Sunny stumbled on these peanut butter s’mores sandwich cookies while scrolling Pinterest late one evening, saving dessert ideas she promised herself she would make someday. One photo showed thick peanut butter cookies sandwiched around melted chocolate and marshmallow. She is not an expert baker, yet s’mores flavors always feel familiar and forgiving. Even if the cookies spread a bit too much or the filling oozed out, she knew the result would still taste good. That easy confidence pushed her to try them without overthinking. These peanut butter s’mores sandwich cookies carry that same feeling: nostalgic flavors, simple steps, and results that feel rewarding without stress.
Table of Contents
Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies Overview
What Makes These Cookies Special
Peanut butter s’mores sandwich cookies combine three familiar flavors into one dessert. Soft peanut butter cookies form the base. Chocolate and marshmallow create the filling. When pressed together, the cookies hold warmth and texture in every bite. Unlike classic s’mores, these cookies do not require a fire or special setup. Everything bakes in the oven, which keeps the process simple.
Another reason these cookies stand out is balance. Peanut butter adds richness and saltiness. Chocolate brings depth. Marshmallow softens the bite with sweetness. Because none of the flavors overpower the others, the cookies taste layered rather than heavy. This balance makes them easy to enjoy even after a full meal.
Why Peanut Butter Works with S’mores Flavors
Peanut butter works well with s’mores flavors because it adds structure and contrast. Graham crackers often provide crunch in traditional s’mores, but peanut butter cookies replace that role with softness and depth. The nutty flavor also offsets the sweetness of marshmallow.
Texture plays a role too. Peanut butter cookies stay tender while holding their shape. That structure matters when creating sandwich cookies. The cookies support the filling instead of collapsing, which keeps the dessert neat enough to serve while still feeling indulgent.
Ingredients for Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies
Ingredient List With Measurements
The ingredients below follow verified recipe logic and use US standard measurements.
| Ingredient | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter, softened | 1/2 cup |
| Creamy peanut butter | 1/2 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Brown sugar, packed | 1/2 cup |
| Large egg | 1 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| All-purpose flour | 1 1/4 cups |
| Baking soda | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Milk chocolate bars or chips | 6 ounces |
| Marshmallow fluff or large marshmallows | 1 cup |
These ingredients stay straightforward. Each one supports flavor, texture, or structure without extra complexity.
Ingredient Tips for Best Results
Use creamy peanut butter rather than natural styles. Natural peanut butter often separates and can cause spreading. Creamy peanut butter blends smoothly and bakes more predictably.
Butter should soften fully before mixing. This step helps create an even dough. Brown sugar adds moisture, which keeps the cookies soft. Chocolate bars melt smoothly, but chocolate chips also work. Marshmallow fluff spreads easily, while marshmallows create thicker pockets. Either option works depending on preference.
How to Make Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies
Mixing and Baking the Peanut Butter Cookies
Start by preheating the oven to 350°F and lining baking sheets with parchment paper. In a bowl, cream butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla and mix until combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them on the baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart. Flatten slightly.
Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the edges set but the centers remain soft. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for several minutes before transferring to a rack. Soft centers matter here because they stay tender after sandwiching.
Assembling the S’mores Sandwich Cookies
Once the cookies cool slightly, pair them by size. Place chocolate on the flat side of half the cookies. Add marshmallow fluff or marshmallows on top of the chocolate. Top with the remaining cookies, pressing gently.
For melted filling, return assembled cookies to the oven for 1–2 minutes. This step softens the chocolate and marshmallow just enough to bond the cookies. Remove and let them cool briefly before serving. The filling sets slightly as it rests.
Serving Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies
When and How to Serve Them
Peanut butter s’mores sandwich cookies taste best slightly warm, when the filling stays soft. Serve them as a dessert, party treat, or special weekend bake. Because they feel rich, one cookie often satisfies.
These cookies also work well for sharing. Their size feels generous without being overwhelming. Pair them with milk or coffee to balance sweetness.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to four days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
You can also bake the peanut butter cookies ahead of time and assemble later. This approach works well when preparing for gatherings.
FAQs
Can I use marshmallow fluff instead of marshmallows?
Yes, marshmallow fluff works very well and spreads easily. Marshmallows create thicker pockets, while fluff gives a smoother layer.
Do these cookies need to be served warm?
They taste best slightly warm when the filling is soft, but they are still enjoyable once cooled. The filling firms up as they rest.
Why did my peanut butter cookies spread too much?
This usually happens if the butter was too soft or the peanut butter was natural-style. Use creamy peanut butter and chill the dough briefly if needed.
Can I make the cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the peanut butter cookies a day ahead and assemble the sandwiches just before serving.
What chocolate works best for s’mores sandwich cookies?
Milk chocolate melts smoothly and keeps the classic s’mores flavor, but chocolate chips also work if that’s what you have.
Peanut butter s’mores sandwich cookies bring together nostalgic flavors in a simple, oven-baked dessert. Soft peanut butter cookies hold melted chocolate and marshmallow in a way that feels playful yet familiar. The recipe stays flexible, forgiving, and easy to prepare, which makes it ideal for sharing or casual baking days. When served slightly warm, these cookies deliver comfort, sweetness, and balance in every bite.
Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 6 ounces milk chocolate bars or chocolate chips
- 1 cup marshmallow fluff or large marshmallows
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add egg and vanilla and mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Add dry ingredients to wet mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto baking sheets and flatten slightly.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are set and centers are soft. Cool slightly.
- Place chocolate and marshmallow on the flat side of half the cookies.
- Top with remaining cookies and press gently.
- Return assembled cookies to the oven for 1–2 minutes to soften filling, if desired.