Irresistible Fluffernutter Cookies: The Ultimate Peanut Butter & Marshmallow Treat
Prepare to elevate your dessert game with these incredible Fluffernutter Cookies! This recipe takes the beloved classic peanut butter cookie and transforms it into an extraordinary sweet indulgence by adding a generous dollop of fluffy marshmallow cream on top. The harmonious blend of rich, salty peanut butter and sweet, gooey marshmallow is an absolutely amazing combination that will have everyone asking for more. If you’re a fan of the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich, or just love the comforting taste of peanut butter, you’re about to discover your new favorite cookie.
Why You Need These Fluffernutter Cookies in Your Life
Where have these glorious Fluffernutter Cookies been all my life? Seriously, if you love peanut butter cookies, prepare for your world to be rocked. The addition of marshmallow fluff takes a simple, delicious cookie to an entirely new dimension of flavor and texture. It’s truly astonishing what a little dollop of marshmallow creme can do to elevate a straightforward peanut butter cookie recipe to an irresistible gourmet experience. Each bite offers a delightful contrast: the tender, chewy peanut butter base perfectly complemented by the airy, sweet marshmallow topping.
What’s more, this specific peanut butter cookie recipe boasts a fantastic secret – it’s naturally gluten-free! That’s right, no flour is necessary for these beauties. The cookies achieve an amazingly soft and perfectly cookie-like consistency, proving that you don’t need traditional flour to create a truly spectacular baked good. This makes them a wonderful option for those with gluten sensitivities or anyone looking for a lighter, yet still incredibly satisfying, cookie.
What Exactly Does “Fluffernutter” Mean?
The whimsical word “Fluffernutter” generally refers to a classic sandwich made with peanut butter and marshmallow cream (or fluff) nestled between two slices of bread. This delightful treat originated in New England, particularly in Massachusetts, where it gained popularity in the early 20th century. While the sandwich itself is a cherished comfort food for many, I must admit, I’ve never personally tried one. However, the combination of creamy peanut butter and sweet, sticky marshmallow cream seems even more perfectly suited for a cookie than a sandwich! The texture and flavors marry beautifully in a baked good, creating a symphony of taste that’s both nostalgic and incredibly satisfying. The name itself just evokes a sense of playful sweetness, perfectly describing these fun and delicious cookies.
Essential Ingredients for Your Fluffernutter Cookies
Crafting these delectable Fluffernutter cookies requires a few simple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and some tips for the best results:
- Peanut Butter: I highly recommend using a regular creamy peanut butter, such as Jif or Skippy. These brands offer the consistent texture and sweetness that works best for this recipe, ensuring your cookies are soft and chewy. If you’re a fan of extra crunch, you can certainly opt for a crunchy peanut butter – just be aware it will change the texture slightly. I haven’t had much success using natural peanut butter (the kind that separates) in other cookie recipes, as the oil content can alter the consistency significantly, so I don’t recommend it for this recipe unless you’re experienced with adapting.
- Brown Sugar: This ingredient is key for moisture and a deeper, molasses-like flavor. For optimal results, ensure your brown sugar is soft and fresh. If it’s hard, you can easily soften it by placing it in an airtight container with a slice of bread or a damp paper towel overnight.
- Granulated Sugar: White granulated sugar contributes to the overall sweetness and helps with the cookie’s structure and slight crispness around the edges.
- Egg: The egg acts as a binder, holding all the ingredients together and providing moisture and richness to the dough.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of pure vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors, adding a warm, aromatic depth that is essential in any good cookie.
- Salt: Don’t skip the salt! It balances the sweetness of the sugars and marshmallow, and truly brings out the rich flavor of the peanut butter.
- Baking Soda: This leavening agent helps the cookies rise slightly and contributes to their soft, tender crumb. Always check that your baking soda isn’t old or expired, as its effectiveness diminishes over time.
