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These peanut butter s'mores sandwich cookies were created during a rainy summer day when traditional campfire s'mores weren't possible. By combining classic s'mores ingredients with rich peanut butter cookie dough, these treats offer the perfect blend of familiar flavors in an innovative cookie format. The soft-baked cookies maintain their texture for several days, while the decadent filling creates an irresistible combination.
These cookies have proven to be crowd pleasers at gatherings and events. Their irresistible combination of flavors keeps people coming back for more, making them a standout dessert that draws compliments and recipe requests.
Essential Ingredients
- Softened butter - properly room temperature for ideal creaming
- Creamy peanut butter - provides rich flavor throughout
- White sugar - creates crisp cookie edges
- Brown sugar - ensures soft centers and caramel notes
- Large eggs - bind ingredients perfectly
- Pure vanilla extract - enhances overall flavor
- All-purpose flour - gives cookies proper structure
- Graham cracker crumbs - delivers authentic s'mores taste
- Baking soda - provides ideal rise
- Salt - balances sweetness
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Filling Components
- Mini marshmallows - perfect melting size
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips - ideal chocolate balance
- Additional peanut butter - enriches filling texture
Preparation Method
Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper.
Thoroughly cream butter, peanut butter, and both sugars until light and fluffy.
Incorporate eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
Combine dry ingredients in separate bowl for even distribution.
Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet mixture in three additions.
Form walnut-sized dough balls and flatten slightly.
Bake 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
Cool cookies completely before filling.
Melt chocolate chips with peanut butter in microwave, stirring frequently.
Fold in mini marshmallows while mixture is warm.
Once slightly cooled, spread filling between cookie pairs.
Recipe development revealed that finely ground graham cracker crumbs work better than chunks, and mini marshmallows create the ideal filling consistency compared to larger marshmallows cut into pieces.
Serving Suggestions
Serve cookies at room temperature or briefly warmed for 8 seconds in the microwave. They pair excellently with vanilla ice cream for a delightful temperature contrast. For presentation, arrange on a tiered serving plate for an impressive display.
Variations
Consider using crunchy peanut butter for added texture. During holiday season, incorporate peppermint extract into the filling. Alternatively, substitute Nutella for peanut butter in the filling for a hazelnut-chocolate variation.
Storage Instructions
Layer cookies between parchment paper in an airtight container. They maintain freshness at room temperature for 3-4 days. Avoid refrigeration unless necessary, as it hardens the filling. Unbaked cookie dough can be frozen and baked directly from frozen, adding one minute to baking time.
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Multiple test batches have refined this recipe to achieve the perfect balance of peanut butter, chocolate, and marshmallow. The combination has proven so popular that it's become a frequently requested treat for special occasions and everyday enjoyment.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prep these cookies in advance?
- Totally! Bake the cookies 2-3 days before and store them airtight. Put them together with the filling right before you want to eat them, so they stay fresh and perfect.
- → How should I store the finished cookies?
- Keep them in a single airtight layer at room temp for 3 days. If stacking, put parchment paper between layers. You can refrigerate for up to 5 days, but let them warm up before eating for the best taste.
- → Will natural peanut butter work here?
- You can use it, but it might make the cookies and filling feel different. For the best texture, stick with a regular, creamy peanut butter brand, like Jif or Skippy.
- → Any tips for making perfectly round cookies?
- To make them super neat, trim the cookies with a round cutter right after they come out of the oven and are still soft. Or you can roll the dough into balls and flatten them before baking.
- → Can I switch up the ingredients?
- Sure thing! Add some chopped peanuts for crunch or swap out milk chocolate for dark chocolate. You could even try chocolate graham crackers or drizzle some melted chocolate on top for a fancy finish.