If you have a soft spot for nostalgic treats and crave a cookie that bursts with color, flavor, and ooey-gooey marshmallow goodness, then these Fruity Pebble Marshmallow Cookies are about to become your new obsession. Picture vibrant cereal crystals embedded in buttery cookie dough, hugging melted marshmallows that surprise you with every bite. They’re playful, sweet, and utterly delightful—the perfect combination of chewy, crunchy, and gooey that feels as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these Fruity Pebble Marshmallow Cookies will brighten your day and your snack time.

Fruity Pebble Marshmallow Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these whimsical cookies. Each item plays a crucial role, from the rich butter that keeps them tender, the Fruity Pebbles adding that iconic crunch and color, to the marshmallows providing that luscious, melty center everyone loves.

Unsalted butter, 10 tablespoons (room temperature): Ensures a creamy base and helps the cookies stay soft and flavorful.
Granulated sugar, ½ cup: Adds sweetness and a slight crisp texture to the cookie edges.
Fruity Pebbles cereal, 2 cups (divided): Brings a burst of fruit flavor, crunch, and vibrant color.
Large egg, 1 (room temperature): Binds the ingredients and imparts moisture.
Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Provides a warm, aromatic finish that enhances all the flavors.
All-purpose flour, 1¾ cups: Creates the sturdy structure for the cookie dough to hold everything together.
Baking soda, 1 teaspoon: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a tender crumb.
Salt, ¼ teaspoon: Elevates the sweetness and balances the flavors perfectly.
Large marshmallows, 8: The melty, gooey heart that makes these cookies truly irresistible.

How to Make Fruity Pebble Marshmallow Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter, Sugar, and Cereal

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F to get everything ready. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and half a cup of Fruity Pebbles cereal for 2-3 minutes on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and colorful. This step not only combines your base ingredients but also starts infusing the cookie with that fruity crunch right from the beginning.

Step 2: Incorporate the Egg and Vanilla

Next, add the large egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture and beat until everything is fully combined. This ensures your dough will be moist and flavorful with a subtle vanilla warmth running through each bite.

Step 3: Mix in the Dry Ingredients and More Cereal

Stir together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into your wet batter until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender. Then, gently fold in 1 full cup of Fruity Pebbles cereal, making sure those colorful bits are spread evenly throughout the dough without crushing them.

Step 4: Enclose Marshmallows in Cookie Dough

Using about 3 to 4 tablespoons of dough per cookie, scoop and flatten each portion in your palm. Place one large marshmallow in the center, then carefully wrap the dough around it to seal the marshmallow completely inside. The magic happens here as the cookie bakes and the marshmallow melts within. Roll the dough balls in the remaining half-cup of Fruity Pebbles, giving a crunchy outer layer full of bright fruity flavor.

Step 5: Bake to Gooey Perfection

Arrange the cookie dough balls about 3 inches apart on your baking sheet—baking in batches of 4 to 6 helps manage spacing and oven heat. Bake on the middle rack for 8 to 11 minutes until you see little marshmallow cracks peeking through the tops. Let the cookies cool briefly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling and firm up just enough to enjoy without losing that molten marshmallow center.

How to Serve Fruity Pebble Marshmallow Cookies

Garnishes

If you want to add a little extra flair, sprinkle a few more Fruity Pebbles on top of your cookies just before serving to amplify their colorful charm. A light drizzle of white chocolate can also complement the marshmallows beautifully while adding a touch of elegance for gatherings or special treats.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent snack. For a fun twist, try serving with a cup of fruity herbal tea to echo the vibrant cereal flavors without overpowering the marshmallow sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving these Fruity Pebble Marshmallow Cookies in a clear jar or layered in a vibrant glass plate showcases their colors best and makes for an instant conversation starter. You can also box them up with colorful ribbons for a delightful homemade gift that’s sure to bring smiles.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Fruity Pebble Marshmallow Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep their crunchy edges and chewy marshmallow centers fresh for up to 3 days. Keeping the cookies away from humidity is key, so avoid storing near open windows or the fridge.

