Peanut Butter Smores Cookies: The Ultimate Recipe for Gooey Delight

Peanut Butter Smores Cookies: Prepare to embark on a flavor adventure that will redefine your definition of “delicious”! Imagine the gooey, toasted marshmallow of a classic s’more, the rich, nutty indulgence of peanut butter, and the comforting chewiness of a freshly baked cookie, all harmoniously blended into one irresistible treat. Are you drooling yet?

S’mores, a beloved campfire staple, have been warming hearts and sticky fingers for nearly a century. While their exact origins are debated, the first published recipe appeared in a Girl Scout handbook in the 1920s, solidifying their place in American culinary history. Peanut butter, on the other hand, boasts an even longer history, with variations enjoyed by ancient civilizations. Combining these two iconic flavors is a stroke of genius, and trust me, these Peanut Butter Smores Cookies are pure genius!

What makes these cookies so incredibly appealing? It’s the symphony of textures and tastes. The soft, slightly salty peanut butter cookie base provides a sturdy foundation for the melted chocolate and perfectly toasted marshmallow. The combination of sweet, salty, and smoky notes is simply addictive. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or simply craving a sweet treat, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit. Get ready to experience the ultimate cookie indulgence!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk chocolate chips
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 1/2 cup coarsely chopped graham crackers
• Optional: Extra mini marshmallows and graham cracker crumbs for topping

Preparing the Peanut Butter Cookie Dough

Alright, let’s get started with these amazing Peanut Butter S’mores Cookies! First, we need to create the perfect peanut butter cookie dough. This is the foundation of our s’mores masterpiece, so let’s pay close attention to each step.

1. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. The mixture should be noticeably lighter in color and have a smooth, almost whipped texture. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the dough, which will result in a softer cookie. Don’t rush this!
2. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. The vanilla enhances the overall flavor and complements both the peanut butter and chocolate.
3. Incorporate the Peanut Butter: Add the creamy peanut butter and mix until well combined. Make sure there are no streaks of peanut butter remaining. The peanut butter adds a rich, nutty flavor and contributes to the cookies’ chewy texture.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures that the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is essential for proper leavening and flavor balance.
5. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until the flour is just incorporated, and then stop.
6. Fold in Chocolate Chips, Marshmallows, and Graham Crackers: Gently fold in the milk chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and coarsely chopped graham crackers. Distribute them evenly throughout the dough. The chocolate chips add sweetness and richness, the marshmallows provide that classic s’mores gooeyness, and the graham crackers add a delightful crunch and that signature s’mores flavor.
7. Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking and allows the flavors to meld together. For even better results, chill the dough for an hour or even overnight.

Baking the Peanut Butter S’mores Cookies

Now that our dough is perfectly chilled, it’s time to bake these beauties! This is where the magic happens, and we transform our dough into delicious, golden-brown cookies.

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Scoop and Shape the Dough: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. The cookies will spread as they bake, so it’s important to give them enough space.
3. Optional: Add Extra Toppings: If desired, gently press a few extra mini marshmallows and graham cracker crumbs onto the tops of the cookies before baking. This adds visual appeal and enhances the s’mores flavor.
4. Bake the Cookies: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on the cookies. You want them to be golden brown around the edges but still slightly soft in the center.
5. Cool on Baking Sheets: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the cookies to firm up slightly and prevents them from breaking when you move them.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Peanut Butter S’mores Cookies

Here are a few extra tips and tricks to ensure your Peanut Butter S’mores Cookies are absolutely perfect every time!

• Use Room Temperature Butter: Softened butter is essential for creaming properly with the sugars. If your butter is too cold, it won’t cream well, and your cookies may be dense. If your butter is too melted, the cookies may spread too much.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until the flour is just incorporated, and then stop.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also allows the flavors to meld together.
• Use Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: These prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
• Don’t Overbake the Cookies: Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly. You want them to be golden brown around the edges but still slightly soft in the center.
• Storage: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Variations: Feel free to experiment with different variations! Try using dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate chips, or add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a salty-sweet flavor. You could also use different types of graham crackers, such as chocolate graham crackers or cinnamon graham crackers.
• Peanut Butter Alternatives: If you have a peanut allergy, you can substitute the peanut butter with almond butter, sunflower seed butter (sunbutter), or any other nut butter alternative. Just be aware that the flavor will be slightly different.

Troubleshooting

Sometimes, things don’t go exactly as planned. Here are some common issues you might encounter and how to fix them:

• Cookies are too flat: This could be due to using melted butter, not chilling the dough enough, or overmixing the dough. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes, and avoid overmixing.
• Cookies are too dry: This could be due to overbaking or using too much flour. Make sure you’re not overbaking the cookies, and measure your flour accurately.
• Cookies are too hard: This could be due to overbaking or overmixing the dough. Make sure you’re not overbaking the cookies, and avoid overmixing.
• Cookies are not spreading enough: This could be due to using too much flour or not enough butter. Make sure you’re measuring your flour accurately and using the correct amount of butter.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy these Peanut Butter S’mores Cookies as much as I do! They’re the perfect treat for any occasion, and they’re sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. Happy baking!

Conclusion:

Okay, friends, let’s be honest: you’ve scrolled this far because something about these Peanut Butter Smores Cookies whispered sweet nothings to your soul. And trust me, they live up to the hype! From the gooey marshmallow center to the rich peanut butter cookie base and the satisfying crunch of the graham cracker, every bite is a symphony of textures and flavors that will transport you straight back to childhood campfires (minus the mosquito bites!).

But beyond the nostalgia factor, these cookies are simply delicious. The peanut butter adds a depth and nuttiness that elevates the classic s’more, while the cookie format makes them infinitely easier to eat (and share… if you’re feeling generous!). They’re the perfect treat for a cozy night in, a fun baking project with the kids, or a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at your next potluck. Seriously, prepare to be asked for the recipe – repeatedly!

And the best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make! The recipe is straightforward, even for novice bakers, and the results are consistently amazing. You don’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients, just a little bit of time and a whole lot of love. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen while these bake is pure bliss – a warm, inviting scent that will make everyone’s mouth water.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

While these cookies are incredible on their own (trust me, I’ve eaten my fair share straight from the oven!), there are tons of ways to customize them to your liking. For an extra decadent treat, try drizzling melted chocolate over the top after they’ve cooled. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, swap out the graham crackers for chocolate chip cookies for a double-dose of cookie goodness. You could even add a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the sweetness and bring out the peanut butter flavor.

Another fun variation is to use different types of peanut butter. Creamy peanut butter will give you a smoother, more traditional cookie, while chunky peanut butter will add extra texture and crunch. You could even try using a flavored peanut butter, like chocolate peanut butter or honey roasted peanut butter, for a unique twist. And for those with peanut allergies, almond butter or sunflower seed butter are excellent substitutes.

For serving, these cookies are fantastic warm or at room temperature. They pair perfectly with a glass of cold milk, a cup of hot cocoa, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also crumble them over yogurt or oatmeal for a delicious and satisfying breakfast. And if you happen to have any leftovers (which is highly unlikely!), they store well in an airtight container for up to three days.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of these Peanut Butter Smores Cookies. I promise you won’t regret it! They’re the perfect combination of comfort, indulgence, and pure, unadulterated deliciousness.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you do, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear what you think, what variations you tried, and how much everyone loved them. Happy baking!