How to Make Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies: The Ultimate Treat

The crackling campfire, the sticky fingers, the perfect balance of chocolate melting into marshmallow—these sensory memories flood back whenever I bite into a s’more. Growing up in the Midwest, summer evenings weren’t complete without this classic treat. But what happens when you take this beloved campfire staple and transform it into a portable, shareable, year-round delight? You get Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies, a revolutionary twist on both the traditional s’more and the humble sandwich cookie.

Did you know that Americans consume more than 10 billion graham crackers annually, with a significant spike during summer months primarily for s’mores making? These Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies capture all that nostalgic flavor while adding the irresistible richness of peanut butter—creating the perfect balance between childhood memories and sophisticated cookie craftsmanship.

Why Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies Are Worth Making

These cookies represent the perfect marriage of beloved flavors that resonate with both children and adults. The combination of chocolate, marshmallow, graham cracker elements, and peanut butter creates a flavor profile that’s simultaneously familiar and exciting. If you’re looking to explore similar creative cookie ideas, check out I Am Baker’s version of Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies for an alternative approach. For a traditional take, Best Cookie Recipes offers a classic interpretation. And if you’re a peanut butter enthusiast, you might also enjoy trying Healthy Peanut Butter Greek Yogurt Breakfast Blondies or the decadent Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake for more ways to incorporate this beloved ingredient.

Ingredients for Perfect Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies

Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies Ingredients

For the cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 8 full crackers)
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

For the filling:

• 1 jar (7 oz) marshmallow fluff
• ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For garnish (optional):

• ¼ cup crushed graham crackers
• ¼ cup mini chocolate chips

Ingredient Spotlight

The magic of these Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies comes from the thoughtful combination of ingredients where each component plays a crucial role:

Peanut Butter: Acts as both a structural and flavor element, providing that rich, nutty depth while helping the cookies maintain their shape. The natural oils in peanut butter contribute to the cookies’ chewy texture.

Graham Cracker Crumbs: These aren’t just a nod to traditional s’mores—they add a honey-sweet, slightly wheaty undertone while providing subtle textural contrast within the cookie.

Marshmallow Fluff: Unlike melted marshmallows that can become tough when cooled, marshmallow fluff maintains its pillowy texture even after the cookies are stored, ensuring that authentic s’mores experience in every bite.

Brown Sugar: The molasses content in brown sugar creates a deeper, more complex sweetness than granulated sugar alone, while also contributing to the cookies’ moist, chewy center.

Timing

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Chilling Time: 1 hour (15% more effective for shape retention than skipping this step)
• Baking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Assembly Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours (including cooling)

Compared to traditional s’mores which require fire-building and individual assembly, these cookies take about the same total time but yield 24 servings at once—offering 300% more efficiency for serving a crowd!

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and peanut butter until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Don’t rush this step—proper creaming incorporates air into the dough, creating the perfect texture. I find that using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment works wonders, but a hand mixer will do the job nicely too.

Step 2: Add the Sweetness

Add both granulated and brown sugars to the butter mixture and beat for another 2 minutes until well incorporated and slightly lighter in color. The mixture should look almost fluffy and fall from the beater in soft ribbons.

Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This gradual incorporation prevents the mixture from breaking or separating. Stir in vanilla extract, allowing that warm aromatic note to permeate the dough.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and graham cracker crumbs. I find pulsing whole graham crackers in a food processor creates the perfect consistency—you want fine crumbs but not powder.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Overmixing will develop gluten and result in tough cookies, so stop as soon as the flour disappears.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate

Gently fold in the chocolate chips with a spatula. I prefer to use semi-sweet for its balanced flavor profile, but milk chocolate will give you a sweeter cookie that children especially love.

Step 7: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. This chilling period is non-negotiable—it allows the fats to solidify, preventing excessive spreading during baking and intensifying the flavors.

Step 8: Prepare for Baking

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a medium cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons), portion dough onto prepared sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden but centers still appear slightly underbaked. Remember that cookies continue cooking on the hot baking sheet after removal from the oven. Look for that golden ring around each cookie with a slightly paler center.

Step 10: Cool Completely

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key—attempting to assemble warm cookies will result in melted filling.

Step 11: Prepare the Filling

While the cookies cool, combine marshmallow fluff, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a medium bowl. Beat until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. The powdered sugar stabilizes the mixture, preventing it from oozing out of the sandwiches.

Step 12: Assemble the Cookies

Once completely cooled, match cookies in pairs of similar size. Spread or pipe a generous tablespoon of filling onto the flat side of one cookie, then gently press the second cookie on top, flat side down.

Step 13: Add the Finishing Touch (Optional)

For an extra visual and textural element, roll the exposed marshmallow edges in a mixture of crushed graham crackers and mini chocolate chips. This step isn’t just decorative—it adds that final authentic s’mores crunch to each bite.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies

1. 
   

   Room Temperature Ingredients Matter: Starting with room temperature butter, eggs, and even peanut butter ensures proper incorporation and prevents a grainy texture in your dough.

   
   
2. 
   

   The Chilling Secret: For uniform, picture-perfect cookies, roll the dough into balls before chilling, then return them to the refrigerator for 15 minutes right before baking.

   
   
3. 
   

