Homemade Moon Pies

Moon Pies are a nostalgic Southern treat made with two soft graham-flavored cookies sandwiched around a fluffy marshmallow filling and coated in a smooth layer of chocolate.

This homemade version captures the classic combination of chewy, creamy, and chocolatey textures while offering a fresher taste and customizable size. They're perfect for lunchboxes, bake sales, parties, or an old-fashioned dessert spread.

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Prep Time
30 mins

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Cook Time
10 mins

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Servings
12 moon pies

Why You Love This Recipe

Soft Cookies
Soft cookies with a subtle honey-graham flavor.

Light & Fluffy Filling
Light and fluffy marshmallow filling.

Rich Chocolate Coating
Rich chocolate coating for the perfect finish.

Fun to Make
Fun to make and decorate.

Great for Sharing
Great for sharing at parties and picnics.

Homemade Nostalgia
Homemade taste with nostalgic charm.

Make-Ahead Friendly
Can be made ahead and stored for several days.

Tools and Preparation

Essential Tools and Equipment

Baking sheets
Parchment paper
Mixing bowls
Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
Rolling pin
Round cookie cutter (about 3 inches)
Wire cooling rack
Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler
Rubber spatula
Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Baking Sheets
Ensure even baking of the cookies.

Parchment Paper
Prevents sticking and promotes easy cleanup.

Mixing Bowls
Keep wet and dry ingredients organized.

Electric Mixer
Helps create a smooth dough and fluffy filling.

Rolling Pin
Produces evenly thick cookies.

Cookie Cutter
Creates uniform sandwich cookies.

Cooling Rack
Prevents condensation and soggy bottoms.

Microwave-Safe Bowl or Double Boiler
Melts chocolate gently.

Rubber Spatula
Folds ingredients and scrapes bowls clean.

Measuring Tools
Improve consistency and accuracy.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup milk

For the Marshmallow Filling:
1 cup marshmallow creme
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Coating:
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons coconut oil or vegetable shortening

Optional Decorations:
White chocolate drizzle
Colorful sprinkles
Crushed graham crackers
Sea salt flakes

Steps To Create Recipe

1. PREPARE THE OVEN
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. MAKE THE COOKIE DOUGH
Whisk together the flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, cream the butter with both sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla, then add the milk. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.

3. SHAPE AND BAKE
Roll the dough to about ¼ inch thick and cut into circles. Place on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. Cool completely.

4. PREPARE THE FILLING
Beat the marshmallow creme, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and fluffy.

5. ASSEMBLE THE SANDWICHES
Spread or pipe the marshmallow filling onto the flat side of one cookie and top with another cookie to create a sandwich.

6. COAT WITH CHOCOLATE
Melt the chocolate chips with the coconut oil until smooth. Dip each sandwich into the melted chocolate or spoon the chocolate over the top, allowing the excess to drip off. Place on parchment paper until the coating sets.

How to Serve

Moon Pies are delicious:

With Cold Milk
With a cold glass of milk.

With Coffee or Hot Chocolate
Alongside coffee or hot chocolate.

In Lunchboxes
Packed in lunchboxes.

At Birthday Parties
Served at birthday parties.

On Dessert Platters
Included in dessert platters.

Slightly Chilled
Slightly chilled for a firmer chocolate coating.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overbaking Cookies
Overbaking the cookies, making them too crisp.

Filling While Warm
Filling the cookies while they are still warm.

Overly Hot Chocolate
Using overly hot chocolate, which can make the filling soften.

Too Much Filling
Applying too much filling, causing it to ooze out.

Skipping Parchment
Skipping parchment paper during cooling.

Storing Before Set
Storing before the chocolate coating has fully set.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Refrigerator: Keep refrigerated for up to 1 week. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezer: Freeze individually wrapped Moon Pies for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating: No reheating is necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use store-bought marshmallow fluff?
A: Yes. Marshmallow fluff or marshmallow creme both work well for the filling.

Q: Can I use milk chocolate instead of semisweet?
A: Absolutely. Milk chocolate creates a sweeter coating.

Q: Why are my cookies hard?
A: They were likely baked too long. Remove them when the edges are just lightly browned.

Q: Can I make mini Moon Pies?
A: Yes. Use a smaller cookie cutter and reduce the baking time by 1–2 minutes.

Q: Do I have to coat the entire sandwich in chocolate?
A: No. You can drizzle the chocolate over the top or coat only one side if preferred.

Q: Can I make them ahead of time?
A: Yes. They store well and can even taste better after the flavors meld overnight.

Final Thoughts

Homemade Moon Pies combine tender graham-style cookies, creamy marshmallow filling, and a rich chocolate coating into one irresistible dessert. Whether you're recreating a childhood favorite or introducing it to a new generation, these sandwich cookies are sure to bring smiles with every bite.