I’m about to share a cookie recipe that might transport you right back to childhood lunchbox days. Remember those peanut butter and marshmallow sandwiches? Well, imagine that nostalgic combo transformed into a warm, gooey cookie with crispy edges and a melty center. There’s something magical about the way salty peanut butter plays with sweet marshmallow fluff that makes these treats irresistible. Wonder what the secret is to getting that perfect marshmallow pocket without making a sticky mess of your oven?
Why You’ll Love these Fluffernutter Cookies
Nostalgia in cookie form. Remember those childhood peanut butter and marshmallow sandwiches?
I’ve transformed that classic combination into irresistible cookies that’ll make your taste buds dance. The crispy edges give way to chewy centers with pockets of gooey marshmallow fluff—a textural dream come true.
They’re surprisingly simple to make, even if you’re not a baking pro. That magical moment when you bite in and discover the marshmallow surprise? Pure bliss.
And can we talk about how your kitchen will smell? Like a peanut butter paradise, with hints of vanilla and toasty marshmallow.
What Ingredients are in Fluffernutter Cookies?
These delightful cookies combine two nostalgic flavors—peanut butter and marshmallow—into one irresistible treat that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
- ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Marshmallow fluff (about 1 teaspoon per cookie)
Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before starting, especially the butter and egg, as this will help everything incorporate smoothly and give you that perfect cookie texture we’re aiming for.
How to Make these Fluffernutter Cookies
Start by whisking ⅔ cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and a pinch of salt in a bowl until well combined. This creates the foundation for our cookies and guarantees all those leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 2: Cream the Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat 8 tablespoons of room temperature unsalted butter, 1 cup creamy peanut butter, and 1 cup light brown sugar until thoroughly combined and fluffy. Using a stand mixer kitchen appliance will make this process much easier and produce a more consistent texture.
This mixture should look lighter in color and have a smooth consistency—the secret to that perfect cookie texture we all dream about.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to your butter-sugar mixture, then mix until fully incorporated.
The egg adds structure while the vanilla brings that warm, aromatic flavor that makes these cookies irresistible.
Step 4: Incorporate the Flour Mixture
Gradually add your flour mixture to the wet ingredients, beating until a cohesive dough forms.
The dough might seem a bit sticky at this point, but don’t worry—that’s exactly how it should be for these peanut buttery delights.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover your dough and let it chill in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes.
This cooling period firms up the butter and allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in cookies that hold their shape better during baking.
Step 6: Shape and Fill with Marshmallow Fluff
Scoop portions of the chilled dough, press a small hollow in the center, and fill with about 1 teaspoon of marshmallow fluff per cookie.
Then cover the fluff with additional dough, sealing it completely inside—like hiding a sweet secret in each cookie.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Crinkled
Bake your cookies at 350°F for 8-9 minutes until they develop those characteristic crinkles on top.
Remember to space them well on the baking sheet as they’ll spread while baking, transforming into perfectly round, golden-edged treats.
Step 8: Allow to Cool Before Serving
Let the cookies cool for at least 15 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them.
This cooling period is essential—it allows the cookies to set properly so you get that perfect chewy center with slightly crisp edges that makes fluffernutters so addictive.
What to Serve with Fluffernutter Cookies
These nostalgic peanut butter and marshmallow treats deserve some thoughtful companions. A cold glass of milk is the classic pairing—whole milk if you’re feeling indulgent, or almond milk for a nutty complement.
For coffee lovers, a smooth latte balances the sweetness perfectly. Want something invigorating? Try serving these cookies with fresh berries on the side; strawberries and raspberries cut through the richness beautifully.
For an extra-special dessert moment, sandwich vanilla ice cream between two cookies for a next-level ice cream sandwich experience.
These cookies make a perfect afternoon snack, but honestly? They’re pretty magical as a breakfast treat with your morning coffee too. Don’t tell anyone I suggested that.
Fluffernutter Cookies Substitutions and Variations
- Nut-Free Version: Swap peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or cookie butter for allergy concerns.
- Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil or dairy-free butter sticks.
- Fun Mix-Ins: Fold in mini chocolate chips, chopped Reese’s cups, or butterscotch chips for extra flavor.
- Crunchy Twist: Use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for added texture.
- Less Sweet: Reduce brown sugar to ¾ cup if you prefer less sweetness.
- Seasonal Touch: Add cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice (¼ tsp) in fall, or crushed candy canes on top during holidays.
- Decadent Topping: Drizzle cooled cookies with melted chocolate or dust with powdered sugar.
- Vegan Version: Use flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) and vegan marshmallow cream.
Leftovers and Storage for these Fluffernutter Cookies
These cookies are at their absolute best when fresh (that marshmallow center is irresistible when slightly warm!), but properly stored leftovers still delight for days.
- Counter Storage: Place cooled cookies in an airtight container with parchment between layers. They’ll stay soft and fresh for 3-4 days at room temperature.
- Freezer Option: These freeze beautifully for up to 2 months! Wrap individually in plastic, then store in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Refresh Tip: To revive slightly stale cookies, microwave for 5-10 seconds – just enough to slightly warm the marshmallow center without melting it completely.
- Prevention Tip: Add a slice of bread to your storage container to maintain moisture and prevent cookies from drying out.
Final Thoughts
These Fluffernutter Cookies capture everything wonderful about the classic peanut butter and marshmallow sandwich in a delightful cookie form.
The contrast between the slightly salty, nutty cookie and the sweet, gooey marshmallow center creates a nostalgic treat that’s impossible to resist.
They’re perfect for baking with kids on rainy weekends, packing in lunch boxes as a special surprise, or serving alongside milk at holiday gatherings.
With their straightforward preparation and irresistible flavor combination, these cookies remind us that sometimes the simplest flavor pairings create the most memorable treats.
The marriage of peanut butter and marshmallow never disappoints.