If you’ve ever dreamed of sipping hot cocoa on a chilly day and nibbling on a sweet, gooey cookie at the same time, Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies are about to become your new favorite treat. These cookies are everything you love about winter in one bite—rich chocolatey goodness, soft marshmallows that melt in your mouth, and a cozy, comforting vibe that makes you want to curl up with a blanket and a cup of cocoa. Trust me, these cookies are the ultimate sweet surprise!
Why You’ll Love Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies
- Warm and Cozy: The deep, rich chocolate flavor combined with the gooey marshmallow center is like a warm hug for your taste buds. Perfect for cozy afternoons or as a sweet treat for holiday gatherings!
- Surprise Inside: The best part? A gooey marshmallow hidden right in the middle of the cookie, just waiting to be discovered with every bite. It’s like a mini surprise in every cookie!
- Perfectly Soft and Chewy: These cookies have that melt-in-your-mouth texture, with just the right amount of chewiness, thanks to the marshmallow surprise.
- Easy to Make: Despite their luxurious flavor, these cookies are simple to whip up. They only require a few ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, and the steps couldn’t be easier!
- Kid-Friendly Fun: These are a hit with kids and adults alike. The combination of chocolate and marshmallows is a nostalgic flavor that everyone can enjoy.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to bring these Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies to life:
For the Cookie Dough:
- Butter: The base of every good cookie dough. Softened butter gives these cookies their chewy texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the rich chocolate flavor.
- Eggs: Helps bind the dough together while adding a rich, tender texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a lovely depth of flavor that complements the chocolate and marshmallow.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of your cookie dough, helping to hold everything together.
- Cocoa Powder: The star of the show! Cocoa powder gives these cookies that classic hot cocoa flavor.
- Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and become soft and chewy.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
For the Marshmallow Surprise:
- Mini Marshmallows: These tiny marshmallows are the magic hidden inside the cookies. They melt to create that gooey surprise with every bite.
(Note: Full ingredient list with measurements can be found in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Let’s get to baking those Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies!
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup, and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2 minutes. Add in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Beat until everything is combined.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together. You should end up with a thick, rich cookie dough.
4. Shape the Cookies:
Scoop about a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Gently flatten it slightly in your hands, then place a mini marshmallow in the center of the dough ball. Carefully mold the dough around the marshmallow to encase it completely. Repeat this process with the remaining dough and marshmallows.
5. Bake the Cookies:
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Be careful not to overbake—the marshmallow center should stay gooey!
6. Cool and Enjoy:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The marshmallow inside will stay wonderfully gooey, making each bite a sweet surprise.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Cook Time: [Time to bake]
Total Time: [Total time needed]
How to Serve Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies
These Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies are great to enjoy as an afternoon snack, dessert, or alongside your favorite hot drink. Here are some fun ways to serve them:
- With a Hot Cocoa or Milk: Of course, nothing pairs better with these cookies than a cozy cup of hot cocoa or a glass of cold milk. Dip them in either for an extra indulgent treat!
- Gift them: These cookies make a sweet gift, especially for the holidays or a special occasion. Package them up in a cute box or jar for a fun homemade present.
- As a Party Treat: Make a batch of these cookies for a holiday party or a casual get-together. The surprise inside will delight your guests and leave everyone talking!
Additional Tips
- Use Larger Marshmallows: If you’re looking for an even bigger marshmallow surprise, use regular-sized marshmallows. Just cut them into smaller pieces so they fit inside the dough balls.
- Chill the Dough: If you find that the dough is too sticky or hard to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes. This will make it easier to roll and shape the dough.
- Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Every oven is different, so start checking the cookies around 8 minutes to ensure they don’t overbake. You want the marshmallow center to stay gooey!
- Make It Festive: Add sprinkles or drizzle some melted chocolate over the cookies after they’ve cooled for an extra touch of sweetness and color.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini ones?
A1: Yes! Just cut regular marshmallows into smaller pieces to fit inside the dough.
Q2: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can make the dough ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready, just scoop and bake!
Q3: Can I freeze these cookies?
A3: Yes, you can freeze the dough! Roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag and bake straight from frozen—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The marshmallow center will stay soft and gooey for a delicious treat!
Q5: Can I add other mix-ins?
A5: Of course! Feel free to add chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or even a swirl of peanut butter to the dough for extra flavor.
These Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies are the ultimate cozy treat, perfect for winter days, holiday baking, or anytime you need a little chocolatey warmth in your life. They’re soft, gooey, and packed with sweet surprises—you won’t be able to eat just one!
PrintMarshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 20–22 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies are the perfect treat for any chocolate lover! These cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with the warm, comforting flavors of hot cocoa, topped with gooey marshmallows and a rich, glossy layer of chocolate. Ideal for cozy winter days or holiday baking, this recipe combines the best of chocolate cookies and the nostalgic charm of hot cocoa. Your family and friends will love the gooey marshmallow center that surprises with every bite
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 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
- 1 1/2 cups (188g) all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled
- 1/3 cup (27g) natural unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup (40g) dry hot cocoa mix
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons (10ml) milk (any kind, dairy or nondairy)
For the Topping:
- 10–11 large marshmallows, cut in half
- 8 ounces (226g) semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with a handheld or stand mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating on high speed until combined. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, hot cocoa mix, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. The dough will be thick.
- Beat in the milk to slightly loosen the dough.
- Cover the dough tightly and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours and up to 3 days.
2. Bake the Cookies:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Scoop the chilled dough into balls, about 1 heaping tablespoon each (25–26g), and roll into balls. Place them 2–3 inches apart on the baking sheets.
- Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and gently press a marshmallow half into the top of each cookie.
- Return the cookies to the oven and bake for another 2 minutes, until the marshmallows are softened.
3. Flatten the Marshmallows:
- After removing the cookies from the oven, use the back of a spoon to gently press the marshmallows, slightly flattening them. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
4. Add the Chocolate Topping:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chopped chocolate in 20-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and glossy.
- Spoon or drizzle the melted chocolate over the marshmallows on the cookies.
- Allow the chocolate to set before serving.
Notes
- Refrigerating the dough is essential for achieving the right texture in these cookies, so don’t skip this step!
- If you prefer extra gooey marshmallows, you can add more marshmallows on top of each cookie before baking for a larger marshmallow surprise.
- Make sure the chocolate topping is melted completely to ensure smooth, glossy coverage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Holiday Baking, Cookie Recipe Method:
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg