Fluffernutter Cookies with Peanut Butter and Marshmallow Recipe
If you have a soft spot for peanut butter and a sweet tooth for marshmallow fluff, then you are going to absolutely adore this Fluffernutter Cookies with Peanut Butter and Marshmallow Recipe. Seriously, these cookies take the classic fluffernutter sandwich vibes and turn them into a warm, chewy cookie that melts in your mouth. I’ve made these countless times and each bite feels like a cozy hug with a little extra sweetness. Stick around to learn all the tips and tricks so your batch turns out perfect every time.
Why This Recipe Works
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The peanut butter adds richness while the marshmallow cream keeps the cookies soft and sweet without being overwhelming.
- Soft, Chewy Texture: Thanks to the cornstarch and marshmallow cream, these cookies stay tender and chewy, unlike your typical crunchy peanut butter cookie.
- Easy to Assemble: No complicated piping or frosting—just simple scooping and shaping that anyone can master.
- Family Favorite Every Time: Once I made these for a kids’ party, and they were gone before I knew it—proving how crowd-pleasing they are.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient in the Fluffernutter Cookies with Peanut Butter and Marshmallow Recipe is chosen to complement and support that iconic flavor combo while ensuring soft, tender cookies with a touch of gooeyness. Here’s a quick rundown on why I love each one and a tip or two for picking the best options.
- Unsalted Butter: Helps control the salt level and offers a creamy fat component that balances peanut butter’s intensity—be sure it’s softened for easier mixing.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: Use a good-quality, creamy type for a smooth texture; the peanut butter is the star here, so don’t skimp on quality.
- Granulated and Brown Sugar: The brown sugar adds moisture and chewiness, while granulated sugar provides a bit of structure and sweetness.
- Egg: Binds everything together and adds a hint of richness—room temperature eggs incorporate better.
- Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors, enhancing the sweet and nutty notes.
- Baking Soda & Baking Powder: These leavening agents give the cookies a good rise and lightness; don’t skip either since they work together.
- Salt: Essential for balancing the sweetness and boosting peanut flavor—always use the specified amount for perfect balance.
- Cornstarch: Helps make the cookies soft and tender, preventing them from feeling dense.
- All-Purpose Flour: The base that holds everything together; spoon it into your measuring cup for accuracy, don’t scoop directly.
- Marshmallow Cream/Fluff: Adds that classic fluffernutter gooey center and extra sweetness; not a substitution item here—get the real deal.
Tweak to Your Taste
I love making this Fluffernutter Cookies with Peanut Butter and Marshmallow Recipe my own by switching up a few things depending on my mood or who I’m sharing with. You can easily tailor these cookies whether you like a crunchier texture, more or less sweetness, or need a gluten-free fix.
- Crunchier Variation: For a bit more bite, try adding chopped roasted peanuts or swapping half the all-purpose flour for oat flour—my family loves this twist for texture.
- Less Sweet: Reduce granulated sugar by 1/4 cup and use natural peanut butter with no added sugar; personally, this helps balance the marshmallow’s sweetness.
- Gluten-Free Option: Replace the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend—just watch the dough, adding a splash of milk if it feels too crumbly.
- Seasonal Flair: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg during fall for a cozy vibe that’s extra comforting.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Fluffernutter Cookies with Peanut Butter and Marshmallow Recipe
Step 1: Mix Your Dry Ingredients with Care
Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, salt, cornstarch, baking soda, and baking powder in a medium bowl. This ensures everything’s evenly distributed, helping your cookies rise nicely and stay tender. I always double-check that I didn’t accidentally toss in too much baking soda—believe me, it happens if you’re not careful!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Peanut Butter Thoroughly
Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the softened butter and creamy peanut butter together until smooth and creamy. This is one of the keys to smooth, rich cookies. Getting this mixture perfectly creamy and lump-free takes your cookies to the next level in texture.
Step 3: Add Sugars, Egg, and Vanilla—Beat Until Fluffy
Throw in your granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, then beat everything until the mixture looks fluffy. This step creates air pockets that give your cookies a lighter bite. Plus, you’ll see the mixture change consistency—that’s when you know you’re on the right track.
Step 4: Slowly Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Now, slowly add your flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Don’t overmix! I’ve learned that stopping as soon as it’s combined keeps your cookies tender rather than tough.
Step 5: Chill the Dough for at Least 30 Minutes
Pop your dough into the fridge—you’ll thank me later for this step. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to scoop and shape around that gooey marshmallow center. Plus, it helps the cookies keep their shape and develop deeper flavors.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake Your Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat. Using a scoop or spoon, take about 2 tablespoons of dough, flatten it into a disk, and place a tablespoon of marshmallow cream right in the center. Gently wrap the dough around the fluff and roll it into a ball. Place each cookie on the tray spaced apart. Bake for 10 minutes—watch the edges for light golden brown. It’s magic when the marshmallow melts inside but stays soft.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This lets them set up so the marshmallow center won’t ooze everywhere but stays delectably gooey when you bite in. I always find one (or two) disappearing at this stage—try to resist!
