Cozy Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies Recipe

Warm, gooey chocolate cookies with an unexpected marshmallow-surprise hot cocoa twist offer a delightful winter treat that melts hearts instantly.

Soft chocolate dough cradles a molten marshmallow center, creating a decadent surprise with every bite.

Rich cocoa infuses each cookie with deep, comforting flavor that echoes cozy evenings by the fireplace.

These indulgent morsels combine the classic charm of hot chocolate with the irresistible allure of freshly baked cookies.

Chocolate lovers and sweet tooth enthusiasts will adore the luxurious texture and playful marshmallow center.

Simple to make and impossible to resist, these cookies bring warmth and joy to any dessert spread.

Grab your mixing bowl and get ready to experience a sweet sensation that transforms an ordinary moment into something magical.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Calories: 174 kcal

Servings: 22

Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies Ingredients

• Butter: Creamy base that ensures rich, soft cookie texture with luxurious mouthfeel. Choose high-quality unsalted butter for best flavor control.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet foundation providing deep caramel undertones and perfect cookie structure. Select fresh, clump-free sugars.
• Egg: Binding agent that adds moisture and helps cookies hold shape. Use fresh, room-temperature eggs.
• Vanilla Extract: Aromatic enhancer that elevates overall flavor profile. Opt for pure vanilla for authentic taste.
• Milk: Moisture booster creating tender cookie consistency. Select whole milk for maximum richness.

• All-Purpose Flour: Structural backbone providing cookie framework. Choose unbleached flour for optimal texture.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers intense chocolate essence and deep color. Select Dutch-processed cocoa for smoother flavor.
• Hot Cocoa Mix: Introduces additional chocolate complexity and sweetness. Pick premium mix for enhanced taste.
• Baking Soda: Leavening agent ensuring proper cookie rise. Verify freshness by checking expiration date.
• Salt: Flavor amplifier balancing sweet notes. Use fine-grain table salt for even distribution.

• Marshmallows: Gooey, nostalgic element creating surprise texture. Select fresh, soft marshmallows.
• Chocolate: Decadent drizzle adding luxurious finish. Choose high-quality chocolate with smooth melting properties.

Tools to Help Bake Hot Cocoa Cookies

• Stand Mixer or Handheld Mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugar, and mixing cookie dough smoothly.
• Large Mixing Bowls: Two bowls needed – one for wet ingredients, another for dry ingredients.
• Whisk: Perfect for combining dry ingredients evenly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Baking Sheets: Used for baking and cooling cookies.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Tablespoon or Cookie Scoop: Helps create uniform cookie sizes.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Allows cookies to cool completely without getting soggy.
• Spoon: Used for pressing marshmallows and drizzling melted chocolate.
• Microwave-Safe or Heat-Proof Bowl: Needed for melting chocolate.

How to Make Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies

• Cookie Dough Base

Combine softened butter with sugars until creamy and light. Mix in egg and vanilla for rich flavor. Blend dry ingredients separately, then fold into wet mixture. The texture will be thick and slightly sticky.

• Chilling Process

Wrap cookie dough tightly and refrigerate for minimum two hours. Cold dough ensures perfect cookie shape and texture.

• Preparation and Baking

Heat oven to moderate temperature. Shape dough into small rounds, spacing them generously on baking sheet. Bake until edges look set.

• Marshmallow Magic

After initial baking, gently press marshmallow halves onto cookie surfaces. Return to oven briefly to soften marshmallows.

• Chocolate Drizzle

Melt chocolate carefully using gentle heat method. Carefully spoon melted chocolate over marshmallow-topped cookies.

• Cooling and Setting

Allow cookies to cool completely on wire rack. Let chocolate drizzle set naturally at room temperature.

• Storage

Keep cookies in sealed container. They’ll remain fresh for several days at room temperature.

Fun Ideas to Make Hot Cocoa Cookies Even Better

• Drizzle melted chocolate with a fork for an artistic, rustic look that adds elegant drama to your hot cocoa cookies.
• Sprinkle crushed graham crackers or holiday-themed sprinkles over the melted chocolate for extra texture and festive flair.
• Experiment with different hot cocoa mix flavors like peppermint, salted caramel, or dark chocolate to create unique cookie variations that surprise taste buds.
• Prepare cookie dough up to 3 days in advance and store in the refrigerator, allowing busy bakers to plan ahead and reduce day-of preparation stress.
• Let cookies cool completely before adding chocolate to prevent immediate melting and ensure a smooth, professional chocolate coating that sets beautifully.

