I’ve baked quite a variety of cookies in my time, but strangely enough, I’ve never heard of Peanut Butter and Fluff Cookies until recently. Experimenting with different flavors and textures, I’ve made treats like Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies or White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies. However, this particular combination eluded me until my nephew insisted on having this treat.
Contents
Peanut Butter and Fluff Cookies recipe
Peanut Butter and Fluff Cookies, also known as Fluffernutter Cookies, are a delightful dessert that combines the flavors of the classic fluffernutter sandwich—peanut butter and marshmallow fluff—into a soft and chewy cookie form.
They’re made with a peanut butter dough base, then, marshmallow fluff is often swirled into the dough or dolloped on top before baking. This addition not only adds a delightful sweetness but also creates pockets of gooey marshmallow goodness throughout the cookies.
For these Fluffernutter Cookies, I won’t use flour as a binding agent. The natural oils and texture of peanut butter will hold the cookie together. So, these cookies are suitable for those with gluten allergies or sensitivities. They are simple to make and require only a few ingredients, making them a quick and easy treat to whip up in no time.
Here’s how to make Peanut Butter and Fluff Cookies:
Gluten-free Peanut Butter and Fluff Cookies
Ingredients
For Marshmallow Fluff
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg white
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
For Peanut Butter and Fluff Cookies
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup marshmallow fluff
- Additional granulated sugar for rolling optional
Instructions
Making Marshmallow Fluff
- In a heatproof bowl, combine the light corn syrup and powdered sugar.
- Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water, making sure the bottom of the bowl doesn't touch the water.
- Stir the mixture constantly until the powdered sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is hot to the touch, about 3-5 minutes. Remove the bowl from the heat.
- In a separate clean mixing bowl, beat the egg white until stiff peaks form.
- Gradually pour the hot sugar syrup into the beaten egg white while continuing to beat on high speed.
- Continue beating until the mixture is thick, glossy, and holds its shape, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the vanilla extract and beat for another minute to incorporate.
Making Peanut Butter and Fluff Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the peanut butter and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gently fold in the marshmallow fluff until it’s swirled throughout the dough.
- Roll tablespoon-sized balls of dough
- Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Using a fork, press down gently on each dough ball to create a crisscross pattern.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Nutrition
For more pronounced peanut flavor, use crunchy peanut butter or add chopped peanuts. Remember, the consistency of your peanut butter can greatly affect the outcome. Natural peanut butter tends to produce a softer, more oily cookie, while conventional varieties result in a firmer texture.
Variations
The basic recipe can be elevated with an array of mix-ins, each bringing its own unique flavor profile and textural element. You can add:
1. Chocolate Peanut Butter Fluff Cookies:
Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the peanut butter dough for a rich chocolate twist. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the baked cookies or sprinkle mini chocolate chips into the dough for added texture.
2. Nutty Fluff Cookies:
Mix 1/4 cup of chopped peanuts, almonds, or pecans into the dough for a crunchy contrast. You can roll the cookie dough balls in crushed nuts before baking for even more texture.
3. Fluffernutter S’mores Cookies:
Add 1/4 cup of crushed graham crackers to the dough for a s’mores-inspired cookie. After swirling in the marshmallow fluff, press a small square of milk chocolate or a few chocolate chips on top of each cookie before baking.
4. Salted Caramel Fluffernutter Cookies:
Swirl caramel sauce along with the marshmallow fluff into the cookie dough. For an extra kick, sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top after baking to complement the sweetness.
5. Chocolate Dipped Fluff Cookies:
After baking, dip half of each cookie into melted chocolate (dark or milk) and allow them to set. This creates a crunchy chocolate coating that pairs perfectly with the soft, sweet marshmallow and peanut butter.
6. Cinnamon version:
Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the peanut butter dough for a warm, spiced flavor. You could also sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top before baking for an extra layer of sweetness.
7. Jelly Swirl Fluff Cookies:
For a playful take on the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich, swirl 2 tablespoons of your favorite jelly or jam (such as strawberry or grape) into the dough along with the marshmallow fluff. The result is a sweet and tangy combination.
Pairing suggestions
Fluffernutter cookies can be paired with a variety of treats and beverages to enhance their nostalgic flavors. Here are some ideas you can try:
1. Beverage Pairings
- Milk: A classic, cold glass of milk complements the cookies perfectly.
- Coffee: The richness of coffee balances the sweetness and deepens the flavor experience.
- Hot Chocolate: For a cozy twist, hot chocolate amplifies the marshmallow’s creamy flavor.
2. Snack Pairings
- Ice Cream: Pair them with vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an indulgent treat, or create cookie sandwiches for extra fun.
- Fruit: Fresh strawberries or bananas offer a refreshing contrast to the rich peanut butter and marshmallow.
3. Occasions for Serving
- Holiday Treats: These peanut butter and fluff cookies are a perfect addition to festive cookie platters.
- Picnics: Their chewy texture and nostalgic taste make them ideal for outdoor gatherings.
- After-School Snacks: Kids will love these as a sweet reward after a busy day of school activities.
