The Best Fluffernutter Cookies You’ll Ever Taste!
Soft, chewy, and bursting with nostalgic peanut butter and marshmallow flavors, The Best Fluffernutter Cookies are the ultimate sweet treat with a playful twist. These delightful cookies feature a rich peanut butter base, swirled with gooey marshmallow fluff, and baked to golden perfection. They’re the kind of dessert that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and brings out the kid in everyone who takes a bite.
Each cookie delivers a wonderful combination of textures—tender, slightly crisp edges with a soft, pillowy center loaded with sweet marshmallow goodness. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a fun weekend treat, these cookies are as easy to make as they are to devour. Add your favorite finishing touches like a drizzle of chocolate, a sprinkle of sea salt, chopped peanuts, or extra marshmallow fluff for a customizable dessert that feels like pure happiness.
Why You’ll Love The Best Fluffernutter Cookies
- Nostalgic flavor: Captures the classic fluffernutter sandwich taste in cookie form—pure childhood magic.
- Simple to make: No fancy techniques required. Mix, swirl, bake, and enjoy—it’s that easy.
- Crowd-pleaser: Everyone from kids to adults can’t resist these sweet, peanut buttery treats.
- Freezer-friendly: Make the dough ahead, freeze, and bake fresh cookies whenever cravings strike.
- Versatile: Easy to customize with chocolate chips, different nut butters, or fun toppings.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment, Plus Why They Matter)
Before whipping up these delicious Fluffernutter Cookies, having the right tools on hand will make the baking process smooth and enjoyable—from mixing to the final bite.
Essential Tools & Why You Need Them:
Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer
This is essential for creaming butter and sugar to the perfect fluffy consistency and ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
Baking Sheets (2–3)
Multiple sheets allow you to bake in batches efficiently. Light-colored sheets work best to prevent over-browning.
Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats
Prevents cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Also ensures even baking without hot spots.
Mixing Bowls (2–3 sizes)
One for dry ingredients, one for wet ingredients, and perhaps another for the marshmallow fluff swirl.
Measuring Cups & Spoons
Precision is crucial in baking—accurate measurements ensure consistent, perfect cookies every time.
Cookie Scoop or Spoon
A cookie scoop ensures uniform size for even baking and professional-looking results.
Cooling Rack
Allows air to circulate around cookies as they cool, preventing soggy bottoms.
Having these tools ready and within reach makes baking seamless and stress-free.
Preparation Tips
- Bring ingredients to room temperature before mixing. Room temperature butter, eggs, and peanut butter blend more smoothly and create better texture.
- Don’t overmix the dough once you add flour. Overmixing develops gluten and creates tough cookies instead of tender ones.
- Chill the dough briefly if it seems too soft. This prevents spreading too much during baking and helps maintain shape.
- Use a gentle swirl technique when adding marshmallow fluff. Overswirling creates a muddy look instead of beautiful marbled patterns.
- Space cookies adequately on baking sheets—at least 2 inches apart. They spread during baking and need room.
- Don’t overbake: Cookies continue cooking on the hot pan after removing from the oven. Take them out when centers still look slightly underdone for perfectly soft cookies.
These small details make a significant difference in achieving bakery-quality cookies at home.
Ingredients for The Best Fluffernutter Cookies
Here’s everything you’ll need to create these irresistible, nostalgic cookies. Most ingredients are baking staples, making them perfect for spontaneous sweet cravings.
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Marshmallow Swirl:
- 1 cup marshmallow fluff (about 7 oz jar)
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (optional, for easier handling)
Optional Toppings & Mix-ins:
- Mini chocolate chips
- Chopped roasted peanuts
- Sea salt flakes
- Chocolate drizzle
- Extra marshmallow fluff for topping
- White chocolate chips
Every ingredient plays a role in creating the perfect balance—the rich peanut butter base pairs beautifully with the sweet, fluffy marshmallow swirl. The toppings are optional but add extra flavor and visual appeal.
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl using a stand mixer or hand mixer, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined. Do not overmix—stop as soon as no flour streaks remain.
The dough should be thick, slightly sticky, and hold together well.
Step 3: Add the Marshmallow Swirl
Scoop the marshmallow fluff into a small bowl and stir in powdered sugar if using (this makes it easier to handle). Using a spoon or small spatula, dollop spoonfuls of marshmallow fluff onto the cookie dough.
Gently fold and swirl the marshmallow fluff through the dough using a butter knife or spatula. Create ribbons and swirls—don’t fully incorporate it. The marbled effect is what makes these cookies special.
Step 4: Shape and Prepare for Baking
Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out dough into balls about 2 tablespoons each. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
If desired, press a few extra dollops of marshmallow fluff on top of each cookie for extra gooeyness.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Transfer the baking sheets to a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden but centers still look slightly soft and underdone.
Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. They will firm up as they cool.