Serving Hot Cocoa Cookies That Shine

• Cozy Cocoa Companions: Serve these marshmallow-surprise hot cocoa cookies alongside a steaming mug of classic hot chocolate for the ultimate comfort experience.
• Winter Movie Night Treat: Create a dessert platter with these cookies, some popcorn, and a warm blanket for a perfect snowy evening indulgence.
• Gift-Worthy Chocolate Delight: Package these cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons, making them an irresistible homemade gift for friends and family during holiday seasons.
• After-School Sweet Surprise: Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for kids as a delightful afternoon snack that brings instant smiles and chocolatey joy.

Store Hot Cocoa Cookies to Keep Them Chewy

• Fridge-Ready Strategy: Wrap the cookie dough tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container before refrigerating. This method keeps the dough fresh and prevents it from absorbing other food odors during storage.
• Cookie Freezing Hack: Prepare cookie dough balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to cooking time for perfect marshmallow-surprise cookies.
• Room Temperature Magic: Keep cooled cookies in a sealed container with a small piece of bread to maintain soft, chewy texture. The bread slice helps prevent cookies from becoming too dry or crisp during storage.
• Travel-Friendly Treat: Layer cookies between sheets of parchment paper when packing for picnics or gifts. This technique prevents chocolate from smudging and keeps delicate marshmallow tops intact during transportation.

Gooey Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 22 1x

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Description

Chocolate chip cookies become magical when filled with marshmallow-surprise hot cocoa cookies that melt into gooey centers. Crisp edges and rich chocolate complement warm spices, inviting bakers to create sweet winter memories.

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Ingredients

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• 8 oz (226g) semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
• ½ cup (113g, 8 tbsps) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1.5 cups (188g) all-purpose flour
• 10–11 large marshmallows, cut in half
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar
• ¼ cup (40g) dry hot cocoa mix
• ⅓ cup (27g) natural unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 2 tsp (10ml) milk (any kind, dairy or nondairy)

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Instructions

1. Creaming: Whip butter and sugars using electric mixer until pale and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cookie dough.
2. Wet Ingredient Integration: Mix egg and vanilla extract thoroughly into creamed mixture, ensuring complete incorporation.
3. Dry Ingredient Preparation: Combine flour, cocoa powder, hot cocoa mix, baking soda, and salt in separate bowl, creating a uniform dry blend.
4. Dough Formation: Gradually mix dry ingredients into butter mixture on low speed, adding milk to achieve desired dough consistency. Wrap and chill for minimum 2 hours to develop rich flavors.
5. Baking Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
6. Cookie Shaping and Initial Baking: Form tablespoon-sized dough rounds, spacing them 2-3 inches apart. Bake for 10 minutes until edges set.
7. Marshmallow Topping: Carefully press marshmallow halves into cookie centers, returning to oven for additional 2 minutes to soften marshmallows.
8. Finishing Touches: Gently flatten marshmallows with spoon, cool on baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
9. Chocolate Drizzle: Melt chocolate using double boiler or microwave, stirring carefully to prevent burning. Drizzle over cooled cookies.
10. Storage: Allow chocolate to set at room temperature for 30-60 minutes. Store in sealed container for up to one week, preserving moisture and flavor.

Notes

• Chill Dough Thoroughly: Refrigeration develops deeper flavors and prevents excessive spreading during baking, ensuring dense, rich cookies.
• Marshmallow Placement Matters: Insert marshmallow halves gently and precisely in cookie centers immediately after initial baking for perfect melting and aesthetic presentation.
• Prevent Burning Carefully: Monitor chocolate melting process closely, stirring constantly to maintain smooth texture and prevent scorching.
• Temperature Control Key: Allow cookies to cool completely before chocolate drizzling to ensure clean, crisp chocolate lines and prevent messy melting.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 22
• Calories: 174
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 26mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 23mg