Homemade Moon Pies: A Nostalgic Treat with a Twist

Moon Pies are a nostalgic Southern treat that bring together a delightful combination of soft cookies, fluffy marshmallow filling, and rich chocolate coating. This homemade version of Moon Pies is a fun and satisfying recipe that combines traditional ingredients with a few twists to make a truly delicious dessert. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet, homemade indulgence, these Moon Pies will surely become a favorite in your household.

In this article, we’ll guide you through making the perfect homemade Moon Pies, from the ingredients to the step-by-step process. We’ll also share tips on how to store, customize, and even adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs. For more dessert ideas and tips, check out this classic Southern dessert guide and how to bake cookies like a pro.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Homemade Moon Pies Recipe: Soft Cookies, Marshmallow, and Chocolate

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including cooling and chocolate setting time)
• Yield: 12 moon pies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Homemade Moon Pies are a nostalgic treat, combining soft, spiced cookies with gooey marshmallow fluff, all dipped in rich dark chocolate. With a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, these moon pies are sure to become a favorite snack or dessert, evoking the classic Southern charm of this iconic treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon molasses
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1–1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1–1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Marshmallow Filling:

• 1 jar (7-1/2 ounces) marshmallow fluff
• 1/2 cup marshmallow fluff (for filling)

For the Chocolate Coating:

• 3 packages (10 ounces each) dark chocolate melting wafers (such as Ghirardelli)

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Instructions

• Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets:
• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
• Make the Cookie Dough:
• In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and brown sugar until creamy and smooth.
• Add the egg, honey, molasses, and vanilla extract, and beat until combined.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
• Shape and Bake the Cookies:
• Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
• Flatten each dough ball slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers to form cookie discs.
• Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheets.
• Prepare the Marshmallow Filling:
• In a small bowl, stir the marshmallow fluff to ensure it’s smooth and pliable. If it’s too stiff, microwave it for 15-20 seconds to soften.
• Assemble the Moon Pies:
• Once the cookies have cooled, spread about 1 tablespoon of marshmallow fluff on the bottom side of half of the cookies.
• Top with the remaining cookies, sandwiching the marshmallow fluff between them.
• Dip in Chocolate:
• Melt the dark chocolate wafers according to the package instructions. This can usually be done in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or using a double boiler.
• Dip each moon pie into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Use a spoon to help cover the edges if needed.
• Place the chocolate-coated moon pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them set at room temperature or refrigerate for about 30 minutes until the chocolate is firm.
• Serve:
• Once the chocolate has set, the moon pies are ready to serve. Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Notes

You can substitute the dark chocolate melting wafers with milk or white chocolate for a different flavor.

If you prefer a firmer marshmallow filling, refrigerate the moon pies for a few hours before serving.

For a fun twist, try adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the marshmallow fluff for extra flavor.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert, Snack
• Method: Baking, Melting, Assembling
• Cuisine: American, Southern-Inspired

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 moon pie
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 30g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: Homemade Moon Pies

Instructions:

1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Add the egg, honey, molasses, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well incorporated.

2: Shape the Cookies

1. Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, portion out dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Flatten each ball of dough slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers, as they will spread slightly during baking.
2. Bake the cookies for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown around the edges. Allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

3: Prepare the Marshmallow Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, spoon out the marshmallow fluff. Add the remaining 1/2 cup of marshmallow fluff from the jar to the bowl.
2. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the fluff on high speed for about 1-2 minutes to make the filling light and fluffy.

4: Assemble the Moon Pies

1. Once the cookies have cooled completely, flip half of the cookies over so the flat side is facing up.
2. Place another cookie on top of each, pressing them together gently to form a sandwich. Be sure the marshmallow filling is evenly distributed.

5: Dip in Chocolate

1. Melt the dark chocolate wafers in a heatproof bowl over a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until smooth.
2. Once the chocolate is melted, dip each Moon Pie sandwich halfway into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off.
3. Place the dipped Moon Pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet to set. Allow them to cool completely, which may take about 30 minutes at room temperature or 10-15 minutes in the fridge.

Advanced Techniques for the Perfect Homemade Moon Pies

While the basic recipe is straightforward, here are some advanced techniques to help you elevate your homemade Moon Pies:

Achieving a Crispy Yet Chewy Cookie

The key to achieving the perfect balance of crispy edges and chewy centers is in the baking time. If you prefer a softer, chewier cookie, bake them for a slightly shorter time (about 9 minutes). On the other hand, for a more crispy texture, bake the cookies for the full 12 minutes. Also, using a mixture of all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour adds a slightly denser texture that is more typical of traditional Moon Pies.

Homemade Marshmallow Filling

If you want to take your Moon Pies to the next level, consider making your own marshmallow filling instead of using store-bought fluff. Homemade marshmallow fluff can be made with egg whites, sugar, corn syrup, and vanilla extract. This version will give your Moon Pies a more refined, homemade touch.

Dipping in Chocolate for a Professional Look

For an extra glossy finish on the chocolate coating, temper your chocolate before dipping the Moon Pies. This will give the chocolate a smooth, shiny appearance that makes your Moon Pies look like they came from a high-end bakery.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

These homemade Moon Pies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for later enjoyment. Here’s how to store them properly:

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Moon Pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. This will keep the cookies soft and the chocolate coating intact.

Freezing Moon Pies

You can also freeze Moon Pies for later use. Wrap each Moon Pie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will last in the freezer for up to 1-2 months. To enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

Maintaining the Chocolate Coating

If you prefer to keep the chocolate coating firm, it’s essential to store the Moon Pies in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposing them to heat or humidity, as this can cause the chocolate to soften.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

If you’re looking to make dietary adjustments to this recipe, here are some ideas:

Gluten-Free Version

To make a gluten-free version of homemade Moon Pies, substitute the all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You can also ensure that the marshmallow fluff and chocolate melting wafers are certified gluten-free.

Vegan Version

To make these Moon Pies vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter, and use a vegan egg replacement (such as flax eggs or an egg substitute of your choice). For the marshmallow fluff, you can find vegan marshmallow fluff or make your own using aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) as a substitute for egg whites. Finally, make sure to use vegan-friendly chocolate wafers.

Sugar-Free Version

To make these Moon Pies sugar-free, substitute the brown sugar with a sugar alternative like coconut sugar, erythritol, or stevia. Look for sugar-free marshmallow fluff or use a sugar-free recipe for homemade marshmallow filling. You can also choose sugar-free dark chocolate for dipping.

FAQs About Homemade Moon Pies

Can I use other types of chocolate for dipping?

Yes, you can use milk chocolate, white chocolate, or even a combination of dark and milk chocolate for dipping, depending on your preference.

How do I get the marshmallow filling to stay in place?

To ensure the marshmallow filling stays put, make sure the cookies are completely cooled before assembling. If you’re having trouble with the filling spilling out, consider chilling the filled Moon Pies in the fridge for about 10 minutes before dipping them in chocolate.

Can I make these in advance for a party or event?

Yes, these Moon Pies can be made a day or two ahead of time and stored in an airtight container. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3-5 days, making them a perfect treat to prepare in advance.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Homemade Moon Pies are a nostalgic and decadent treat that combine soft, chewy cookies with a fluffy marshmallow center and a glossy chocolate coating. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply for a sweet homemade indulgence, these Moon Pies are sure to satisfy your cravings.

With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can make this classic Southern dessert in your own kitchen. Don’t forget to experiment with different variations and dietary substitutions to make this recipe your own. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!