Pro Tips for Making Fluffernutter Cookies with Peanut Butter and Marshmallow Recipe
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensures everything blends smoothly, preventing lumps and helping with proper texture.
- Don’t Skip Chilling the Dough: Chilling controls spreading, giving you beautifully round cookies that hold the marshmallow center perfectly.
- Scoop Marshmallow Center Quickly: Doing this before wrapping the dough helps maintain fluff’s softness and prevents it from melting prematurely.
- Watch Your Bake Time Closely: Even a minute or two overbaked can dry out these soft cookies, so set a timer and check early.
How to Serve Fluffernutter Cookies with Peanut Butter and Marshmallow Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the cookies right after baking. It adds a little pop against the sweetness and highlights the peanut butter’s richness beautifully. Sometimes, I dust the tops with a little powdered sugar for a snowy, festive look that kids adore.
Side Dishes
These cookies are wonderful alongside a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee. For brunch or gatherings, I serve them with fresh fruit platters or a simple vanilla ice cream scoop for a decadent dessert pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a holiday party, I’ve arranged these cookies stacked in a mason jar tied with a rustic ribbon and a handwritten tag that says “Fluffernutter Love.” You could also sandwich two together with extra marshmallow cream for double-fluff delight or drizzle melted chocolate on top for an elegant finish that never fails to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. I’ve noticed the marshmallow center stays soft, but after a couple of days, they can get a bit firmer—still delicious, but I prefer them fresh.
Freezing
Fluffernutter cookie dough freezes wonderfully. I like to scoop and shape the dough balls with marshmallow inside, then freeze them on a baking sheet before storing in a freezer bag. When I want fresh cookies, I bake straight from frozen adding an extra minute or two to the bake time.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked softness, warm cookies briefly in the microwave (about 10 seconds) or reheat them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This revives the gooey marshmallow center and makes them irresistibly good.
FAQs
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Can I substitute crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a nice texture contrast in your cookies. Just keep in mind the dough might be slightly chunkier and the cookies might spread a little differently, but the flavor will be just as delicious.
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What’s the best way to prevent marshmallow cream from leaking out during baking?
Chilling your cookie dough before shaping and baking is key. Also, make sure to fully enclose the marshmallow cream inside the dough when forming the cookie ball. This seals the center and keeps the fluff gooey but contained while baking.
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Can these cookies be made vegan or dairy-free?
With a few swaps, yes! Replace butter with a vegan butter alternative and use a flax or chia egg instead of a regular egg. Also, make sure to find vegan marshmallow fluff and peanut butter without added dairy. The texture will be a bit different but still tasty.
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How long do Fluffernutter Cookies keep fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies last about 3 days best for optimal gooeyness. Beyond that, they might start to lose their fresh softness but still taste great warmed up.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Fluffernutter Cookies with Peanut Butter and Marshmallow Recipe holds a special place in my recipe rotation because it’s pure nostalgic joy baked into cookie form. Whether it’s a quick sweet fix after school or a cozy treat for a weekend movie night, these cookies never disappoint. I hope you have as much fun making and eating them as I do—grab your peanut butter and marshmallow cream and get baking!
Print
Fluffernutter Cookies with Peanut Butter and Marshmallow Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Fluffernutter Cookies combine creamy peanut butter and sweet marshmallow cream in a soft, chewy cookie. These delightful treats are perfect for anyone who loves the nostalgic flavors of a classic fluffernutter sandwich, baked into a delicious dessert cookie.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Filling
- 3/4 cup marshmallow cream/fluff
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, cornstarch, baking soda, and baking powder until well combined. Set aside.
- Cream Butters: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter together until smooth and creamy, creating a fluffy base for your cookie dough.
- Add Sugars and Egg: Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Continue beating until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, ensuring the sugars are well incorporated.
- Combine Mixtures: Slowly incorporate the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently just until combined to avoid overworking the dough and maintain a tender texture.
- Chill Dough: Refrigerate the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes to firm it up, which helps in shaping and baking the cookies evenly.
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Once chilled, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cookie removal.
- Shape Cookies with Filling: Using a medium cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop 2 tablespoons of cookie dough and flatten it into a disk. Place 1 tablespoon of marshmallow cream/fluff in the center, then fold the dough around it, rolling into a smooth ball to seal the marshmallow inside.
- Bake Cookies: Place the filled dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet with some space between each cookie. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool Cookies: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the pan for a few minutes. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving. Enjoy your soft, gooey Fluffernutter Cookies!
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother dough.
- Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and makes shaping the cookies easier.
- If marshmallow cream is too sticky, lightly grease your hands to handle the dough and filling.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend of equal measure.
- Nutrition facts are approximate and should be used as a general guideline only.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
