I have to share one of my absolute favorite treats with you: this Fluffernutter Cookies Recipe. It’s the perfect marriage of creamy peanut butter and gooey marshmallows baked into soft, chewy cookies that just melt in your mouth. Whenever I make these, the house instantly fills with the warm, nostalgic scents that remind me of childhood snacks but elevated into a cookie form. They’re super simple to whip up and always disappear fast, whether at family gatherings or just as a sweet indulgence after a long day.
Why You’ll Love This Fluffernutter Cookies Recipe
What really gets me about this Fluffernutter Cookies Recipe is the flavor harmony. The rich peanut butter flavor blends beautifully with the sweet puff of marshmallows, creating that classic fluffernutter sandwich taste but baked into a soft, chewy cookie. The slight caramel notes from the brown sugar add a warm depth that just sings alongside the toasted edges. I love that it’s not overly sweet, so it feels indulgent but balanced.
On top of the fantastic flavor, this recipe is wonderfully easy to prepare. You don’t need any fancy tools or obscure ingredients. I usually whip them up in under 15 minutes before popping them in the oven. The dough comes together quickly, and the mini marshmallows give the cookies a fun, almost magical texture surprise on every bite. These cookies are perfect to bring to parties, serve after dinner, or just enjoy as a nostalgic snack anytime you need a little pick-me-up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are so straightforward but each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture in these cookies. From the creamy peanut butter to the gooey mini marshmallows, every element is essential to make these treats unforgettable.
- 1/2 cup butter, softened to room temperature: I like to use Miyoko’s plant-based butter for a rich, dairy-free creaminess that still browns nicely.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness and helps with the cookies’ crisp edges.
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar: Brings caramel notes and moisture to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter: The star of the show—make sure it’s smooth for easy mixing and that perfect nutty flavor.
- 3 tablespoons JUST Egg or 1 flax egg: This acts as my preferred vegan binding agent, making the cookies soft and tender.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Adds warmth and enhances the flavors.
- 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour or gluten free flour mix: The base structure for these cookies, choose your favorite flour blend here.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough to stay soft but not cakey.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the peanut butter’s flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows: I use vegan Dandie’s brand—these give the cookie that classic fluffy, melty texture inside.
Directions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and prepare two cookie sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to ensure the cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and peanut butter together for about 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth.
Step 3: Add the JUST Egg or flax egg and vanilla extract to the bowl, mixing well to evenly incorporate the liquid ingredients.
Step 4: Stop the mixer and add the flour on top of the wet ingredients. Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the flour. Turn the mixer on low speed to combine everything carefully, making sure not to overmix. Use a spatula to scrape any flour stuck to the sides or bottom of the bowl.
Step 5: Gently fold in the mini marshmallows. I find it easiest to mix them in with my hands to distribute them without smashing the little puffs.
Step 6: Scoop approximately 2 tablespoons of dough at a time and shape them quickly into balls with your hands. Place the dough balls onto the prepared cookie sheets a few inches apart to allow room for spreading.
Step 7: Bake one tray at a time on the center rack for 11 to 12 minutes, or until you see the edges begin to brown. The cookies will look quite soft when you take them out but will firm up as they cool.
Step 8: Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Then, enjoy your delightful Fluffernutter Cookies!
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 18 to 20 cookies, depending on how large you scoop your dough. Prep time takes roughly 10 to 15 minutes, with a bake time of 11 to 12 minutes per batch. You’ll want to allow at least 10 minutes for cooling to let the cookies set perfectly, so the total time from start to finish is around 30 to 40 minutes. The resting time on the baking sheet right after baking is critical – it’s when the magic happens and the cookies develop that ideal texture.
How to Serve This Fluffernutter Cookies Recipe
When I serve these Fluffernutter Cookies, I like to pair them with a cold glass of milk or a rich cup of hot chocolate. The creamy beverage perfectly complements the peanut butter and marshmallow flavors, making it ideal for cozy afternoons or after-school snacks. For a fun twist, I sometimes sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking to highlight the sweet and salty contrast even more.
Presentation-wise, these cookies look charming stacked on a rustic plate or laid out on a pretty platter with a few marshmallows and peanuts scattered around for a playful, inviting look. They’re a fantastic treat for holiday parties or casual get-togethers because they look simple but taste like a special indulgence.
I also love serving them at room temperature to preserve that soft, chewy texture, but you can warm them slightly in the microwave if you want that ooey-gooey marshmallow to come alive again. They’re perfect for sharing at family dinners, sending in lunchboxes, or gifting in decorative tins during the holidays.