- Marshmallow Creme: The star topping! Also widely known as Marshmallow Fluff, this sweet, sticky, and airy confection is what makes a Fluffernutter cookie truly special. It provides that iconic gooey layer that beautifully complements the peanut butter base.
How to Make Fluffernutter Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making these delightful Fluffernutter Cookies is a straightforward process, promising delicious results with every batch. Follow these steps carefully to achieve cookie perfection:
- Prepare Your Workspace: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with either a silicone baking mat or parchment paper. This crucial step prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of your perfectly baked cookies.
- Cream the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat these ingredients together for a good 2-3 minutes. This creaming process is vital; it incorporates air into the mixture, which will result in softer, chewier cookies.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Once the peanut butter and sugars are light and fluffy, crack in the egg and add the vanilla extract. Continue to beat with the electric mixer for another few minutes until everything is well combined and the mixture is smooth.
- Introduce Dry Ingredients: Now, gently stir in the salt and baking soda. Mix just until these dry ingredients are fully incorporated into the dough. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher cookies.
- Shape the Cookie Dough: Use a cookie scoop (a tablespoon-sized scoop works perfectly) to portion out uniform balls of dough. Roll them gently between your palms to smooth them, then place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet. For the signature Fluffernutter look, use your thumb or the back of a tablespoon to press a noticeable indentation in the center of each dough ball. This creates a perfect pocket for the marshmallow fluff.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the baking sheet to your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. I personally prefer my cookies slightly underdone for a softer, chewier texture, so I often pull them out closer to the 10-minute mark. However, if you enjoy a crispier cookie, feel free to leave them in for an extra minute or two until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool and Indent (Again): As soon as you remove the cookies from the oven, use the back of a tablespoon to gently press down the indentations a little bit more. This helps reinforce the pocket for the marshmallow fluff. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes to allow them to set slightly before attempting to move them.
- Transfer and Cool Completely: Carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is critical! Applying marshmallow cream to warm cookies will cause it to melt and create a sticky mess.
- Top with Marshmallow Creme: Once the cookies are entirely cool to the touch, it’s time for the final, most exciting step! Scoop a generous spoonful of marshmallow cream onto the top of each cookie, settling it into the indentation. The easiest way to manage this sticky task is by using two spoons: scoop with one, then use the other to gently push the marshmallow off and onto the cookie. Spread it slightly to fill the space.
And there you have it – beautiful, delicious Fluffernutter Cookies ready to be devoured!
Fluffernutter Cookies
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Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 (7.5 oz)jar marshmallow cream
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°. Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.
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Mix the peanut butter and the sugars together in a large bowl. Beat with an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla and beat for a few more minutes. Add the salt and baking soda and stir just until combined.
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Use a cookie scoop to scoop out tablespoonfuls of the dough and shape them into balls. Place on the baking sheet and press an indentation in the middle of each dough ball. You can use your thumb or the back of a tablespoon.
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Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. I tend to bake cookies on the shorter end of the range because I like them a little bit underdone, but if you like them a little bit on the crispier side, you can leave them in a minute or two longer.
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As soon as you take the cookies out of the oven, use a tablespoon to press down the indentation a little bit more and then let the cookies cool for 2-3 minutes on the baking sheet. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and cool completely.
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When the cookies are cool, add a spoonful of marshmallow cream to the top of each cookie. The easiest way to do this is to use two spoons. Scoop with one of them and then push it off the spoon with the other spoon.
Tips for Making the Perfect Fluffernutter Cookies
Achieving bakery-quality Fluffernutter cookies at home is easier than you think with these expert tips:
- Take Your Time with Mixing: Dedicate a little extra time (the recommended 2-3 minutes) when creaming the peanut butter and sugars together. This step is crucial for incorporating air, which contributes significantly to the light and airy consistency of your cookies. It ensures they are soft and tender, not dense or crumbly.
