Cozy up with these Hot Cocoa Marshmallow Surprise Cookies, a delightful dessert twist inspired by the classic winter beverage. Imagine biting into a soft and chewy chocolate cookie that’s bursting with the rich flavors of cocoa and topped with a gooey marshmallow surprise. Perfect for chilly nights, holiday gatherings, or a simple sweet treat, these cookies will transport you to a winter wonderland of indulgence.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1½ cups (188g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- ⅓ cup (27g) natural unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup (40g) dry hot cocoa mix
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons (10ml) milk (any kind, dairy or nondairy, is fine)
For the Topping
- 10–11 large marshmallows, cut in half
- 8 ounces (226g) semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Dough : Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a hand or stand mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, hot cocoa mix, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Add the milk and mix until the dough is smooth.
- Bake the Cookies : Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough into 1.5-tablespoon-sized balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8–9 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Do not overbake.
- Add the Marshmallow Surprise : Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press one marshmallow half (cut side down) into the center of each cookie. Return the cookies to the oven and bake for an additional 2 minutes, just until the marshmallows puff slightly.
- Melt the Chocolate : While the cookies cool on the baking sheet, melt the semi-sweet chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second increments, stirring after each interval, until smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cookies, covering the marshmallows and part of the cookie for a rich, glossy finish.
- Cool and Serve : Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets so the chocolate can set. Serve with a cup of hot cocoa or enjoy them as a stand-alone treat!
Conclusion
These Hot Cocoa Marshmallow Surprise Cookies are the ultimate cozy dessert for chocolate lovers. The rich cookie base, gooey marshmallow topping, and decadent chocolate drizzle create a trifecta of flavors and textures that’s irresistible. Whether you’re snuggling by the fire or hosting a holiday party, these cookies are guaranteed to delight and impress. Give them a try, and make every bite a warm, chocolatey hug!
Hot Cocoa Marshmallow Surprise Cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- ½ cup 113g unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- ½ cup 100g granulated sugar
- ½ cup 100g packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1½ cups 188g all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- ⅓ cup 27g natural unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup 40g dry hot cocoa mix
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons 10ml milk (any kind, dairy or nondairy, is fine)
For the Topping
- 10 –11 large marshmallows cut in half
- 8 ounces 226g semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Dough : Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a hand or stand mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, hot cocoa mix, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Add the milk and mix until the dough is smooth.
- Bake the Cookies : Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough into 1.5-tablespoon-sized balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8–9 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Do not overbake.
- Add the Marshmallow Surprise : Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press one marshmallow half (cut side down) into the center of each cookie. Return the cookies to the oven and bake for an additional 2 minutes, just until the marshmallows puff slightly.
- Melt the Chocolate : While the cookies cool on the baking sheet, melt the semi-sweet chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second increments, stirring after each interval, until smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cookies, covering the marshmallows and part of the cookie for a rich, glossy finish.
- Cool and Serve : Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets so the chocolate can set. Serve with a cup of hot cocoa or enjoy them as a stand-alone treat!