Description

These festive cookies feature a rich, creamy peanut butter base and gooey marshmallow centers, all wrapped up in a tender gluten-free crumb. Quick to make and perfect for Christmas, they’re a crowd-pleasing treat everyone can enjoy.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup creamy peanut butter (Jif or Skippy recommended)
3/4 cup light brown sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour (Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 or King Arthur blend)
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
24 mini marshmallows
Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Optional: 1/4 cup crushed candy canes

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine peanut butter and brown sugar. Beat with a hand mixer on medium until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute.
Add egg and vanilla extract. Beat again until fully blended.
Sprinkle in gluten-free flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined. Dough should be thick and slightly sticky.
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out about 1½ tablespoons of dough per cookie. Roll each ball lightly, flatten slightly, and press a mini marshmallow into the center. Fold dough around marshmallow to encase it.
Arrange cookies 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are golden and tops look set. Cookies may crack around the marshmallow.
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack or plate. Marshmallow centers will set as they cool but remain gooey.

Notes

For best results, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Encasing the marshmallow fully prevents it from melting out. Cookies are fragile when hot; let them cool before moving. Double the batch for parties—they disappear fast! Optional mix-ins like chocolate chips or crushed candy canes add festive flair.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 120
Sugar: 10
Sodium: 90
Fat: 6
Saturated Fat: 1.5
Carbohydrates: 17
Fiber: 1
Protein: 3

Keywords: gluten-free, peanut butter, marshmallow, Christmas cookies, holiday baking, easy cookies, dessert, festive treats