- Always Preheat Your Oven: Never skip preheating! Placing your cookie dough into a properly preheated oven ensures even baking from the start. This helps your cookies spread correctly, brown beautifully, and turn out just right every single time.
- Invest in a Cookie Scoop: If you desire uniformly shaped cookies that are all the same size and bake consistently, a cookie scoop is an invaluable tool. It makes portioning quick, clean, and ensures professional-looking results. Plus, it makes creating the indentation a breeze!
- Use Parchment Paper or a Silicone Baking Mat: These baking essentials are game-changers. Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat creates a non-stick surface, making it incredibly easy to remove your delicate cookies without any scraping or sticking. They will slide right off in perfect shape, preserving their appearance.
- Cool Completely Before Adding Marshmallow: Patience is a virtue here! It’s absolutely essential to let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before you attempt to add the marshmallow cream. If the cookies are even slightly warm, the marshmallow fluff will melt, creating a sticky, messy situation that is hard to salvage.
- Master the Marshmallow Application: The easiest way to apply the sticky marshmallow cream is by using two spoons. Scoop a portion with one spoon, then use the second spoon to gently push and guide the marshmallow off the first spoon and into the cookie’s indentation. This technique minimizes mess and gives you more control.
Common Questions About Fluffernutter Cookies
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about making and enjoying Fluffernutter Cookies:
- Can I use crunchy peanut butter? Yes, you can! If you enjoy a bit of texture in your cookies, crunchy peanut butter works wonderfully. Just note that the overall cookie texture will be slightly different, with small peanut pieces adding a pleasant crunch.
- Can I use natural peanut butter? While possible, it’s generally not recommended for this specific recipe if you want consistent results. Natural peanut butter (especially the oil-separated kind) often has a different fat and sugar content, which can affect the cookie’s spread, texture, and overall softness. Stick to regular, processed creamy peanut butter for the best outcome.
- How should I store Fluffernutter Cookies? Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best enjoyed within 2-3 days. The marshmallow fluff can start to firm up over time, but the cookies will still be delicious.
- Can I freeze Fluffernutter Cookies? It’s generally better to freeze the baked peanut butter cookies *without* the marshmallow fluff. Once cooled, store the plain cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them at room temperature, then add the marshmallow fluff just before serving. Freezing cookies with the marshmallow fluff can sometimes alter its texture after thawing.
- Why did my marshmallow fluff harden? Marshmallow fluff naturally begins to dry out and firm up when exposed to air. To keep it soft and gooey, ensure your cookies are stored in an airtight container. If they do firm up a bit, they are still perfectly edible and delicious!
Craving More Peanut Butter Cookie Goodness? So Do We!
If these Fluffernutter cookies have awakened your inner peanut butter enthusiast, you’re in luck! We share your love for this classic flavor. Here are some of our other favorite peanut butter cookie recipes that are sure to satisfy:
- Marshmallow Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies
- Easy Peanut Butter Cookies
- Best Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Fudge Peanut Butter Cookie Cups
- Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies
- Butterfinger Peanut Butter Cookies
- Snickers Peanut Butter Cookies
- Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Reeses Peanut Butter Cookies
About Our Family Baking Adventures
Here at Family Cookie Recipes, we believe in bringing joy to every kitchen, one cookie at a time. This Fluffernutter cookie recipe is a true testament to the simple pleasures of baking and sharing delicious treats with loved ones.
This little one, our 14-month-old, keeps us on our toes with her boundless energy! Even as a seasoned parent to five wonderful children, navigating the toddler stage again after a few years is a fresh adventure. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch her discover new things daily, though her curiosity means she’s into absolutely everything! Climbing, exploring, opening every cabinet, and creating charming little messes wherever she goes. And yes, sometimes she even tries to splash in the toilet! Good thing she’s impossibly adorable, right? Every moment with this sweet child is cherished, even if she manages to wear us out by the end of the day. It’s these joyful, chaotic family moments that inspire our baking, reminding us that homemade treats are perfect for every occasion, big or small.