Variations
I enjoy tweaking this Fluffernutter Cookies Recipe depending on the occasion or dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, I swap in a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, ensuring it’s a good mix with xanthan gum for structure. It works beautifully and keeps the cookies just as soft and tender.
If you want to make it vegan beyond using the plant-based butter and egg alternatives, just remember to double-check the mini marshmallows, as many brands contain gelatin. The vegan Dandie’s brand I use is a perfect choice for that gooey marshmallow goodness without animal ingredients.
For a flavor twist, try adding a handful of chocolate chips to the dough or consider substituting crunchy peanut butter for creamy if you want extra texture. You can also experiment with baking these cookies as blondie bars in a square pan for an easier slice-and-serve option. Just reduce the bake time slightly and watch for golden edges!
Storage and Reheating
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which can be rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. I like to layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper inside the container to keep them from sticking together. They’ll stay fresh and soft for up to 4 days, though truthfully they rarely last that long in my house!
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these cookies if you want to save some for later. After baking and completely cooling, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze for about an hour. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They keep well frozen for up to 3 months without losing their chewy texture.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen cookies, I recommend thawing them at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes. To get that fresh-baked feel, gently warm them in a 300-degree F oven for 5 minutes or zap them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Avoid overheating, as it can cause the marshmallows to burn or get rubbery. This quick warm-up restores that gooey marshmallow center and melts the peanut butter slightly for a perfect bite.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful texture contrast with bits of peanuts in the cookie. Just keep in mind it may slightly affect the chewiness, making them a bit more textured, which I love for variety.
Are these cookies vegan?
They can be! By using plant-based butter, JUST Egg or flax egg, and a vegan mini marshmallow brand like Dandie’s, this Fluffernutter Cookies Recipe is entirely vegan-friendly and delicious.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a high-quality gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum or another binder. The cookies will be just as tasty and soft without gluten.
Why do my cookies turn out flat?
If your cookies spread too much, make sure your butter is only softened, not melted, and that your baking soda is fresh. Also, chilling the dough for 15-30 minutes before baking helps prevent excessive spreading and keeps the cookies thick and chewy.
Can I substitute the mini marshmallows with something else?
If you don’t have mini marshmallows, you can try chopped marshmallow bits or even white chocolate chips for a different kind of sweetness. Keep in mind the gooey marshmallow texture is unique, so substitutions will subtly change the final cookie experience.
Conclusion
I truly hope you’ll give this Fluffernutter Cookies Recipe a try soon. It’s a fun, nostalgic treat that’s just as enjoyable to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re baking for family, hosting friends, or simply craving a peanut butter and marshmallow delight, these cookies won’t disappoint. They’ve become one of my go-to comfort snacks and I can’t wait for you to experience their cozy magic too!
PrintFluffernutter Cookies Recipe
Fluffernutter Cookies are soft, chewy treats combining the rich flavors of peanut butter with sweet mini marshmallows. These plant-based cookies offer a delightful texture contrast and easy-to-follow baking process, making them perfect for a cozy dessert or snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 18-20 cookies
- Category: Dessert Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, softened to room temperature (Miyoko’s plant based butter recommended)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons JUST Egg or 1 flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flax + 2.5 tablespoons water)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour or gluten free flour mix
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows (vegan Dandie’s brand recommended)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to ensure cookies don’t stick and to promote even baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, use a handheld mixer or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and creamy peanut butter together for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the JUST Egg or flax egg and vanilla extract into the mixture. Mix until fully combined, ensuring a smooth, uniform batter.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stop the mixer and add the all-purpose or gluten free flour to the bowl. Sprinkle baking soda and salt on top of the flour. Turn the mixer to low speed and blend until just combined, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed to mix thoroughly without overworking the dough.
- Incorporate Marshmallows: Gently fold the mini marshmallows into the dough. You might need to use your hands to evenly distribute the marshmallows without crushing them.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop approximately 2 tablespoons of dough and quickly roll into balls with your hands. Place them a few inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow space for spreading.
- Bake: Bake one tray at a time on the center rack of your oven for 11-12 minutes, until the cookie edges begin to brown. The cookies will still look soft in the center but will firm up as they cool.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your soft, fluffy Fluffernutter Cookies!
Notes
- Using vegan butter and vegan marshmallows makes this recipe completely plant-based.
- You can substitute JUST Egg with a flax egg for an egg-free version.
- For gluten-free cookies, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
- Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to prevent tough cookies.
- Cookie baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven. Watch for edges to just brown.