Peanut Butter S’mores Cookies Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that combines the best flavors of a campfire classic and rich peanut butter, you’re in for a treat with this Peanut Butter S’mores Cookies Recipe. These cookies are a mouthwatering blend of creamy peanut butter, melty marshmallows, and gooey Hershey’s chocolate kisses all baked into one perfectly soft bite. Whether it’s for a cozy night in or impressing friends at your next gathering, these cookies bring together nostalgia and indulgence in every single morsel.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to baking these irresistible cookies. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering the soft texture, nutty flavor, and that signature s’mores magic that makes this Peanut Butter S’mores Cookies Recipe so special.

• Unsalted butter (1/4 cup): Adds richness and a tender crumb to the cookies.
• Sugar (1/2 cup): Provides sweetness and helps with browning.
• Brown sugar, packed (1/2 cup): Brings moisture and a subtle caramel flavor.
• Peanut butter (1 cup): The star ingredient that lends creaminess and depth.
• Shortening (1/4 cup): Ensures extra tenderness and chewiness.
• Large egg (1): Binds the ingredients and adds structure.
• Flour (1 1/4 cups): Forms the cookie base providing structure and absorbency.
• Baking soda (3/4 tsp): A leavening agent that helps cookies rise properly.
• Baking powder (1/2 tsp): Adds lift for a lighter texture.
• Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
• Regular size marshmallows (24): Creates that iconic gooey topping.
• Hershey’s kisses, unwrapped (24): Melts into the marshmallow for decadent chocolate goodness.

How to Make Peanut Butter S’mores Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Getting the oven ready early ensures even baking from the moment the cookies go in. Next, line a cookie sheet with parchment paper to keep the cookies from sticking and for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars

Using a standing mixer or hand mixer, beat together the unsalted butter, sugar, brown sugar, and shortening until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is key to incorporating air which helps give the cookies a soft, tender texture.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in the egg and peanut butter until fully blended, creating a luscious dough that’s rich in flavor and beautifully moist, setting the stage for those peanut buttery perfection bites.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution so your cookies bake uniformly without any bitter pockets.

Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir slowly until everything is just combined to avoid over-mixing, which can make the cookies tough instead of soft.

Step 6: Shape and Sugar-Coat

Use an ice cream scoop or spoon to portion the dough, then roll each scoop between your hands to form balls. Roll each ball in sugar for a delightful slight crunch that complements the soft cookie interior. Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared cookie sheet.

Step 7: Initial Bake

Bake the cookies for 5 minutes to start setting the base. This partial baking is crucial before adding the marshmallows so that everything finishes perfectly.

Step 8: Add Marshmallows and Finish Baking

Remove the cookies from the oven and promptly place one marshmallow on top of each cookie. Return them to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the marshmallows are lightly toasted and puffed up.

Step 9: Add Chocolate and Cool

Immediately after removing the cookies, press an unwrapped Hershey’s kiss into the center of each marshmallow, allowing the heat to gently melt the chocolate. Let the cookies cool completely before enjoying your masterpiece.

How to Serve Peanut Butter S’mores Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra touch, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top after adding the Hershey’s kisses to enhance the flavors. You can also drizzle melted chocolate or a light dusting of cocoa powder for a decadent finish.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee. For an indulgent dessert plate, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or a scoop of fresh whipped cream to balance the rich peanut butter and gooey marshmallow.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking these cookies with layers of brownie or sandwiching peanut butter frosting between two cookies for a delightful twist. Another fun idea is serving them on a platter with mini marshmallows and chocolate chips scattered around for a rustic campfire theme.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them soft and chewy. Avoid refrigeration as it can dry out the cookies.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking or freeze fully baked cookies. For dough, flash freeze on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag and bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes. Baked cookies freeze best in a sealed container for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked warmth, reheat cookies in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes. This softens the marshmallow and re-melts the chocolate, making them taste freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I substitute creamy peanut butter with crunchy peanut butter?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a little extra texture to the cookies, which some people love. Just keep in mind it might change the chewiness slightly.

Is shortening necessary in this recipe?

Shortening helps keep the cookies tender and chewy, but if you prefer, you can substitute it with an equal amount of additional butter for a slightly richer flavor.

Can I use mini marshmallows instead of regular sized?

Regular sized marshmallows work best to create that perfect gooey topping, but mini marshmallows can be used; just sprinkle more on top to achieve the same marshmallow coverage.

How can I make these cookies vegan?

To make a vegan version, use plant-based peanut butter, non-dairy butter and shortening alternatives, a flax or chia egg as a substitute, and vegan marshmallows and chocolate.

What’s the best way to avoid marshmallows burning?

Keep a close eye during the final bake stage. The 5-minute toasting time usually results in a perfect golden finish but ovens vary. If marshmallows brown too quickly, lower the oven temperature slightly.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about how this Peanut Butter S’mores Cookies Recipe combines nostalgic campfire flavors with the comforting softness of freshly baked peanut butter cookies. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug in cookie form. Next time you want to whip up something special yet surprisingly easy, give this recipe a shot—you’re going to love every bite as much as I do!

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