Quick & Fluffy Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies Recipe

Marshmallow-surprise hot cocoa cookies combine comfort and whimsy in a delightful winter treat that revolutionizes classic chocolate chip cookies into something extraordinary.

Sweet cocoa powder infuses rich, deep flavor throughout each delectable morsel, creating an unexpected twist on traditional cookie recipes.

Soft, pillowy centers hide a gooey marshmallow surprise that melts into a decadent center when baked.

Warm spices and chocolatey undertones dance together, promising a sensory experience that connects childhood memories with grown-up sophistication.

These cookies offer more than just a simple sweet – they deliver a nostalgic journey wrapped in a crisp, golden-edged package.

Homemade desserts rarely feel this magical, blending familiar ingredients into something remarkably special.

Cozy winter evenings demand a cookie that feels like a warm hug for your taste buds.

Storage Tips for Keeping Marshmallow Centers Soft

• Refrigerator Storage: Place cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep at room temperature for optimal texture and flavor for up to 5-7 days.
• Freezer Preservation: Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying.
• Reheating Tips: Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore softness. Alternatively, place in a preheated oven at 300°F for 2-3 minutes to revive their fresh-baked warmth and gooey marshmallow texture.

What to Drink or Serve with Hot Cocoa Cookies

• Brew Rich Hot Cocoa Companion: Pair these cookies with a velvety hot cocoa made from dark chocolate and topped with a marshmallow swirl, echoing the cookie's marshmallow surprise.
• Select Creamy Milk Complement: Enjoy with cold whole milk or a vanilla-infused milk that balances the rich chocolate cookie and provides a smooth, refreshing contrast.
• Create Espresso Flavor Boost: Serve alongside a small shot of espresso or cappuccino to enhance the deep chocolate notes and add a sophisticated coffee undertone to the sweet cookie experience.
• Combine Dessert Wine Match: Complement with a sweet port wine or chocolate-friendly dessert wine that harmonizes with the cookie's rich chocolate and marshmallow elements, creating a decadent after-dinner treat.

Flavor Variations with Peppermint, Mocha, or Nutella

• Campfire S'mores Edition: Transform the cookies by pressing graham cracker pieces into the dough before baking, then top with marshmallows and drizzle with milk chocolate for a classic s'mores-inspired treat.
• Peppermint Chocolate Blast: Crush candy canes and mix into the cookie dough, then sprinkle crushed peppermint over the melted chocolate topping for a festive winter version of the original recipe.
• Salted Caramel Swirl: Add a dollop of caramel sauce on top of the marshmallow before drizzling chocolate, then sprinkle with flaky sea salt to create a sweet and salty flavor combination.
• Nutty Chocolate Crunch: Fold chopped toasted nuts like almonds or pecans into the cookie dough, then garnish with a sprinkle of chopped nuts over the melted chocolate for added texture and richness.

Why Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies Are a Winter Must

• Surprise Inside Magic: Discover the delightful marshmallow hidden in the center of each chocolatey cookie, creating an unexpected burst of sweet softness when you bite into it.
• Decadent Chocolate Comfort: Experience a rich, indulgent flavor profile that combines hot cocoa mix, cocoa powder, and melted chocolate, delivering an intense chocolate experience in every single bite.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy winter evenings, or as a special treat that appeals to both kids and adults, these cookies transform a classic hot cocoa drink into an irresistible handheld dessert.
• Simple Baking Joy: Enjoy an easy-to-follow recipe that requires minimal technical skills, with straightforward steps and standard kitchen equipment, making it accessible for bakers of all experience levels.

Ingredients That Create These Cocoa-Filled Cookie Bombs

• Butter: Rich, soft butter adds creamy texture and helps bind cookie ingredients.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps cookies caramelize.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and adds structure to the cookie.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, sweet aroma.
• Milk: Adds moisture and softens cookie dough.

• All-Purpose Flour: Basic baking foundation for cookie structure.
• Cocoa Powder: Gives deep chocolate flavor and dark color.
• Hot Cocoa Mix: Intensifies chocolate taste with added sweetness.
• Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread during baking.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.

• Marshmallows: Soft, sweet topping that creates surprise element.
• Chocolate: Smooth coating that adds rich, decadent finish.

How to Hide the Marshmallow and Bake Gooey Centers

Step 1: Prepare Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a handheld or stand mixer. Beat until light and fluffy for 2-3 minutes. Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing on high speed until well combined. Scrape bowl sides as needed.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Mixture

• Flour
• Cocoa powder
• Hot cocoa mix
• Baking soda
• Salt

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Blend dry ingredients into wet mixture on low speed. The dough will be thick. Mix in milk until incorporated.

