Homemade Moon Pie Recipe: A Sweet Southern Delight

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 cup of whole milk
  • For the Marshmallow Filling:
  • 1 cup of marshmallow cream
  • 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup of powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
  • For the Chocolate Ganache:
  • 1 cup of heavy cream
  • 2 cups of semisweet chocolate chips

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  4. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture alternately with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  5. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until firm to the touch. Let cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
  7. Meanwhile, prepare the marshmallow filling: In a mixing bowl, beat together the marshmallow cream, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
  8. Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread about 1 tablespoon of marshmallow filling onto the flat side of half of the cookies. Top with the remaining cookies, flat side down. Press together slightly so that the filling spreads to the edges.
  9. Finally, prepare the chocolate ganache: In a small saucepan, bring the heavy cream to a simmer over medium heat. Remove from heat and add the chocolate chips. Let sit for a few minutes, then stir until smooth.
  10. Dip each moon pie into the chocolate ganache, coating completely. Place on a wire rack set over a sheet of parchment paper to catch any drips. Let stand until the ganache is set.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use graham cracker crumbs instead of cocoa powder for a different crust flavor.
  • Replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly healthier version.
  • Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans) to the cookie dough for added crunch.
  • Substitute almond extract for vanilla extract in the cookie dough for a different flavor profile.
  • Make a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
  • Add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the cookie dough for extra bursts of chocolate.
  • Make a vegan version by using a dairy-free butter substitute and replacing the egg with a flaxseed or chia seed egg.
  • Experiment with different flavored marshmallow creams, such as strawberry or caramel.
  • Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the chocolate ganache for a sweet-salty combination.
  • Try using dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet for a richer chocolate flavor.

Recipe overview

This homemade Moon Pie recipe will bring back nostalgic memories and satisfy any sweet tooth. Moon Pies are marshmallow-filled cookies that are dipped in a rich chocolate ganache. They are a classic southern treat that originated in the early 1900s and have been loved ever since. This recipe will guide you step by step in creating these delightful treats right in your kitchen. It involves making a cocoa-based cookie, a sweet and fluffy marshmallow filling, and a smooth, luscious layer of chocolate ganache. The result is a balanced cookie with a soft and chewy texture, a creamy filling, and a deliciously decadent chocolate coating. Enjoy the process of making these delightful treats and savor the delicious outcome!

Common questions

  1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? Yes, you can use salted butter. Just remember to adjust the amount of salt in the recipe accordingly or omit it if you prefer.
  2. Can I use a different type of flour? All-purpose flour works best for this recipe. Using a different type of flour may result in a different texture and taste.
  3. Can I substitute the marshmallow cream with marshmallows? Marshmallow cream provides a smooth and creamy texture. Substituting with marshmallows may not give the same consistency and might affect the filling's spreadability.
  4. How should I store the Moon Pies? Store the Moon Pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer a firmer texture, you can refrigerate them.
  5. Can I freeze the Moon Pies? Yes, you can freeze the Moon Pies for up to 2 months. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap before freezing.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Baking sheets - Used for baking the cookies.
  • Parchment paper - To line the baking sheets and prevent sticking.
  • Large bowl - For creaming the sugar and butter, and mixing the cookie dough.
  • Whisk - To combine the dry ingredients thoroughly.
  • Measuring cups and spoons - For accurate measurement of ingredients.
  • Electric mixer - To cream the sugar and butter, and beat the marshmallow filling.
  • Mixing bowl - For preparing the marshmallow filling.
  • Spatula - To fold in the dry ingredients and scrape down the sides of the bowl.
  • Wire racks - For cooling the cookies and allowing excess ganache to drip off.
  • Small saucepan - For heating the cream for the chocolate ganache.
  • Whisk or spoon - To stir the chocolate ganache until smooth.
  • Wire rack set - To place the dipped moon pies for the ganache to set.

Origin stories

The Moon Pie, a delightful marshmallow-filled sandwich cookie, has been a Southern United States staple since its creation in 1917 by the Chattanooga Bakery in Tennessee. The story goes that a Kentucky coal miner asked a traveling snack salesman for a dessert "as big as the moon", inspiring the bakery's owner to whip up this iconic sweet treat. Moon Pies quickly grew in popularity, especially during the Great Depression, when they were often paired with an RC Cola for a filling, affordable meal. This combination became so well-loved that it even inspired a popular country song by Big Bill Lister in the 1950s, titled "Gimme an RC Cola and a Moon Pie". Even today, Moon Pies continue to be a beloved part of Southern culture, celebrated annually with a giant 600-pound electronic Moon Pie drop on New Year's Eve in Mobile, Alabama.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.