Moon Pies, a delightful treat that originated in the southern United States, have been a beloved snack for generations. These heavenly sandwiches, composed of two round graham cracker cookies with a marshmallow filling in the middle, all dipped in a chocolate coating, offer a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Making Moon Pies at home is not only fun but allows for customization to your taste preferences. Here’s an easy recipe to bring this classic treat into your kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour (for that classic graham cracker taste)
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Marshmallow Filling:
2 large egg whites
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Coating:
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons coconut oil (optional, for a smoother texture)
Instructions
Make the Cookies:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together both flours, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and honey until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until well combined.
Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 tablespoon each), place them on the prepared baking sheet, and slightly flatten them with your fingers.
Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Marshmallow Filling:
In a double boiler over medium heat, combine egg whites, granulated sugar, and cream of tartar. Whisk constantly until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is warm to the touch.
Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form. Blend in vanilla extract.
Assemble the Moon Pies:
Spread the marshmallow filling on the flat side of one cookie and top it with another cookie, pressing gently to create a sandwich.
Repeat with the remaining cookies and filling.
Dip in Chocolate:
Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil together in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
Using a fork, dip each Moon Pie into the chocolate, turning to coat completely. Let the excess chocolate drip off before transferring to parchment paper to set.
Allow the Moon Pies to sit until the chocolate is firm, which may take a couple of hours at room temperature or about 30 minutes in the refrigerator. These homemade Moon Pies are best enjoyed the day they are made but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Enjoy this delicious, nostalgic treat with a modern homemade twist!
Customizing Your Moon Pies
One of the joys of making Moon Pies at home is the ability to customize them to your taste. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Flavor Variations
Vanilla or Strawberry Marshmallow: Substitute the vanilla extract in the marshmallow filling with other flavors like almond, peppermint, or strawberry for a different twist.
Chocolate Graham Crackers: Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for the cookies for an extra chocolatey flavor.
Spiced Cookies: Incorporate spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger into the cookie dough for a warm, spiced version.
Toppings and Coatings
White Chocolate: For a different look and taste, use white chocolate chips instead of semisweet chocolate for the coating.
Decorative Toppings: Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle toppings like crushed nuts, sea salt, sprinkles, or coconut flakes on top of the Moon Pies for added texture and flavor.
Double Decker Moon Pies: For an extra indulgent treat, add an additional layer of cookies and marshmallow filling before dipping in chocolate.
Serving Suggestions
Moon Pies are versatile and can be served in various settings and occasions:
With Ice Cream: Serve a Moon Pie with a scoop of your favorite ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Tea Time Treat: These treats pair wonderfully with coffee or tea for a mid-afternoon snack.
Party Favors: Mini Moon Pies can be wrapped in clear plastic and tied with a ribbon for a sweet party favor or gift.
Holiday Themes: Customize the toppings and chocolate color (using food coloring) to match holiday themes like Halloween, Christmas, or Valentine’s Day.
Tips for Perfect Moon Pies
Even Cookies: Try to make the cookies as uniform in size as possible for evenly matched pairs.
Marshmallow Filling: Be patient when beating the marshmallow filling; getting it to the right stiffness is key for the right texture.
Setting Chocolate: If you’re in a hurry, setting the chocolate-coated Moon Pies in the refrigerator speeds up the process, but be aware that it can sometimes cause the chocolate to bloom or turn slightly white.
Storage: If you need to stack them for storage, place a piece of parchment paper between each Moon Pie to prevent them from sticking together.
Creating Moon Pies at home allows for a wonderful blend of creativity, nostalgia, and deliciousness. Whether you stick to the classic or experiment with your own variations, these treats are sure to bring a smile to anyone who tries them. Enjoy the process and your delicious creations!