Step 4: Chill Cookie Dough

Cover dough completely and refrigerate for 2-3 hours. Chilling helps develop flavor and prevents spreading.

Step 5: Prepare Baking Setup

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Step 6: Shape Cookie Balls

Remove dough from refrigerator. Roll dough into tablespoon-sized balls. Place 2-3 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.

Step 7: Initial Baking

Bake cookies for 10 minutes.

Step 8: Add Marshmallow Topping

Remove cookies from oven. Gently press marshmallow half onto each cookie. Return to oven and bake additional 2 minutes.

Step 9: Shape Marshmallow

Remove from oven. Use spoon back to slightly flatten marshmallow.

Step 10: Cool Cookies

Let cookies rest on baking sheet for 10 minutes. Transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

Step 11: Chocolate Drizzle

Melt chocolate using double boiler or microwave method. For microwave, heat in 20-second intervals, stirring between each.

Step 12: Finish Cookies

Drizzle melted chocolate over marshmallow-topped cookies. Allow chocolate to set at room temperature for 30-60 minutes.

Step 13: Store Cookies

Keep cookies in airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Tips for a Chocolate Shell with a Melting Core

• Chill the Dough Completely: Refrigerate the cookie dough for at least 2 hours to prevent spreading and enhance flavor depth.
• Marshmallow Placement Matters: Press marshmallow halves gently into warm cookies, ensuring they're centered and slightly flattened for perfect coverage.
• Chocolate Drizzling Technique: Use a spoon or piping bag to create clean, even chocolate drizzles over cooled marshmallow-topped cookies.
• Prevent Sticky Situation: Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent cookies from sticking and ensure easy removal.
• Room Temperature Magic: Let chocolate-covered cookies set naturally at room temperature for a smooth, glossy finish that looks professionally made.

Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies Recipe

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• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Marshmallow-surprise hot cocoa cookies bring winter comfort to your cookie plate with rich chocolate and gooey marshmallow centers. Warm spices and sweet chocolate create a delightful treat perfect for cold evenings when all you want is something comforting.

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Ingredients

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Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies

Main Ingredients:

• ½ cup (113g, 8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 and ½ cups (188g) all-purpose flour
• 8 ounces (226g) semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
• 10–11 large marshmallows, cut in half

Sugar and Sweeteners:

• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar
• ¼ cup (40g) dry hot cocoa mix

Baking and Flavor Enhancers:

• ⅓ cup (27g) natural unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons (10ml) milk (any kind, dairy or nondairy)

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Instructions

1. Whip softened butter with granulated and brown sugars using an electric mixer until creamy and pale, approximately 2-3 minutes.
2. Incorporate egg and vanilla extract, beating thoroughly and scraping bowl sides to ensure even mixing.
3. Separately combine flour, cocoa powder, hot cocoa mix, baking soda, and salt through whisking.
4. Gradually blend dry ingredients into butter mixture on low speed until just incorporated, creating a dense dough.
5. Fold in milk to achieve a thick, slightly sticky consistency.
6. Tightly wrap dough and refrigerate for minimum 2 hours to enhance flavor and texture.
7. Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
8. Extract chilled dough and shape into tablespoon-sized rounds, spacing them 2-3 inches apart on prepared sheets.
9. Bake cookies for 10 minutes, then carefully nestle marshmallow halves into cookie centers.
10. Return to oven and bake additional 2 minutes until marshmallows soften slightly.
11. Gently flatten marshmallows using back of a spoon for uniform appearance.
12. Cool cookies on baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
13. Melt chocolate using double boiler or microwave, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
14. Drizzle melted chocolate over cooled marshmallow-topped cookies.
15. Allow chocolate to set at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before serving or storing.
16. Store cookies in sealed container at room temperature for up to one week.

Notes

• Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing spread and enhancing flavor, allowing ingredients to meld together perfectly.
• Marshmallows transform these chocolate cookies into a delightful surprise, creating a gooey and indulgent texture when baked.
• Precise measuring of ingredients ensures the perfect balance of rich cocoa and sweet marshmallow in every bite.
• Melting chocolate in short increments prevents burning and guarantees a smooth, glossy topping for the cookies.
• Room temperature storage keeps these treats fresh and delicious for up to a week, making them ideal for sharing or enjoying slowly.
• Use parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure easy cookie removal from the baking sheet.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks, Drinks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 174
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 92mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 16mg