Freezing

If you’d like to make these cookies ahead of time, you can freeze the unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for a sweet treat, bake them straight from frozen—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time for that perfect gooey texture.

Reheating

To revive that freshly baked warmth, pop the cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the cookies too soft and ruin the crunch from the Fruity Pebbles. The oven method gives you that just-out-of-the-oven feel, especially with those melty marshmallows.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cereal instead of Fruity Pebbles?

Absolutely! While Fruity Pebbles gives these cookies their signature color and fruitiness, feel free to experiment with any fruit-flavored crispy cereal you love. Just be aware that textures and sweetness might change slightly.

What kind of marshmallows work best?

Large marshmallows are ideal because they melt perfectly within each cookie, creating that delightful gooey center. Mini marshmallows tend to disappear too quickly into the dough, so stick with large ones for the best effect.

Can I make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?

To make these Fruity Pebble Marshmallow Cookies vegan or dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use vegan marshmallows. The texture may differ slightly, but you’ll still enjoy a tasty and colorful treat.

How do I keep the marshmallows from leaking out during baking?

Enclose each marshmallow completely with dough, sealing it well so it stays inside while baking. The coating of cereal on the outside also helps hold the dough together as the marshmallows melt.

Are these cookies crunchy or soft?

These cookies strike a wonderful balance: the edges have a slight crunch thanks to the sugar and cereal coating, but the marshmallow center ensures each bite remains soft and gooey. They satisfy both texture cravings at once!

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a cookie experience that’s packed with fun, color, and that irresistible marshmallow surprise, these Fruity Pebble Marshmallow Cookies are your go-to recipe. Perfect for sharing or treating yourself, they bring joy with every bite and a nostalgic smile with every crunch. I can’t wait for you to try them and add this happy recipe to your favorites!

Fruity Pebble Marshmallow Cookies Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 13 reviews

Author: Lana
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 8 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delight in these colorful and chewy Fruity Pebble Marshmallow Cookies that combine the nostalgic crunch of Fruity PEBBLES™ cereal with gooey marshmallows baked inside. Perfectly soft with a crisp cereal coating, these cookies are a fun twist on traditional treats, bursting with fruity flavor and a playful texture that kids and adults will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

10 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
½ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg (room temperature)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

1¾ cups all-purpose flour (weighed in grams or spooned and leveled)
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt

Add-ins

2 cups Fruity PEBBLES™ Cereal (or other fruit-flavored crispy cereal, divided)
8 large marshmallows

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking your cookies evenly.
Cream Butter, Sugar, and Cereal: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and ½ cup of Fruity PEBBLES™ cereal using a mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until fluffy and well combined.
Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, creating a smooth batter.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually stir these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
Fold in Cereal: Gently fold in 1 cup of the remaining Fruity PEBBLES™ cereal to maintain some crunch and vibrant color in the dough.
Form Cookie Dough Balls with Marshmallows: Scoop 3-4 tablespoon-sized balls of dough. Flatten each ball in your palm, place one large marshmallow in the center, and carefully wrap the dough around the marshmallow to enclose it completely.
Roll in Cereal: Roll each dough ball in the remaining ½ cup of Fruity PEBBLES™ cereal, ensuring the exterior of the cookie is coated for extra crunch and color.
Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the cookies on a baking sheet spaced about 3 inches apart. For best results, bake 4-6 cookies per batch and refrigerate any extra dough balls while baking the first batch.
Bake: Bake cookies on the middle rack for 8-11 minutes or until the marshmallow starts to seep through cracks on the cookie tops, indicating they are perfectly gooey inside.
Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them carefully to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Use large marshmallows to ensure a gooey center. Mini marshmallows will not work as well enclosed within the dough ball.
For best texture, do not overmix the dough once the flour is added; mix just until combined.
Refrigerating the extra dough balls helps prevent spreading and keeps the marshmallow center intact during baking.
These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.
Substitute Fruity PEBBLES™ with any similar fruit-flavored crispy cereal if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Cookies
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American