Dreamy Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies Recipe

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

Nestled within each soft, chocolatey bite hides a gooey marshmallow center waiting to melt.

Sweet memories of cozy evenings drift through my kitchen as I mix these treats.

Childhood comfort meets grown-up sophistication in this playful dessert that sparks conversation.

Rich cocoa powder infuses deep flavor into every tender crumb.

Chocolatey warmth embraces the unexpected marshmallow core, creating a delicious twist on classic cookies.

Cocoa Cookies with a Marshmallow Surprise You’ll Love Biting Into

Quick and Easy Baking Adventure: Discover why these Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies are a total game-changer!

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combine the nostalgic warmth of hot cocoa with the classic charm of chocolate cookies, creating an irresistible treat that brings instant joy to family and friends.
• Wow-Factor Presentation: The melted marshmallow and chocolate drizzle transform simple cookies into an Instagram-worthy dessert that looks like it came from a professional bakery, without requiring professional baking expertise.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance, giving you flexibility for spontaneous baking or stress-free party planning that fits perfectly into busy schedules.

Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies – Ingredients Inside

• Butter, Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet foundation that creates a rich, soft cookie texture with deep caramel undertones.
• Egg, Vanilla Extract: Binding and flavoring agents that add moisture and classic baking aroma.

• All-Purpose Flour, Cocoa Powder, Hot Cocoa Mix: Provide structure, intense chocolate flavor, and additional sweet hot cocoa notes.
• Baking Soda, Salt: Essential leavening and seasoning components that balance sweetness and help cookies rise.

• Marshmallows, Chocolate: Signature surprise elements that add gooey sweetness and rich chocolate finish; choose large marshmallows for best visual impact.
• Milk: Softens dough and helps create tender cookie consistency; whole milk recommended for richer texture.

Cookie Instructions for Cocoa Marshmallow Surprises

Step 1: Whip Up the Cookie Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a mixer.

Beat until the mixture turns fluffy and lightens in color.

Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly.

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

Slowly incorporate dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

Add milk to soften the dough.

Seal the dough and chill in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours.

Step 2: Bake and Marshmallow Magic

Heat the oven to 350°F.

Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Roll chilled dough into small balls.

Place balls on prepared sheets, leaving space between each.

Bake for 10 minutes.

Pull out the cookies and gently press a marshmallow half onto each cookie’s surface.

Return to oven and bake for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 3: Shape and Smooth Marshmallows

Remove cookies from oven.

Use a spoon to softly flatten the marshmallows.

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

Step 4: Drizzle Chocolate Finish

Melt chocolate in short microwave intervals, stirring between each.

Drizzle melted chocolate over marshmallow-topped cookies.

Let chocolate set completely before serving.

Hot Cocoa Cookie Surprises – Here’s How to Nail Them

• Refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours to prevent spreading and enhance flavor development during baking.
• Press marshmallow halves gently into warm cookies to create a perfectly melted, gooey topping that looks and tastes amazing.
• Watch marshmallows closely during the final 2 minutes of baking to ensure they golden-brown without charring.
• Melt chocolate in short intervals and stir between each to achieve a silky, smooth topping without burning.
• Use a consistent tablespoon measurement for uniform cookies that bake evenly and look professionally made.

Store Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for maximum freshness.
• Place completely cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container with wax paper separating each layer. Freeze flat for up to 3 months for best texture and flavor.
• Warm cookies briefly in microwave for 10-15 seconds or restore crispness by placing in a 300°F oven for 2-3 minutes before serving.
• Remove frozen cookies from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying, ensuring soft marshmallows and smooth chocolate topping.

Sweet Matches for Hot Cocoa Cookies

• Pair with Creamy Hot Chocolate: Enhance the cocoa cookie experience with a rich, velvety hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder, mirroring the cookie's marshmallow and chocolate notes.
• Create a Cozy Dessert Plate: Arrange cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a small shot of Baileys Irish Cream for an indulgent adult treat that balances sweetness and warmth.
• Match with Warm Spiced Tea: Serve cookies with a robust chai or cinnamon black tea that complements the chocolate's depth and provides a spicy counterpoint to the marshmallow's sweetness.
• Enjoy with Nutty Accompaniment: Pair with toasted almond milk or a small handful of candied pecans to add a crunchy texture and nutty undertone that highlights the cookie's rich chocolate base.

Cocoa Cookies Sweet Surprise Tweaks

• Gluten-Free Cocoa Delight: Replace wheat flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, ensuring equal measurements for perfect cookie texture. Use certified gluten-free hot cocoa mix to maintain original recipe integrity.
• Dairy-Free Marshmallow Treat: Substitute butter with coconut oil or plant-based margarine. Select dairy-free chocolate for drizzling and use non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk to keep cookie moisture.
• Vegan Chocolate Marshmallow Cookie: Swap egg with flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water). Choose vegan marshmallows and dark chocolate without milk solids. Use plant-based butter alternative for binding.
• Low-Sugar Holiday Version: Reduce sugar quantities by half and incorporate monk fruit sweetener. Select sugar-free hot cocoa mix and use dark chocolate with minimal added sugars for healthier cookie option.

FAQs

• Why do I need to refrigerate the dough before baking?

Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and allows the flavors to develop, creating a richer, more concentrated taste in your cookies. It also helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.

• Can I use regular cocoa mix instead of hot cocoa mix?

While you can substitute, hot cocoa mix adds a unique sweetness and flavor that regular cocoa powder doesn’t provide. The mix contains sugar and other flavoring agents that enhance the cookie’s overall taste.

• How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

The edges will look set and slightly dry, but the centers will still appear soft. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake them. They should look slightly underdone when you remove them from the oven.

• Why add marshmallows in two stages of baking?

The first bake allows the cookie to set, and the second short bake helps the marshmallow melt slightly and adhere to the cookie without burning. Gently pressing the marshmallow creates a beautiful, slightly flattened look on top of the cookie.

Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Chocolate lovers rejoice with marshmallow-surprise hot cocoa cookies, a delightful winter treat that blends rich cocoa and gooey marshmallow magic. Sweet comfort awaits in each bite, promising warm memories and pure indulgence you’ll savor down to the last crumb.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups (280 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (45 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 cups (150 grams) mini marshmallows (or 1 large marshmallow, cut into pieces)
• 1/2 cup (90 grams) chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup (225 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup (165 grams) packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup (30 grams) powdered sugar (for rolling)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the kitchen workspace by setting the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Create a creamy base by thoroughly blending softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and airy.
3. Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, stirring until completely integrated and smooth.
4. In a separate container, combine the dry ingredients – flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt – using a whisk to ensure even distribution.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
6. Portion out tablespoon-sized dough sections and flatten them slightly on your palm.
7. Nestle mini marshmallows or marshmallow pieces into the center of each dough portion, carefully encasing the marshmallow completely to prevent leakage during baking.
8. Generously coat each dough ball in powdered sugar, ensuring a complete and even coverage.
9. Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, watching for set edges and soft centers that indicate the marshmallow has melted internally.
11. Remove from the oven and let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes to stabilize.
12. Transfer cookies to a wire cooling rack, allowing them to reach room temperature and firm up.
13. Serve these decadent cookies warm, revealing the surprise molten marshmallow center with each delightful bite.

Notes

• Experiment with different marshmallow flavors like chocolate or strawberry to create unique taste variations that surprise everyone.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before forming balls to prevent excessive spreading and maintain a perfect cookie shape during baking.
• For gluten-free friends, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or coconut flour to make these delightful cookies accessible to more people.
• Cool cookies completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup and maintain their delicious crisp exterior and gooey marshmallow center.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 90mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 20mg