Moon Pies have been a beloved Southern snack for decades, with their soft marshmallow center sandwiched between two round graham cracker cookies and coated in a layer of chocolate. Whether you’re a fan of the original, have fond childhood memories of biting into one, or just love trying new recipes, this copycat version will bring those sweet memories back while offering the satisfaction of homemade treats.
Making Moon Pies at home is easier than you might think, and the result is a homemade version that’s just as delicious as the store-bought kind, if not better. So let’s get started on crafting these nostalgic, irresistible snacks right in your own kitchen.
A Brief History of Moon Pies
Moon Pies were first created in 1917 by the Royal Baking Company (which would later become the Moon Pie Company) in Chattanooga, Tennessee. According to legend, the treat was created when a traveling salesman asked for a snack that was “as big as the moon.” The company came up with the idea of a marshmallow-filled sandwich and, over time, it became a regional favorite, especially in the Southern United States.
Today, Moon Pies are available in various flavors and sizes, but the classic combination of marshmallow, graham crackers, and chocolate remains the most popular. Now, let’s make a delicious homemade version of this iconic treat.
Ingredients for Copycat Moon Pies
You’ll need a few key ingredients to make your very own Moon Pies:
For the Graham Cracker Cookies:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs: You can buy pre-crushed graham crackers or crush them yourself using a food processor or by placing them in a plastic bag and rolling with a rolling pin.
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup honey: Honey adds sweetness and helps bind the dough.
- 1 egg: For structure and texture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Marshmallow Filling:
- 1/2 cup corn syrup: Light corn syrup is preferred for the filling.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1 cup mini marshmallows (or regular marshmallows, chopped into smaller pieces)
For the Chocolate Coating:
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips: Or milk chocolate chips, depending on your preference.
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil: This helps the chocolate melt smoothly and gives it a glossy finish.
Instructions for Making Copycat Moon Pies
Step 1: Make the Graham Cracker Cookies
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking powder, and salt. Stir until well mixed.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add Honey, Egg, and Vanilla: Mix in the honey, egg, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together. You may need to use your hands to bring it all together into a dough.
- Roll Out the Dough: Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about 1/8 inch thickness.
- Cut the Cookies: Use a round cookie cutter (about 2-3 inches in diameter) to cut out circles from the dough. You should get about 12-16 cookie rounds, depending on the size of your cutter.
- Bake: Transfer the cookies to the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 1 inch apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown around the edges. Let the cookies cool on a wire rack.
Step 2: Make the Marshmallow Filling
- Melt the Marshmallows: In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the corn syrup, powdered sugar, butter, vanilla, and salt. Stir constantly until the butter is melted, and the mixture is smooth.
- Add Marshmallows: Add the mini marshmallows (or chopped regular marshmallows) to the mixture and stir until they are completely melted and the filling is smooth. Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool slightly.
Step 3: Assemble the Moon Pies
- Prepare the Cookies: Once the graham cracker cookies are fully cooled, turn half of them upside down (so the flat side is facing up).
- Fill the Cookies: Spoon a generous amount of the marshmallow filling onto the flat side of each upside-down cookie. You want a thick layer of marshmallow, but it shouldn’t overflow.
- Top with Another Cookie: Place the remaining cookies, flat side down, on top of the marshmallow-covered cookies. Gently press down to help seal the sandwich.
- Chill the Moon Pies: Place the assembled Moon Pies in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up the marshmallow filling and ensure the cookies are set.
Step 4: Coat in Chocolate
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and vegetable oil together in 20-30 second intervals, stirring in between until smooth and glossy. You can also melt the chocolate using a double boiler method on the stovetop.
- Dip the Moon Pies: Once the Moon Pies have chilled, dip each sandwich into the melted chocolate, ensuring they are fully coated. You can use a spoon or fork to help dip the pies and remove any excess chocolate.
- Set the Chocolate: Place the dipped Moon Pies on a wire rack or parchment paper to let the chocolate set. You can also refrigerate them to speed up the setting process.
Step 5: Enjoy!
Once the chocolate has hardened, your homemade Moon Pies are ready to enjoy! Serve them right away or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Tips for Perfect Copycat Moon Pies
- Use Fresh Marshmallows: Fresh marshmallows work best for the filling. If you use older marshmallows, they may be harder to melt and could result in a thicker, less smooth filling.
- Customize the Filling: Feel free to experiment with different fillings. You can try using flavored marshmallows, adding a bit of peanut butter, or even layering in some caramel or fruit preserves for a twist on the classic.
- Coat in White Chocolate: If you prefer, you can use white chocolate instead of milk or dark chocolate for a different look and flavor.
- Make Mini Moon Pies: To make bite-sized versions, simply use a smaller cookie cutter and reduce the amount of filling and chocolate.
Why You’ll Love These Copycat Moon Pies
- Nostalgic: They bring back the fun, sweet flavors of childhood with a homemade twist.
- Customizable: You can adjust the flavor of the graham crackers, marshmallow filling, and chocolate coating to your liking.
- Perfect for Sharing: Moon Pies are ideal for parties, picnics, or just a fun family treat.
- Homemade Goodness: There’s nothing like a fresh, homemade Moon Pie to enjoy with a glass of milk or a warm cup of tea.
Final Thoughts
Making your own Moon Pies at home is a fun and rewarding experience that lets you enjoy a classic Southern snack with a personal touch. With their marshmallow filling, graham cracker cookies, and smooth chocolate coating, these copycat Moon Pies are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these homemade treats will not disappoint. Enjoy!