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