Notes
Peanut Butter Options: Natural peanut butter can be used but may result in slightly different texture. Traditional creamy peanut butter works best for consistent results.
Make Them Extra Special: Press a few mini marshmallows into the tops before baking, or drizzle with melted chocolate after cooling.
Storage Tip: Store in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking from the marshmallow.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Baking
- Using cold ingredients: Cold butter and eggs don’t cream properly and create dense, heavy cookies instead of light, fluffy ones.
- Overmixing the dough: This develops too much gluten and results in tough, cake-like cookies instead of tender ones.
- Overswirling the marshmallow: Too much mixing eliminates the beautiful marbled effect and creates a uniform, less interesting appearance.
- Baking too long: Overbaked cookies become dry and hard. Remove them when centers still look slightly underdone—they continue cooking on the pan.
- Not spacing cookies properly: Crowded cookies merge together during baking. Always leave at least 2 inches between each cookie.
- Using too much flour: This creates dry, crumbly cookies. Spoon flour into measuring cups and level off rather than scooping directly.
- Skipping the cooling time on the pan: Moving cookies too soon causes them to break apart. Let them set for 5 minutes first.
- Not using parchment paper: Cookies can stick to the pan and break when trying to remove them. Parchment prevents this completely.
What to Serve With The Best Fluffernutter Cookies?
These sweet, nostalgic cookies are perfect on their own, but pairing them with complementary beverages or desserts can create a complete treat experience. Whether you want something simple or indulgent, there’s an option for every occasion.
8 Delicious Recommendations:
Cold Milk
Classic and timeless—a glass of cold milk is the perfect partner for these rich, peanut buttery cookies.
Hot Chocolate
Creamy hot chocolate with marshmallows on top echoes the cookie’s flavors and creates a cozy dessert moment.
Vanilla Ice Cream
Serve warm cookies alongside vanilla ice cream for an indulgent ice cream sandwich or à la mode experience.
Fresh Strawberries
The bright, fresh flavor of strawberries cuts through the sweetness and adds a refreshing element.
Coffee or Espresso
A strong cup of coffee balances the sweetness perfectly and makes these cookies an excellent afternoon pick-me-up.
Chocolate Milk
For extra indulgence, pair with chocolate milk—especially popular with kids and the young at heart.
Banana Slices
Fresh banana slices complement the peanut butter flavor beautifully and add natural sweetness.
Salted Caramel Sauce (for drizzling)
A drizzle of salted caramel sauce takes these cookies from delicious to absolutely decadent.
These pairings enhance the cookie experience and create memorable dessert moments.
Storage Instructions
The Best Fluffernutter Cookies store wonderfully and stay soft for days—making them perfect for make-ahead treats or gift-giving.
How to Store:
Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
Refrigerator: If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.
Freezer (Baked Cookies): Wrap cooled cookies individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Freezer (Cookie Dough): Scoop dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to baking time.
Reheating:
Microwave: Warm individual cookies for 10–15 seconds to restore that fresh-baked softness.
Oven: Reheat at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes to refresh texture and warm throughout.
Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Based on 6 Servings)
Please note this is an approximate breakdown and may vary based on exact ingredients used.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 285 |
| Protein | 7g |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 24g |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 7g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 35mg |
| Sodium | 220mg |
These cookies provide a sweet indulgence with protein from peanut butter—perfect for an occasional treat or special dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make The Best Fluffernutter Cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the dough, shape into balls, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. Or freeze dough balls for up to 3 months and bake whenever you want fresh cookies.
2. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes! Crunchy peanut butter adds extra texture and a more rustic appearance. The cookies will be slightly less smooth but equally delicious.
3. Are these cookies very sweet?
They are on the sweeter side due to the marshmallow fluff. You can reduce the granulated sugar slightly if you prefer less sweetness.
4. Can I make these without marshmallow fluff?
The marshmallow fluff is what makes them “fluffernutter” cookies, but you could use mini marshmallows as an alternative, though the texture will be different.
5. What if I don’t have a mixer?
No problem. Mix by hand using a wooden spoon or sturdy spatula. It will take more elbow grease, but it works perfectly fine.
6. Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?
Yes! Double all ingredients and bake in multiple batches. These cookies are perfect for parties, bake sales, or gift-giving.
7. Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?
Absolutely. Fold in ½–¾ cup of mini chocolate chips along with the marshmallow swirl for extra indulgence.
8. How do I keep cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking, use parchment paper, and ensure your butter isn’t too soft or melted.
Conclusion
The Best Fluffernutter Cookies are the ultimate combination of nostalgic flavor and homemade comfort—all baked into one irresistible treat. With their rich peanut butter base and sweet marshmallow swirl, they’re everything you love about the classic fluffernutter sandwich in cookie form.
Perfect for bake sales, cookie swaps, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat. Plus, with endless customization options, you can make them uniquely yours every time. So grab your mixing bowl and bake up something everyone will love.
