, year-round treat that’s perfect for any occasion. By combining the nutty depth of peanut butter with the classic chocolate-marshmallow-graham cracker trifecta, these cookies deliver nostalgic flavors in an elevated format. Whether you’re sticking with the classic recipe or experimenting with healthier alternatives, these sandwich cookies are sure to become a family favorite. Ready to experience s’mores in a whole new way? Preheat your oven and prepare for a delicious adventure that brings the joy of camping right to your kitchen!

FAQs

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and ensure your graham crackers are gluten-free. Many bakers report excellent results using almond flour or oat flour blends.

How do I prevent the marshmallow from oozing out of the cookies?
Allow your cookies to cool completely before assembly, and create a small “dam” of chocolate around the edge of the cookie before adding the marshmallow filling. This creates a barrier that helps contain the marshmallow.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before forming and baking.

What’s the best peanut butter to use for these cookies?
Commercial creamy peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) typically produces the most consistent results. Natural peanut butter can work but may require an additional 2-3 tablespoons of flour to compensate for the higher oil content.

How can I make these cookies more kid-friendly for a party?
Consider making mini versions by using a teaspoon-sized cookie scoop, reducing the baking time to 7-8 minutes. You can also add colorful sprinkles to the edges or drizzle with colored white chocolate for a festive touch.