I absolutely love this recipe because it brings together the cozy, comforting flavors of peanut butter and gooey marshmallows in a way that’s naturally gluten-free—and truly irresistible. My Favorite Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Marshmallow Cookies Recipe has become my go-to when I want something sweet that’s perfect for sharing, yet simple enough for an everyday treat. If you’re anything like me, you’ll find these cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with just the right balance of sweet and nutty flavors.
What makes this recipe especially worth trying is how forgiving it is—even if you don’t have fancy gluten-free flour blends on hand, you can swap with all-purpose flour and still get a delightful cookie. Whether you’re baking for friends, need a quick dessert fix, or want to impress family at your next gathering, My Favorite Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Marshmallow Cookies Recipe fits every occasion like a charm.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Gluten-Free and Flexible: You can easily swap flour types, making it perfect for various dietary needs.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies stay soft thanks to frozen marshmallows, which keep them delightfully gooey.
- Simple Ingredients: Common pantry staples come together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy days.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The peanut butter and marshmallow combo is comforting and nostalgic—always a hit!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in My Favorite Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Marshmallow Cookies Recipe contributes to that perfect chewy texture and rich flavor. Picking the right peanut butter and freezing your marshmallows ahead help elevate the final result.
- Gluten-Free Flour: Use a good-quality blend for best texture, or swap with all-purpose if gluten isn’t a concern.
- Baking Soda: Gives the cookies a nice lift and helps maintain softness.
- Sea Salt: A pinch balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Unsalted Butter: Softened butter makes mixing easier and controls the salt content.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and adds structure.
- Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: Go for a natural or creamy version for smoothness without graininess.
- Large Egg: Binds ingredients and adds richness.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, sweet aroma.
- Mini Marshmallows (Frozen): Freezing them before folding into the dough keeps them from melting too quickly, delivering gooey pockets in every bite.
Variations
I love that this recipe is a great starting point for creativity. Over time, I’ve experimented with a few tweaks to keep things interesting and tailor the cookies to what my family enjoys most.
- Chunky Peanut Butter: For a delightful crunch, try using crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy—I’ve done this when my kids wanted extra texture.
- Chocolate Chips: Adding semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips pairs wonderfully with the peanut butter flavor and adds richness.
- Nut-Free Version: Substitute sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter if you’re avoiding peanuts but want the same creamy effect.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter and a flax egg to make these cookies vegan-friendly—though marshmallow substitutes will be needed.
How to Make My Favorite Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Marshmallow Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Freeze the Mini Marshmallows
Start by putting your mini marshmallows into an airtight container and pop them in the freezer for a few hours. This little trick is a game changer—I discovered it by accident once when making s’mores cookies, and it prevents them from melting too fast while baking, so you get these perfect pockets of gooey delight instead of a marshmallow mess.
Step 2: Prep Dry Ingredients
While the marshmallows chill, whisk together your gluten-free flour, baking soda, and sea salt in a medium bowl. This ensures everything is evenly distributed for a balanced texture and flavor.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a larger bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugar using a hand mixer until light and fluffy. This step is vital because creaming introduces air, which helps create that soft, tender crumb. I like to make sure my butter is just shy of melting for optimal consistency.
Step 4: Add Peanut Butter, Egg, and Vanilla
Mix in your creamy peanut butter, then the egg, followed by the vanilla extract. Blend everything until it’s smooth and fully combined—don’t rush this part because it brings all those flavors together beautifully.
Step 5: Fold in the Frozen Mini Marshmallows
Remove the marshmallows from the freezer and gently fold them into your batter quickly, before they have time to thaw. The frozen marshmallows maintain their shape and create those signature gooey bursts that make these cookies unforgettable.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Over-mixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop as soon as the flour is incorporated for soft results.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and scoop out the dough into balls about 2-3 tablespoons each—this size makes perfectly thick, tender cookies. Space them 1-2 inches apart so they have room to spread without sticking together. Bake at 350°F for around 10 to 11 minutes, keeping an eye on the edges so they don’t over-brown. The centers will look soft, but that’s perfect.
Step 8: Cool Before Enjoying
Once out of the oven, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes. They continue cooking slightly while cooling, which helps set their texture while keeping them chewy and moist. Then, dig in and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making My Favorite Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Marshmallow Cookies Recipe
- Freeze the Marshmallows: Keeping them frozen until just before mixing prevents them from melting into the dough and gives you gooey marshmallow pockets after baking.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the flour mixture with the wet ingredients, mix just until incorporated to keep your cookies soft and tender.
