Intro
The first time I ever tested Fruity Pebble Marshmallow Cookies, I was helping a friend prep snacks for her daughter’s birthday sleepover. The kitchen smelled like warm butter, melted marshmallows, and that unmistakable fruity cereal we all grew up with.
The girls kept sneaking into the kitchen claiming they were “just checking on the cookies,” and honestly… same. There’s something about these cookies that hits every nostalgic spot colorful cereal, gooey centers, soft edges, and a vibe that instantly feels like childhood.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Whether you’re baking with kids or just chasing a little joy in your day, these cookies make the whole process feel fun, comforting, and wonderfully messy in the best way.
If you love cookies with personality, these are going to be your new treasure. Fruity Pebble Marshmallow Cookies blend everything playful and indulgent into one bite: crispy cereal, soft sugar-cookie dough, and a molten marshmallow hiding inside. They’re the kind of cookie that makes people stop mid-conversation and go, “Wait what are these?”
They’re bright, colorful, and surprisingly easy to make. The marshmallow creates that magical, stretchy center, while the cereal brings crunch and fruity sweetness. And because the recipe uses pantry staples, you can whip these up whenever the craving hits or whenever you want to impress someone with very little effort. Fruity Pebble Marshmallow Cookies
Ingredients for Fruity Pebble Marshmallow Cookies
Dough Base
- Softened unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
Mix-Ins & Coating
- Fruity PEBBLES™ Cereal (or any fruity crispy cereal)
- Large marshmallows (store-bought preferred)
These ingredients come together for a cookie that’s soft, chewy, crispy, gooey, and ridiculously vibrant. Fruity Pebble Marshmallow Cookies
Ingredient Notes (Substitutions & Healthy Swaps)
These cookies are pretty flexible here’s how to tweak them depending on what you’ve got:
Cereal:
You can swap in other crispy cereals like Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Golden Grahams, or any fruity crisp cereal. If the pieces are bigger, lightly crush them so they mimic the size of Fruity Pebbles.
Marshmallows:
Instead of stuffing each cookie with one large marshmallow, feel free to:
- Mix mini marshmallows into the dough
- Stuff 3–4 mini marshmallows in the center
- Skip the center and mix small marshmallows throughout for a crispy-treat vibe
Butter:
Salted butter works just reduce added salt by half.
Gluten-Free Option:
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be slightly softer but still delicious.
Flavor Boosts:
Swap vanilla for almond extract for a bakery-style twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Cream the Butter, Sugar & Cereal
In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add ½ cup of Fruity Pebbles and mix until the cereal is evenly distributed. This step adds sweetness, color, and a subtle fruity crunch right into the dough. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until combined. Fruity Pebble Marshmallow Cookies
Step 2 – Add the Dry Ingredients
Add the flour, baking soda, and salt to the wet ingredients. Stir just until a soft dough forms don’t overmix. Fold in another 1 cup of Fruity Pebbles to give the dough color and that signature cereal pop.
Step 3 – Fill with Marshmallows
Scoop 3–4 tablespoon portions of dough. Flatten each portion into a disc, place a large marshmallow in the center, and wrap the dough around it. Pinch the seams so the marshmallow is completely sealed inside. This keeps the marshmallow from leaking during baking.
Step 4 – Coat & Bake
Roll each dough ball in the remaining cereal for extra crunch and color. Set them on a lined baking sheet, spacing them well. Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 8–11 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden. Allow cookies to rest for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack they will be soft and fragile while hot. Fruity Pebble Marshmallow Cookies
Pro Tips for Success Fruity Pebble Marshmallow Cookies
- Use parchment or silicone mats
Marshmallows can leak lining your sheets prevents sticky disasters. - Bake fewer cookies per tray
Stick to 4–6 cookies per pan to prevent them from baking into each other. - Chill the dough balls waiting to bake
It helps them hold their shape and reduces marshmallow leakage. - Tap the tray after baking
If the marshmallow causes the center to puff, gently tapping the pan helps flatten them into that perfect cookie shape. - Let them cool fully before biting
Hot marshmallow can burn and these babies are molten inside right out of the oven. - Scoot the edges for perfect circles
Use a round cutter or spoon to tidy the edges of hot cookies.
Flavor Variations
- Rainbow Crunch Twist
Use a mix of Fruity Pebbles + Cocoa Pebbles for a fun tie-dye cookie. - Cinnamon Toast Marshmallow Bombs
Swap in Cinnamon Toast Crunch and add ¼ teaspoon cinnamon to the dough. - Berry Blast Cookies
Use all berry-flavored cereal and add a touch of lemon zest. - White Chocolate Drizzle
Once cooled, drizzle with melted white chocolate for a sweet, candy-shop finish. - Tropical Marshmallow Cookies
Mix in shredded coconut and use a pineapple-flavored cereal blend.
Serving Suggestions Fruity Pebble Marshmallow Cookies
These cookies are colorful enough to be the centerpiece of any dessert table. Serve them warm for the ultimate gooey marshmallow pull, or pair them with:
- A glass of cold milk
- Vanilla ice cream
- A hot cocoa bar
- Birthday parties or kids’ events
- Brunch dessert platters
They’re also perfect for gifting their colors make them look professionally baked.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Room Temperature:
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The cereal coating stays crunchiest the first day.
Refrigerator:
Store up to 1 week; rewarm 10–15 seconds to soften the centers.
Freezing Dough:
Freeze stuffed dough balls on a tray, then move to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes.
Freezing Baked Cookies:
Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm briefly to re-soften the marshmallow.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 |
| Protein | 2g |
| Carbs | 30g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sodium | 120mg |
FAQ About Fruity Pebble Marshmallow Cookies
Can I use mini marshmallows instead of large ones?
Absolutely. You can stuff the center with 3–4 mini marshmallows or mix a handful straight into the dough. The texture will be slightly different more melty spots instead of one big molten center but equally delicious. Mini marshmallows also tend to leak less and are great if you prefer smaller cookies.
Why did my marshmallows leak out?
Marshmallows leak when the dough isn’t fully sealed or when the dough is too warm. Make sure to pinch seams tightly, completely surrounding the marshmallow. Chilling the shaped dough balls also helps them hold shape in the oven. Even if a little leakage occurs, they still taste incredible.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be made up to 48 hours in advance. Store it tightly wrapped in the fridge. When ready to bake, let the dough soften slightly so it’s easy to shape around the marshmallows. You can also pre-stuff the dough balls and keep them chilled until baking time.
Can I skip the marshmallow center?
You can, but you’ll lose the signature gooey center. If you want marshmallow flavor without the filling step, fold mini marshmallows directly into the dough. The cookies will bake slightly flatter and have toasty pockets of melted marshmallow throughout.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely. These cookies bake beautifully in large batches. Just remember to bake one tray at a time for best results, and keep extra dough balls chilled while the first batch bakes. Doubling is perfect for parties or gifting.
Final Thoughts
Fruity Pebble Marshmallow Cookies are the kind of treat that brings out the kid in everyone a little whimsical, a little messy, and full of bright, joyful flavor.
They’re simple enough for weeknight baking but impressive enough to steal the show at any gathering. Whether you’re sharing them or keeping the batch to yourself (zero judgment), these cookies guarantee smiles with every gooey bite.
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