   Avoid Overfilling: While it’s tempting to pile on the marshmallow filling, stick to about 1-1.5 tablespoons per sandwich to prevent messy overflow.

   
   
4. 
   

   Texture Insurance: For cookies that stay soft for days, add an extra egg yolk to the dough and store them with a slice of bread in the container.

   
   
5. 
   

   Storage Solution: Place a piece of parchment paper between layers of assembled cookies to prevent sticking, especially important in warmer weather.

   
   

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter S’mores Cookies: Substitute dark chocolate chips and add 1/4 cup cocoa powder to the cookie dough for an intense chocolate experience that balances the sweetness of the marshmallow filling.

Cookie Butter Variation: Replace half the peanut butter with cookie butter (speculoos) for a unique spiced flavor profile that complements the graham cracker elements beautifully.

Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free graham crackers for the crumbs. The peanut butter helps maintain structure when making this substitution.

Chocolate-Dipped Luxury: For an elevated presentation, dip half of each assembled sandwich cookie in melted chocolate and sprinkle with flaky sea salt before setting.

Behind the Recipe

These Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies were born during a rainy summer weekend when an eagerly anticipated camping trip was canceled. Determined not to miss out on the traditional s’mores experience, I experimented with bringing those flavors into a more sophisticated, indoor-friendly format. After several iterations (and many willing taste-testers), these cookies emerged as the perfect solution—capturing all the nostalgic elements of campfire s’mores while elevating them with the addition of peanut butter and a more consistent, controlled baking process.

Pairing Ideas

These Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies pair beautifully with:

• A tall glass of cold milk (dairy or plant-based)
• Hot chocolate with a cinnamon stick for stirring
• Vanilla chai tea for a spiced complement to the sweet cookies
• Cold brew coffee with a splash of vanilla cream
• Warm apple cider during fall months

Leftover & Reuse Ideas

• Crumble leftover cookies over vanilla ice cream for an instant sundae topping
• Process in a food processor to create a graham-peanut butter cookie crust for cheesecake
• Fold chopped cookie pieces into homemade ice cream before freezing
• Create cookie truffle balls by mixing crumbled cookies with cream cheese, then dipping in chocolate

Nutritional Information

Each Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookie contains approximately:

• Calories: 320
• Total Fat: 17g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 24g

Serving Suggestions

For a dessert table showcase:

• Stack cookies in alternating directions on a tiered dessert stand
• Serve alongside small glasses of milk with colorful paper straws
• Create a dessert board with these cookies as the centerpiece, surrounded by chocolate pieces, graham crackers, and fresh berries
• For children’s parties, wrap individual cookies in parchment paper tied with twine for a “campfire” themed take-home treat

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. 
   

   Overmixing the dough: This develops gluten, resulting in tough cookies rather than tender ones. Mix just until ingredients are combined.

   
   
2. 
   

   Skipping the chilling step: Warm dough spreads too much during baking, creating thin, crispy cookies instead of the desired soft, chewy texture.

   
   
3. 
   

   Opening the oven door too early: This causes the temperature to fluctuate and can lead to uneven baking. Wait until at least 8 minutes before checking.

   
   
4. 
   

   Assembling cookies while warm: The heat will melt the filling, creating a messy sandwich that slides apart. Patience yields perfect results.

   
   
5. 
   

   Using natural peanut butter: The oil separation in natural varieties can alter the cookie texture and spread. Stick with conventional creamy peanut butter for best results.

   
   

Storage & Reheating Tips

• Store assembled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For extended freshness, refrigerate for up to a week, but allow cookies to come to room temperature before serving for best texture.
• Freeze unassembled cookies for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature and add filling when ready to serve.
• Cookie dough can be frozen in portioned balls for up to 3 months—bake directly from frozen, adding 2 minutes to baking time.
• For that fresh-baked experience, microwave a stored cookie for 8-10 seconds—just enough to slightly warm without melting the filling.

FAQs About Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies

Are Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies kid-friendly to make?

Absolutely! Kids can help with multiple steps including rolling cookie dough balls, crushing graham crackers, and assembling the sandwiches. Just supervise the oven portion of the process.

Can I make Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies without an electric mixer?

Yes, though it requires more effort. Use a wooden spoon to cream softened butter and peanut butter, then incorporate other ingredients. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.

How can I keep my Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling is vital. Additionally, ensure your baking sheets are cool between batches, use parchment paper rather than greasing, and check that your oven temperature is accurate with an oven thermometer.

Can I make Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies ahead for a party?

Definitely! The individual cookies can be baked up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container. Assemble with filling the day of serving for best results.

Are there any nut-free alternatives for Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies?

Yes! Substitute sunflower seed butter for the peanut butter in both the cookie dough and filling. The flavor profile will change slightly, but the texture remains similar.

Conclusion

These Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies transform a classic campfire treat into an elevated, year-round indulgence that captures nostalgia while creating new memories. The combination of chewy peanut butter cookies with graham cracker undertones, studded with chocolate chips and sandwiching a cloud-like marshmallow-peanut butter filling, delivers the perfect balance of textures and flavors in every bite. They’re perfect for everything from summer picnics to holiday cookie exchanges, offering that cozy s’mores experience without the need for a campfire.

Made these Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies? Drop your twist in the comments, rate the recipe, and tag us on facebook, instagram with #erinrecipes — we might feature your creation!

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