Southern Moon Pies Recipe

All-purpose flour: The base for the cookie dough, providing structure and texture.

Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the cookies.

Unsalted butter: Provides richness and helps with the cookie's texture.

Egg: Acts as a binder and adds moisture to the dough.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the cookies.

Milk: Adds moisture and helps combine the ingredients.

Baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise.

Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

Marshmallow creme: A fluffy, spreadable marshmallow product used for the filling.

Chocolate chips: Melted and used to coat the moon pies, adding a rich chocolate layer.

When creaming together the butter and sugar, ensure the butter is at room temperature. This allows it to incorporate more air, resulting in a lighter and fluffier texture for your cookies. Additionally, when adding the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, do so gradually and mix until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can make the cookies tough.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients, though it may result in a denser texture.

• granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and adds a slight caramel flavor.

• unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a dairy-free alternative that adds a subtle coconut flavor.

• large egg - Substitute with flax egg: A flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoon water) is a vegan alternative that provides similar binding properties.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different but pleasant flavor profile.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that works well in baking.

• baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Use ¼ teaspoon baking soda and ½ teaspoon cream of tartar to replace 1 teaspoon baking powder.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a slightly different mineral content and flavor.

• marshmallow creme - Substitute with homemade marshmallow fluff: Homemade marshmallow fluff can be made with egg whites, sugar, and vanilla, offering a fresher alternative.

• chocolate chips - Substitute with dark chocolate chunks: Dark chocolate chunks provide a richer flavor and higher cocoa content.

• To keep your Southern Moon Pies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay good for up to 3 days.
• If you want to extend their shelf life, place the moon pies in the refrigerator. They can last up to a week when stored this way. Just make sure to bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
• For longer storage, you can freeze the moon pies. Wrap each moon pie individually in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Then, place them in a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• When you're ready to enjoy a frozen moon pie, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for about 1-2 hours. Alternatively, you can speed up the process by placing it in the refrigerator overnight.
• To maintain the integrity of the marshmallow creme and chocolate coating, avoid stacking the moon pies directly on top of each other. Use parchment paper to separate layers if necessary.
• If you notice any condensation forming on the moon pies after thawing, gently pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
• For an extra touch of indulgence, consider reheating the moon pies slightly in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will soften the marshmallow creme and make the chocolate coating slightly melty, enhancing the overall experience.

• Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the Southern Moon Pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Warm them for about 5-7 minutes, just until the marshmallow creme starts to soften and the chocolate coating gets a slight sheen. This method ensures the cookies remain crisp while the filling becomes gooey.

• For a quicker option, use a microwave. Place a Southern Moon Pie on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds. Keep a close eye to avoid overheating, which can cause the marshmallow creme to ooze out and the chocolate to melt excessively.

• If you have an air fryer, set it to 300°F (150°C). Place the Southern Moon Pies in the basket, ensuring they don’t touch. Heat for 3-4 minutes. This method keeps the cookies crisp and the filling perfectly warm.

• For a stovetop method, use a double boiler. Fill the bottom pot with water and bring it to a simmer. Place the Southern Moon Pies on a heatproof plate or bowl over the simmering water. Cover with a lid and let the steam gently warm them for about 5 minutes. This indirect heat method prevents the chocolate from melting too quickly while warming the marshmallow creme.

• If you prefer a toaster oven, preheat it to 300°F (150°C). Place the Southern Moon Pies on a piece of aluminum foil or a small baking tray. Heat for 5-6 minutes, checking frequently to ensure the chocolate doesn’t over-melt and the cookies stay crisp.

• Oven: Used to bake the cookies at the specified temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• Baking sheet: A flat sheet used to place the cookie dough for baking.

• Parchment paper: Lining for the baking sheet to prevent the cookies from sticking.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine and mix the ingredients.

• Hand mixer: An electric tool used to cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

• Whisk: A tool used to whisk together the dry ingredients like flour, baking powder, and salt.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the ingredients accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure smaller quantities of ingredients like vanilla extract and baking powder.

• Spoon: Used to drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet and to flatten each mound slightly.

• Wire rack: Used to cool the cookies completely after baking.

• Spatula: Used to spread the marshmallow creme on the cookies.

• Microwave-safe bowl: Used to melt the chocolate chips.

• Microwave: Used to melt the chocolate chips in the microwave-safe bowl.

• Cooling rack: Used to place the dipped moon pies to set after covering them with melted chocolate.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and set out all ingredients before starting to streamline the process.

Use a cookie scoop: This ensures uniform cookie sizes and speeds up the portioning process.

Melt chocolate in microwave: Use a microwave to quickly melt chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Cool cookies on wire rack: Transfer cookies to a wire rack immediately to cool faster and save time.

Assemble while cooling: Prepare the marshmallow creme and other components while the cookies cool to save time.