Cozy Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies Recipe for Winter

Crafting a delightful marshmallow-surprise hot cocoa cookies recipe promises pure winter magic in every bite.

Sweet memories of cozy afternoons drift through my kitchen when these treats emerge from the oven.

Chocolate lovers will adore how soft marshmallows melt into rich cookie dough, creating unexpected pockets of gooey goodness.

Warm spices dance subtly beneath the surface, hinting at comfort and nostalgia.

Each cookie becomes a miniature celebration of winter’s most cherished flavors.

Unexpected texture contrasts make this recipe stand out from standard holiday desserts.

Prepare to become the neighborhood’s most celebrated baker with this irresistible recipe.

What Makes Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies Special

Surprisingly Simple Baking: Effortlessly whip up these decadent hot cocoa cookies with minimal kitchen skills required. No advanced pastry training needed – just basic mixing and measuring.

Quick Comfort Treat: Prepare the dough ahead and refrigerate up to 3 days, making these cookies perfect for spontaneous sweet cravings or last-minute dessert needs. Total baking time is just 12 minutes.

Crowd-Pleasing Indulgence: Kids and adults will love the playful marshmallow surprise in each cookie. The combination of rich chocolate, gooey marshmallow, and drizzled chocolate creates an irresistible dessert that works for casual gatherings, movie nights, or holiday celebrations.

Customizable Delights: Easily modify the recipe by using different hot cocoa mixes or experimenting with chocolate drizzle variations. Perfect for bakers who enjoy adding personal touches to classic recipes.

Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies – What’s Needed

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy base for cookie dough.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweetens and adds moisture to cookies.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and adds structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor.
• Milk: Softens cookie dough texture.

• All-Purpose Flour: Main structural component of cookies.
• Cocoa Powder: Gives deep chocolate flavor.
• Hot Cocoa Mix: Adds extra chocolate intensity.
• Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.

• Marshmallows: Provides surprise soft center and sweet texture.
• Chocolate: Creates decorative and delicious drizzle on top.
• Note: Choose high-quality chocolate for best melting and flavor.

Hot Cocoa Cookie Instructions with a Marshmallow Center

Step 1: Whip Up the Cookie Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and unleash your inner baker.

Cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer.

Beat until the mixture becomes fluffy and transforms into a light, dreamy texture.

Crack in the egg and splash of vanilla extract, mixing on high speed until everything blends beautifully.

In a separate bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, hot cocoa mix, baking soda, and salt.

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring on low speed.

The dough will feel wonderfully thick.

Add a splash of milk to soften the consistency.

Cover the dough and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

Step 2: Shape and Bake the Cookies

Fire up the oven to 350°F.

Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Scoop out the chilled dough and roll into delightful little balls.

Place them generously apart on the baking sheets.

Bake for 10 minutes, then pull out the cookies and nestle a marshmallow half on top of each one.

Pop them back in the oven for 2 more minutes.

Step 3: Create the Marshmallow Magic

Once out of the oven, gently press down on the marshmallows with the back of a spoon, giving them a soft, slightly flattened look.

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Step 4: Drizzle with Chocolate Decadence

Melt the chocolate in short microwave bursts, stirring between each interval until silky smooth.

Drizzle the melted chocolate over the marshmallow-topped cookies.

Allow the chocolate to set completely before serving.

Hot Cocoa Cookie Tricks with Marshmallow Surprises

• Refrigerate the cookie dough for at least 2 hours to intensify flavors and prevent spreading during baking.
• Press marshmallow halves gently into partially baked cookies to ensure they melt perfectly without burning.
• Microwave chocolate in short intervals, stirring between each to prevent scorching and achieve smooth, glossy drizzle.
• Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats to ensure easy cookie removal and minimal cleanup.
• Add a splash of milk to slightly loosen the dough, creating a more tender and soft cookie texture.

Store Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container layered between parchment paper for up to 5 days at room temperature.
• Place cookies in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with wax paper, and store for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for best texture.
• Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 3-4 minutes to restore softness and revive marshmallow gooeyness.
• Keep cookies loosely covered to maintain marshmallow's shape and prevent them from sticking together during storage.

