Moon Pies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Moon Pies are a nostalgic, indulgent treat made with soft, cake-like cookies sandwiching a fluffy marshmallow filling, all coated in a rich layer of chocolate. Originally popular in the American South, these classic confections offer the perfect combination of texture and flavor—chewy, creamy, and chocolatey. Ideal for snacks, lunchboxes, or homemade gifts, Moon Pies are a fun and satisfying dessert to make from scratch.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose flourunsweetened cocoa powderbaking sodasaltunsalted buttergranulated sugareggsvanilla extractwhole milkcorn syrupunflavored gelatinmarshmallow creamsemisweet chocolate chipsvegetable oil

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, until a soft dough forms.

Scoop the dough into small rounds on the baking sheet, flattening each slightly.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, then let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.

To prepare the filling, sprinkle gelatin over cold water in a saucepan and let it bloom for a few minutes.

Warm the gelatin mixture, then whisk in corn syrup and marshmallow cream until smooth and fluffy.

Spread or pipe the marshmallow filling onto the flat side of half the cookies, then top with the remaining halves.

Melt the chocolate chips with vegetable oil until smooth.

Dip each sandwich into the melted chocolate, fully coating it.

Place the coated Moon Pies on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate until the chocolate sets.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 12 Moon Pies.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 10-12 minutes
Assembly and coating time: 30 minutes
Chilling time: 30 minutes
Total time: About 1 hour 40 minutes

Variations

Use white chocolate or peanut butter chips for the coating instead of semisweet chocolate.
Add a sprinkle of sea salt over the chocolate coating for a salty-sweet twist.
Try flavoring the marshmallow filling with peppermint or vanilla bean for variety.
Swap cocoa for cinnamon in the cookie dough for a spiced version.

storage/reheating

Store Moon Pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
They can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Let come to room temperature before serving, or microwave for 10-15 seconds for a gooey treat.

FAQs

What is a Moon Pie made of?

It consists of two soft cookies, a marshmallow filling, and a chocolate coating.

Can I use store-bought marshmallow fluff?

Yes, but homemade marshmallow filling gives a better texture and flavor.

Do Moon Pies need to be refrigerated?

They’re best stored in the fridge to keep the coating firm, but can be enjoyed at room temperature.

Are Moon Pies the same as whoopie pies?

No, whoopie pies use a cream filling and typically aren’t coated in chocolate.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

How do I make the coating smooth?

Add a bit of oil to the melted chocolate for a glossy finish and easier dipping.

Can kids help make these?

Absolutely! Let them assemble the sandwiches and dip them in chocolate.

Are Moon Pies vegan?

Traditional recipes aren’t, but you can use plant-based substitutes for butter, eggs, gelatin, and chocolate.

Do they taste like store-bought ones?

Homemade Moon Pies are fresher, richer, and more customizable in flavor.

Can I flavor the cookie part?

Yes, try adding cinnamon, coffee, or citrus zest to change it up.

Conclusion

Moon Pies are a timeless treat that bring comfort and joy with every bite. Whether you’re recreating a childhood favorite or discovering them for the first time, their soft cookies, sweet marshmallow center, and rich chocolate shell make them a hit with everyone. Perfect for sharing or savoring solo, these homemade delights are sure to impress.

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