Moon Pies

Moon Pies are a nostalgic Southern treat featuring two soft, cookie-like graham cracker rounds sandwiching a layer of gooey marshmallow filling, all coated in a rich chocolate shell. Whether homemade or store-bought, these handheld pies are an iconic indulgence—sweet, chewy, and impossible to resist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Homemade Moon Pies offer everything you love about the classic snack with fresher ingredients and richer flavor. You get soft, tender cookies, a fluffy marshmallow center, and a smooth chocolate coating—all without preservatives. They’re great for gifting, celebrations, lunchboxes, or simply reliving a favorite childhood memory.

Ingredients

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

For the cookies:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Honey or molasses (for that classic graham taste)

For the marshmallow filling:

• Marshmallow creme or fluff
• Powdered sugar
• Butter (softened)
• Vanilla extract

For the chocolate coating:

• Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
• Coconut oil or shortening (for smoother coating)

Directions

this recipe

1. Make the cookies:
   Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs, vanilla, and honey/molasses. In a separate bowl, mix dry ingredients and combine with the wet. Roll into balls, flatten slightly, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes. Cool completely.
2. Make the filling:
   Beat marshmallow creme, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until fluffy.
3. Assemble the pies:
   Spread filling on the flat side of one cookie and sandwich with another. Chill briefly to firm up.
4. Coat in chocolate:
   Melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in the microwave or double boiler. Dip each sandwich in chocolate and place on parchment to set.
5. Set and serve:
   Chill until the chocolate is firm. Store in a cool, dry place or refrigerate.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 10–12 pies
• Prep time: 30 minutes
• Cook time: 10 minutes
• Chilling and coating time: 30 minutes
• Total time: Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

• Mini Moon Pies: Use a smaller cookie cutter for bite-sized treats.
• Flavored fillings: Add peanut butter, peppermint extract, or fruit jam to the marshmallow center.
• White or dark chocolate: Swap the coating for a different flavor twist.
• Coconut Moon Pies: Add shredded coconut to the filling or sprinkle over the chocolate coating.
• S’mores style: Use a toasted marshmallow filling and dark chocolate coating.

Storage/reheating

Store Moon Pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness. For a softer bite, let them sit at room temp for a few minutes before eating. Do not microwave the coated pies, as the chocolate will melt unevenly.

FAQs

What is a Moon Pie?

A classic snack with marshmallow filling sandwiched between graham-style cookies and coated in chocolate.

Are Moon Pies the same as whoopie pies?

No—whoopie pies use cake-like cookies and creamy filling, while Moon Pies feature graham-style cookies and marshmallow.

Can I use store-bought marshmallow fluff?

Yes, it works great for the filling when blended with butter and sugar.

Can I freeze Moon Pies?

Yes, freeze them individually wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temp.

How do I keep the chocolate coating smooth?

Add coconut oil or shortening to melted chocolate to thin it and create a smooth finish.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free flour blend made for baking to replicate the cookie texture.

What chocolate is best for coating?

Semi-sweet is classic, but milk or dark chocolate also work well depending on preference.

How do I keep the filling from oozing out?

Chill the cookies with filling before dipping in chocolate to firm them up.

Are Moon Pies the same as marshmallow pies?

They’re similar, but Moon Pies have a distinct graham flavor and are a Southern staple.

Can I color the filling for fun?

Yes—use food coloring in the marshmallow mixture for themed or festive treats.

Conclusion

Homemade Moon Pies are a delightful, retro dessert that combines rich chocolate, sweet marshmallow, and tender graham cookies in one irresistible package. Perfect for parties, gifts, or a nostalgic treat, they’re as fun to make as they are to eat. With endless flavor options and classic appeal, these hand-held pies are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

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