If you have a sweet tooth and a love for nostalgic treats, you are going to fall head over heels for this Homemade Moon Pies Recipe. These delightful sandwich cookies filled with fluffy marshmallow cream and coated in rich bittersweet chocolate bring a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Soft and slightly chewy oat-based cookies hold a cloud-like marshmallow center, all wrapped up in a glossy chocolate coat that’s pure magic. Making Moon Pies from scratch may sound ambitious, but with this step-by-step guide, you’ll realize it’s not only fun but incredibly rewarding. Gather your ingredients, get ready to roll up your sleeves, and prepare to impress your friends and family with this classic Southern-inspired treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows ten small clear glass bowls and one white round plate arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. The largest bowl at the top right holds coarse oat flour in a light beige color. To its left is a medium bowl with brown sugar, golden brown and grainy. Below the brown sugar bowl is another medium bowl filled with white flour. To the right of that is a smaller bowl with whole wheat flour, slightly darker beige. A small bowl containing bright golden honey is placed to the right of the whole wheat flour. Below these bowls is a white plate holding two sticks of pale yellow butter. Near the bottom right corner are three very small bowls labeled baking soda, baking powder, and salt, all containing fine white powders. A small bowl of amber vanilla extract is next to these, and a clear glass measuring cup filled with water sits behind them. All items are spaced out on a white marbled surface in a clean, bright setting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a mouthwatering masterpiece. Each item plays a key role, contributing to the tender texture of the cookies, the marshmallow’s fluffy texture, and the delicious chocolate finish that ties everything together.

3 cups oat flour: Gives the cookies a hearty, chewy texture and wholesome flavor.
½ cup whole wheat flour: Adds nuttiness and a lovely dense crumb to the cookies.
½ cup all-purpose flour: Balances the flours and helps with structure.
2 Tablespoons wheat germ: Boosts nutrition and adds subtle texture.
¼ cup brown sugar (firmly packed): For warm, caramel notes and moisture.
⅓ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
½ teaspoon baking powder: Helps cookies rise slightly, keeping them light.
⅔ teaspoon baking soda: Aids in leavening and color development during baking.
10 Tablespoons unsalted butter (cold): Creates tender, flaky cookies with rich flavor.
½ cup water: Binds the dough together smoothly.
⅓ cup honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps with browning.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Deepens the cookie’s aroma and taste.
3 Tablespoons unflavored gelatin: Essential for the marshmallow’s perfect, fluffy texture.
1 cup water (divided): Hydrates the gelatin and sugar syrup.
1½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the marshmallow.
1 cup corn syrup: Ensures marshmallow’s soft, smooth consistency.
¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness of the marshmallow filling.
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract: Adds delightful flavor to marshmallow.
Powdered sugar: Prevents sticking and adds a subtle sweetness to the marshmallow layer.
2 cups bittersweet chocolate (tempered): Provides a rich, glossy coating that seals and elevates the Moon Pies.

How to Make Homemade Moon Pies Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Graham Cracker Cookies

Start by preheating your oven to 350℉ (177℃) and lining two sheet pans with parchment paper so nothing sticks. Next, whisk together your oat, whole wheat, and all-purpose flours along with wheat germ, brown sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda — this blend ensures a tender but hearty cookie base. Grate the cold butter right into the dry ingredients, then stir gently to coat the butter bits. Add water, honey, and vanilla for moisture and flavor; be ready for a stiff dough, which is exactly what you want. Roll this dough out to about ⅜ inch thick on a non-stick surface—covering the top with parchment paper makes rolling a breeze. Finally, cut out 28 cookies using a 3½ inch cutter and bake for 15 minutes until they’re lightly browned but still soft.

Step 2: Making the Marshmallow Filling

While your cookies bake, prepare a parchment-lined pan sprayed with cooking spray and generously dust it with powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Bloom your gelatin in half a cup of water using a stand mixer with the whisk attachment—this gives the marshmallow its signature fluff. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, corn syrup, the remaining water, and salt, stirring until dissolved and then boiling without stirring until it hits 240℉ (116℃), or the soft-ball stage. Pour this hot syrup slowly over the gelatin while the mixer is running, then beat on high until stiff peaks form. Beat in vanilla for that extra layer of flavor, then spread the fluffy marshmallow evenly into your prepared pan and sift more powdered sugar on top before chilling for about an hour to set.

