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These sandwich cookies were inspired by a rainy day when traditional campfire s'mores weren't possible. By combining classic s'mores elements with rich peanut butter cookie dough, these treats elevate the familiar camping dessert into something extraordinary. The soft, chewy cookies maintain their texture for days, while the decadent filling creates the perfect marriage of chocolate, marshmallow and peanut butter.
These cookies have proven to be an irresistible crowd-pleaser at gatherings. Their unique combination of familiar flavors in an innovative format consistently draws compliments and recipe requests from kids and adults alike.
Essential Ingredients
- Room temperature butter for proper creaming and texture
- Creamy peanut butter incorporated into both cookies and filling
- Granulated sugar creates crisp edges
- Brown sugar ensures moisture and chewiness
- Large eggs provide essential structure
- Pure vanilla extract enhances overall flavor
- All-purpose flour forms the cookie base
- Graham cracker crumbs for authentic s'mores taste
- Baking soda provides ideal rise
- Salt balances sweetness
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Filling Components
- Mini marshmallows offer perfect melt and distribution
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips provide balanced sweetness
- Additional peanut butter enriches the filling
Preparation Method
Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper. Cream butter, peanut butter, and sugars until light and fluffy. Incorporate eggs individually, followed by vanilla extract. Combine dry ingredients separately. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet mixture. Form walnut-sized dough balls and flatten slightly. Bake 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely before filling. Prepare filling by melting chocolate chips with peanut butter, then fold in mini marshmallows while warm. Allow filling to thicken before assembling sandwich cookies.
Recipe development revealed that finely ground graham cracker crumbs work better than chunks, and mini marshmallows create ideal filling consistency compared to larger varieties. These refinements result in the perfect texture and flavor balance.
Presentation Suggestions
Serve at room temperature or briefly warm for 8 seconds to achieve gooey filling. These cookies pair excellently with vanilla ice cream and make an impressive display when stacked on a serving platter.
Variations
Try crunchy peanut butter for added texture, incorporate peppermint extract during holiday season, or substitute Nutella in the filling for a chocolate-hazelnut twist.
Storage Instructions
Layer cookies between parchment paper in airtight containers. They maintain freshness at room temperature for 3-4 days. Avoid refrigeration unless necessary. Unbaked dough can be frozen and baked directly from frozen, adding one minute to baking time.
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Multiple iterations of testing have perfected this recipe, creating an ideal balance of peanut butter, chocolate, and marshmallow. The cookies have become a celebrated favorite, requested for special occasions and enjoyed any time of day.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I bake these cookies in advance?
- You sure can! Keep the cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To keep them tasting fresh, wait to add the filling and assemble until the day you'll be serving them, since the inside softens over time.
- → How should I store the assembled cookies?
- It's best to keep them in one even layer inside an airtight container at room temp for about 3 days. If you want to stack them, use parchment paper between the layers to stop them from sticking. Pop them in the fridge for a longer hold (up to 5 days), but let them warm up to room temp before eating.
- → Will natural peanut butter work for this?
- While it's possible, the texture might change for both the cookies and the filling. Regular creamy peanut butter, like Jif or Skippy, is your safest bet because it mixes consistently without needing a stir.
- → How do I get perfectly shaped sandwich cookies?
- For flawless rounds, grab a cookie cutter just smaller than your baked cookies and gently trim the edges while they're still warm from the oven. Or, shape the dough into balls and slightly flatten them with a glass before baking.
- → Can I swap out or add different fillings or mix-ins?
- Totally! You could toss in chopped peanuts to the dough for some crunch or swap milk chocolate for dark chocolate in the filling. Try chocolate grahams instead of standard ones—or drizzle the finished cookies with melted chocolate for an extra indulgent finish.