Sweet Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies Recipe: Winter Magic

Warm marshmallow-surprise hot cocoa cookies bring winter magic right to your kitchen counter.

Sweet chocolate notes dance through each tender bite.

Cold nights call for something special and comforting.

Unexpected marshmallow centers create delightful moments of pure joy.

Soft cookie dough melts with rich cocoa flavor.

Friends and guests will absolutely adore these delectable treats.

Grab a mug of milk and let the baking adventure begin!

What Pairs Best with Marshmallow-Surprise Cookies

• Pair Creamy Hot Chocolate: Rich, velvety hot chocolate complements the marshmallow-chocolate cookies perfectly, enhancing the dessert's warm, comforting flavors.
• Brew Winter Spice Tea: Cinnamon and clove-infused tea balances the sweetness of the cookies, creating a delightful contrast with its subtle, warming spices.
• Select Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Smooth, cold vanilla ice cream provides a refreshing counterpoint to the warm, gooey marshmallow cookies, creating a delicious temperature and texture contrast.
• Match Red Wine Dessert Pairing: A sweet port or late-harvest red wine brings out the deep chocolate notes, adding a sophisticated adult twist to the indulgent cookie experience.

Keep Those Cookies Soft, Fudgy, and Ready to Eat

• Refrigerator Storage: Place cooled cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent marshmallow from becoming too soft.
• Freezer Preservation: Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving.
• Countertop Keeping: Store in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat. Consume within 2-3 days for optimal taste and texture. Ensure the container is completely dry to prevent moisture buildup.

Cookie FAQs for Marshmallow-Lovers Everywhere

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to develop and makes the baking process more convenient.

• What if I don't have hot cocoa mix?

You can substitute with additional cocoa powder or use a premade hot chocolate powder mix. The hot cocoa mix adds extra chocolate flavor and sweetness to the cookies.

• How do I know when the cookies are done?

The edges will look set and slightly cracked, while the centers will still appear soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake.

• Can I freeze these cookies?

Absolutely! After cooling completely, you can freeze the cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Why Marshmallow-Surprise Cookies Are Hot Cocoa’s Best Friend

• Surprise Inside Delight: Discover a magical marshmallow hidden in the center of each rich chocolate cookie, creating an unexpected burst of sweetness.
• Kid-Friendly Baking Adventure: Perfect for families to make together, with simple steps that allow children to help roll dough and press marshmallows, turning cooking into a fun bonding experience.
• Cozy Comfort in Every Bite: Combines the warm flavors of hot cocoa and chocolate into a single cookie, delivering a nostalgic and comforting treat that feels like a warm hug.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Dough can be prepared in advance and chilled, making it convenient for busy home bakers who want to prepare dessert without last-minute stress.

The Sweet Ingredients in Marshmallow-Surprise Cookies

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a soft, tender cookie texture.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Add sweetness and contribute to the cookie's structure and caramel-like depth.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and helps create a cohesive dough.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile with warm, aromatic notes.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps soften the cookie dough.

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base structure of the cookie.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers deep chocolate flavor and dark color.
• Hot Cocoa Mix: Intensifies chocolate taste and adds subtle sweetness.
• Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread during baking.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the overall flavor.

• Marshmallows: Provide a gooey, sweet surprise in the center of each cookie.
• Chocolate: Creates a smooth, glossy drizzle that adds extra richness and decoration.

How to Bake Marshmallow-Surprise Cookies Just Right

Step 1: Whip Up The Creamy Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat everything together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

This should take about 2-3 minutes. Next, add the egg and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until everything is beautifully blended.

Step 2: Create The Dry Ingredient Magic

• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder
• Hot cocoa mix
• Baking soda
• Salt

Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring until well combined. Pour in milk and mix again.

Your dough will feel thick and slightly sticky.

Step 3: Chill And Prepare

Cover the dough and place it in the refrigerator.

Let it rest and firm up for at least 2 hours. This helps develop rich flavors and makes the dough easier to handle.

Step 4: Preheat And Prep

Heat your oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Shape The Cookies

Roll the chilled dough into small balls, each about a heaping tablespoon in size. Space them 2-3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.

Step 6: Bake And Marshmallow

Bake cookies for 10 minutes. Pull them out of the oven and gently press a marshmallow half into the center of each cookie.

Return to the oven and bake for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 7: Cool And Set

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes.

Then transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.

Step 8: Chocolate Drizzle Finale

Melt chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler.

Drizzle the melted chocolate over each marshmallow-topped cookie. Let the chocolate set for 30-60 minutes before serving.

Cookie-Making Tips for That Perfect Surprise Center

• Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent excessive spreading and maintain cookie shape during baking.
• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother, more evenly mixed cookie dough.
• Press marshmallows gently into partially baked cookies to prevent them from sinking completely.
• Melt chocolate slowly and carefully to avoid burning, stirring frequently for smooth consistency.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for maximum freshness, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Fun Ideas to Switch Up These Hot Cocoa Cookies

• Peppermint Bliss: Replace vanilla extract with peppermint extract and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top of chocolate-drizzled cookies for a festive winter treat.
• Salted Caramel Dream: Drizzle homemade caramel sauce over chocolate-covered marshmallow cookies and sprinkle sea salt for a rich, complex flavor profile.
• Rocky Road Remix: Mix chopped almonds into cookie dough and top with chocolate chips alongside the marshmallow for a classic rocky road-inspired cookie experience.
• Espresso Chocolate Chunk: Add instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients and incorporate dark chocolate chunks for an intense coffee-chocolate sensation.

Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 27 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Festive marshmallow-surprise hot cocoa cookies blend rich chocolate comfort with playful winter whimsy. Gooey marshmallow centers and cocoa-infused dough create a delightful treat that melts hearts and satisfies sweet cravings in one delicious bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (188g) all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup (27g) natural unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup (40g) dry hot cocoa mix
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) milk
• 10–11 large marshmallows, cut in half

Chocolate Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Cream softened butter with granulated and brown sugars using an electric mixer at medium-high speed until light and airy, approximately 2-3 minutes. Incorporate egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully integrated.
2. In a separate bowl, thoroughly combine flour, cocoa powder, hot cocoa mix, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Add milk and blend until a thick, sticky dough forms.
3. Wrap dough tightly and refrigerate for minimum 2 hours to enhance flavor and texture.
4. Heat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper for even cooking and easy removal.
5. Using a cookie scoop, form chilled dough into uniform balls, spacing them 2-3 inches apart on prepared sheets.
6. Bake cookies for 10 minutes. Swiftly remove from oven and gently press a marshmallow half into each cookie’s center. Return to oven and bake additional 2 minutes until marshmallow softens.
7. Allow cookies to rest on baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack for complete cooling.
8. Melt chocolate using microwave or double boiler. Drizzle melted chocolate over marshmallow-topped cookies, allowing 30-60 minutes for chocolate to solidify completely.

Notes

• Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and ensure thick, chewy cookies with rich chocolate flavor.
• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and better cookie texture, especially butter and egg.
• Customize cookies by swapping hot cocoa mix with different flavors like peppermint or salted caramel for unique variations.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment to prevent sticking.

• Prep Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 164
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 55mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 16mg