Step 3: Assembly of Your Homemade Moon Pies Recipe

Once the marshmallow slab is set, use a 3-inch cutter to make marshmallow rounds that match your cookies. Turn half your cookies over so the bottoms face up—this is critical for proper assembly. Brush off any excess powdered sugar from the marshmallows, then place one marshmallow round on each bottom cookie. Brushing a tiny bit of water on the marshmallow edges helps the top cookie stick, so place the remaining cookies on top to create sandwiches. Now comes the exciting part: dip each assembled sandwich into tempered bittersweet chocolate, ensuring each one gets a glossy, even coating. Set these on parchment paper to dry, and just like that, your Homemade Moon Pies Recipe is ready for the grand finale.

How to Serve Homemade Moon Pies Recipe

The image shows a group of round sandwich cookies arranged closely on a white marbled surface. Each cookie has two golden brown, slightly textured crispy layers on top and bottom with a thick, smooth white cream layer in the middle. The cookies are evenly spaced and aligned in rows, creating a neat and uniform look. The cream filling is thick and slightly raised between the cookie layers, making the sandwiches look soft inside and crunchy outside. The whole scene looks bright and clean with natural light highlighting the golden color of the cookie and the pure white cream. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To add a little extra flair, consider dusting your Moon Pies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or even a pinch of edible gold dust for special occasions. Fresh mint leaves or small edible flowers can also provide a stunning contrast that makes your dessert look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Serve your Homemade Moon Pies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate. The creamy and rich sides balance the texture and temperature of the pies, turning a simple snack into an indulgent dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your Moon Pies on a pedestal cake stand for an impressive display or arrange them in a rustic wooden box lined with parchment for a gift-worthy treat. Wrapping individual pies in parchment tied with twine makes a charming and thoughtful gift anyone would be thrilled to receive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Moon Pies are completely dry, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and delicious for up to five days, retaining their softness inside the chocolate shell.

Freezing

You can freeze your Homemade Moon Pies Recipe treats wrapped individually in plastic wrap, placed in a freezer bag to avoid freezer burn. They keep for up to two months. Thaw them at room temperature for a couple of hours before serving to enjoy their full texture.

Reheating

Moon Pies are best enjoyed at room temperature, so no real need to reheat. If your chocolate coating looks dull after storage, a gentle warm-up in a low-temperature oven for a few minutes can refresh the shine, but be cautious not to overheat as it can melt the marshmallow inside.

FAQs

Can I substitute the oat flour with all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can replace oat flour with all-purpose flour, but the cookies may lose some of their signature chewiness and heartiness. Oat flour adds a lovely texture and flavor that’s key to these Homemade Moon Pies Recipe cookies.

What if I don’t have corn syrup for the marshmallow?

Corn syrup helps prevent crystallization and keeps the marshmallow nice and smooth. You could try using light golden syrup or a mild honey, but the texture might be slightly different. For best results, stick to corn syrup.

How important is tempering the chocolate?

Tempering the chocolate is crucial if you want a glossy finish and a nice, firm snap on your Moon Pies. Without tempering, the chocolate can look dull and may not set properly.

Can I make the marshmallow filling ahead of time?

Yes, the marshmallow filling can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Just cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out. Bring it back to room temperature before assembling your pies.

What’s the best way to cut the cookies and marshmallow evenly?

Using cookie cutters and pressing straight down without twisting will give you the cleanest edges. Rolling the dough and marshmallow slab evenly ensures consistent thickness for perfect sandwiches every time.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Moon Pies Recipe truly transforms a beloved Southern classic into a homemade indulgence packed with love and care. The journey of making these treats, from mixing the dough to dipping each pie in chocolate, is filled with joy and anticipation. Once you taste that first bite combining tender cookies, pillow-soft marshmallow, and luscious chocolate, you’ll understand why Moon Pies hold a special place in so many hearts. So grab your ingredients and dive in—these Homemade Moon Pies are waiting to become your new favorite dessert to share and savor!

Homemade Moon Pies Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Homemade Moon Pies Recipe