Go-To Pairings for Hot Cocoa Cookies

• Brew Rich Espresso: Dark, bold espresso cuts through the cookie's sweetness, creating a sophisticated contrast that enhances the chocolate and marshmallow experience.
• Select Creamy Vanilla Milk: Cold, smooth vanilla milk balances the rich, intense cocoa flavors, providing a refreshing and smooth companion to the warm, gooey cookie.
• Create Caramel Whiskey Pairing: Smooth caramel-infused whiskey adds depth and warmth, complementing the cookie's marshmallow and chocolate notes with a sophisticated adult twist.
• Serve Raspberry Sorbet: Tart, bright raspberry sorbet provides a cool, tangy counterpoint to the cookie's deep chocolate and sweet marshmallow, creating a delightful palate-cleansing effect.

Hot Cocoa Cookies Marshmallow Variations

• Gluten-Free Marshmallow Cocoa Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, ensuring a celiac-friendly treat without compromising taste.
• Vegan Hot Chocolate Cookie Version: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use plant-based egg replacer, select dairy-free chocolate, and opt for vegan marshmallows to create an animal-product-free alternative.
• Low-Sugar Marshmallow Cocoa Cookies: Swap granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener, reduce brown sugar quantity, and use sugar-free hot cocoa mix for a diabetic-friendly option.
• Dairy-Free Cocoa Cookie Adaptation: Use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, coconut oil instead of butter, and ensure chocolate topping is dairy-free for those with lactose intolerance.

FAQs

• Why use hot cocoa mix in the cookie dough?

Hot cocoa mix adds rich, sweet chocolate flavor and depth to the cookies, making them more indulgent and giving them a unique taste profile that goes beyond traditional chocolate cookies.

• Can I use dark or milk chocolate for the topping?

Absolutely! You can use dark, milk, or semi-sweet chocolate based on your preference. Each type will create a slightly different flavor complexity for the cookies.

• How do I know when the cookie dough is properly chilled?

The dough should be firm and not sticky when you touch it. Chilling helps prevent spreading and creates a better texture when baking, so aim for at least 2 hours of refrigeration.

• What's the purpose of flattening the marshmallow during baking?

Gently pressing the marshmallow helps it melt slightly and create a smooth, even surface. This technique also helps the marshmallow adhere better to the cookie and creates a more appealing visual presentation.

Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sweet chocolate cookies hide gooey marshmallow-surprise hot cocoa cookies that melt in your mouth. Winter nights become magical with these rich, comforting treats perfect for sharing with friends and family.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (188 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup (27 g) natural unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup (40 g) dry hot cocoa mix
• 1 large egg

Sugars and Fats:

• 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100 g) packed light or dark brown sugar

Finishing and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons (10 ml) milk

Topping:

• 10–11 large marshmallows, cut in half
• 8 ounces (226 g) semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Craft a luxurious cookie dough by whipping butter and sugars in a mixing bowl until they transform into a creamy, aerated mixture with a pale, silky texture.
2. Incorporate egg and vanilla, blending thoroughly and scraping the bowl’s edges to ensure complete integration of ingredients.
3. Separately combine dry components – flour, cocoa powder, hot cocoa mix, baking soda, and salt – creating a unified powder blend.
4. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a dense dough forms, then introduce milk to soften the consistency.
5. Refrigerate the dough for a minimum of 2 hours, allowing flavors to meld and texture to firm up.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
7. Roll chilled dough into uniform balls, positioning them with ample spacing on prepared baking surfaces.
8. Bake cookies for 10 minutes, then swiftly place a marshmallow half atop each cookie.
9. Return to oven and bake an additional 2 minutes until marshmallows begin to soften.
10. Gently flatten marshmallows using a spoon’s back, creating a delicate, glossy surface.
11. Allow cookies to rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
12. Melt chocolate in short microwave intervals, stirring between each to prevent burning.
13. Drizzle melted chocolate over marshmallow-topped cookies, creating an elegant finishing touch.
14. Let cookies sit until chocolate sets completely, creating a decadent, glossy appearance.

Notes

• Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and enhance flavor development during baking.
• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother, more evenly mixed cookie dough.
• Cut marshmallows precisely in half for uniform topping and attractive presentation.
• Experiment with different hot cocoa mix flavors like peppermint or dark chocolate to customize the cookies’ taste profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 80mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 25mg