- Room Temperature Butter: Softened—not melted—buttery texture blends easier and helps with cookie structure.
- Watch the Baking Time: Removing cookies when the edges are set but the centers are still soft ensures chewy, not crunchy, results.
How to Serve My Favorite Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Marshmallow Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I often dust these cookies lightly with a pinch of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for an extra special touch. It adds a little contrast and makes them look stunning for casual get-togethers or holiday dessert trays.
Side Dishes
Pair your cookies with a cold glass of milk or a cup of hot coffee or tea to balance the sweetness. I also like serving them alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream when I want to treat myself and guests.
Creative Ways to Present
For birthday parties, I like stacking these cookies with small skewers and miniature flags for a fun, festive look. They also make adorable individual gift packages when wrapped in parchment and tied with twine—perfect for sharing a taste of homemade goodness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover cookies in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh for up to a week. Keeping them chilled helps maintain the chewy texture and prevents any marshmallows from getting too sticky or gummy.
Freezing
These cookies freeze wonderfully! I place them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When I’m craving a cookie, I just thaw a few at room temp, and they taste almost like freshly baked.
Reheating
To warm up the cookies, a quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave works great for bringing back that soft, melty goodness—just be careful not to overdo it, or they’ll get too soft and lose their shape.
FAQs
-
Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free flour in this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is flexible and works really well with all-purpose flour if gluten isn’t a concern for you. The texture remains soft and chewy, just as delicious.
-
Why do I need to freeze the mini marshmallows before adding them to the cookie dough?
Freezing the marshmallows helps them keep their shape during baking, so they don’t melt completely into the dough. This technique locks in those gooey, melty bites everyone loves without making the dough too sticky to handle.
-
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes, with some substitutions! Use a flaxseed egg or another egg replacer, plant-based butter, and vegan marshmallows. Keep in mind, texture might vary slightly, but they’re still delicious.
-
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, these cookies stay fresh and chewy for up to one week. For longer storage, freezing is a great option.
Final Thoughts
My Favorite Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Marshmallow Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines simplicity with that cozy, nostalgic flavor combo we all love. Whether you’re new to gluten-free baking or just looking for a crowd-pleasing cookie to bring along to potlucks, give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed. I’m excited for you to taste the soft, chewy magic that comes from those frozen marshmallows mixed into peanut butter dough. Happy baking, friend!
PrintMy Favorite Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Marshmallow Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 16 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Marshmallow Cookies feature a delightful combination of creamy peanut butter and soft mini marshmallows, baked to perfection with gluten-free flour for a chewy, flavorful treat. Perfect for those seeking a classic cookie with a gluten-free twist, these cookies are rich, sweet, and easy to make.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ¼ Cup Gluten-Free Flour (can substitute with all-purpose flour)
- 1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
- ½ Teaspoon Sea Salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ Cup Unsalted Butter, softened
- ½ Cup Granulated Sugar
- ¾ Cup Brown Sugar, packed
- ¾ Cup Creamy Peanut Butter
- 1 Large Egg
- 2 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract
Others
- 1 ¼ Cups Mini Marshmallows, frozen
Instructions
- Prepare Marshmallows: Place mini marshmallows in an airtight container and freeze for a few hours before baking to ensure they hold their shape.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together gluten-free flour, baking soda, and sea salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a larger bowl, use a hand mixer to cream the softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until well combined and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add creamy peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture and mix again until fully incorporated.
- Fold in Marshmallows: Remove frozen mini marshmallows from the freezer and gently fold them into the batter quickly to prevent them from defrosting and melting.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet batter, mixing until just combined to form cookie dough.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Scoop Dough: Using a large cookie scoop or spoon, portion out dough balls of about 2-3 tablespoons each, spacing them 1-2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow room for spreading.
- Bake: Bake cookies in the preheated oven for 10-11 minutes until edges are set and golden.
- Cool: Remove from oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes to complete baking and firm up.
- Serve and Store: Once cooled, serve the cookies. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Notes
- Freezing the marshmallows before baking helps them retain their shape and prevents them from melting into the dough.
- You can substitute gluten-free flour with all-purpose flour if gluten is not a concern.
- Do not overmix the dough after adding the flour to maintain a tender cookie texture.
- Spacing the dough balls properly ensures cookies do not merge during baking.
- Storing cookies in the fridge helps keep marshmallows firm and cookies fresh longer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg