Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies are the ultimate treat for cozy winter nights or holiday baking! These soft, chewy cookies are filled with a gooey marshmallow center that gives them a delightful “surprise” when you bite into them. The dough itself is rich and chocolatey, reminiscent of a warm cup of hot cocoa. The marshmallow inside adds an extra layer of sweetness, melting perfectly to create that cozy, comforting flavor. These cookies are also often dusted with a little powdered sugar or cocoa powder for that extra touch of indulgence.
The first time I made these cookies; they immediately became a family favorite. The contrast of the warm, soft cookie and the gooey, melted marshmallow is absolutely irresistible. Plus, they’re perfect for any holiday or just when you want a sweet, nostalgic treat. These cookies are great for gifting or serving at parties—just be prepared for people to ask for the recipe!
Perfect for:
- Winter gatherings
- Holiday parties
- Hot cocoa lovers
- Baking enthusiasts
- Sweet tooths
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why these Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies will become your favorite treat:
- Gooey Marshmallow Filling: Each cookie is filled with a hidden marshmallow that melts in your mouth.
- Rich Cocoa Flavor: The deep chocolate flavor from cocoa powder gives these cookies a comforting taste of hot cocoa.
- Chewy Texture: The soft, chewy center makes these cookies irresistible with each bite.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: The marshmallow surprise is sure to delight children and adults alike.
- Perfect for Hot Cocoa Lovers: These cookies take your love for hot cocoa to the next level with an added surprise.
- Great for Gifting: Packaged in a cute box or jar, these cookies make a perfect homemade gift.
- Quick and Easy: These cookies come together quickly, with minimal prep and cook time.
- Versatile Decoration: Decorate with extra marshmallows or chocolate chips for added texture and visual appeal.
- Festive Appeal: The gooey marshmallow inside adds a fun, festive element, perfect for holiday baking.
- Freezable Dough: The dough can be frozen and baked later for a quick treat on demand.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Calories per serving: Approximately 150-170 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbs: 24g, Fat: 7g
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon whole milk
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
Optional Toppings:
- Extra mini marshmallows
- Chocolate chips
Ingredient Highlights
- Mini Marshmallows: Provide the marshmallow surprise in the center of each cookie.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Delivers a rich and deep chocolate flavor in the dough.
- Butter: Ensures a soft and chewy cookie texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a hint of warmth to balance the chocolate flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Cookie Dough:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Add Milk: Stir in the milk to soften the dough.
- Fold in Marshmallows: Gently fold in the mini marshmallows.
Shape and Bake the Cookies:
- Form Dough Balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls.
- Bake: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are soft.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve:
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve these cookies warm with a glass of milk or hot cocoa for a comforting treat.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies:
- As a Winter Treat: Serve with a cup of hot cocoa for the ultimate cozy experience.
- For Gift Giving: Package these cookies in a jar or box for a thoughtful homemade gift.
- As an Afternoon Snack: Enjoy with a hot drink for a delightful afternoon treat.
- On Holiday Platters: Add these cookies to your holiday dessert spread for a fun, festive touch.
- For Movie Nights: Pair with a cozy blanket and your favorite movie for the perfect treat.
- With Ice Cream: Serve with vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- At Birthday Parties: These cookies are a fun surprise for party guests of all ages.
- For Cookie Exchanges: Perfect for swapping at holiday cookie exchanges.
- With Extra Marshmallows: Top with extra marshmallows for an added gooey surprise.
- As a Sweet Breakfast: Enjoy these cookies with a cup of coffee or tea in the morning.
Additional Tips
- Use Mini Marshmallows: Mini marshmallows melt better and evenly distribute in the dough, giving each bite that sweet surprise.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents spreading too much.
- Add a Touch of Cinnamon: A pinch of cinnamon in the dough will enhance the hot cocoa flavor and add a warm, cozy spice.
- Make Sure Marshmallows Are Well-Covered: Ensure the marshmallows are fully encased in dough to prevent them from burning during baking.
- Use High-Quality Cocoa Powder: Opt for a good-quality cocoa powder to give your cookies a rich, decadent chocolate flavor.
- Try Different Marshmallow Types: Experiment with flavored marshmallows like peppermint or caramel for a fun twist on the classic cookie.
- Top with Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle a few chocolate chips on top of each cookie before baking for an extra layer of chocolatey goodness.
- Bake One Test Cookie: Bake one cookie to check if it spreads too much or if the marshmallows melt too fast. Adjust dough thickness if needed.
- Cool on a Wire Rack: After baking, let the cookies cool on a wire rack to help them set and maintain a chewy texture.
- Store in an Airtight Container: To keep your cookies fresh and chewy, store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain moisture.
Recipe Variations
- Hot Cocoa Mint Cookies: Add peppermint extract to the dough for a minty twist.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free cookie.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: Replace the marshmallows with chocolate chips for a classic chocolate chip cookie.
- Nutty Cocoa Cookies: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- White Chocolate Cocoa Cookies: Substitute white chocolate chips for a creamy, sweeter version.
- Vegan Option: Use dairy-free butter and egg replacer for a vegan-friendly treat.
Special Equipment
- Electric Mixer: For easy mixing of butter, sugar, and eggs.
- Cookie Scoop: To portion dough evenly for uniform cookies.
- Parchment Paper: To line the baking sheet and prevent cookies from sticking.
- Cooling Rack: For cooling the cookies evenly.
- Wire Whisk: For mixing dry ingredients together.
FAQ Section
- Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?
Yes, but cut them into smaller pieces so they fit inside the cookie dough. - How long do these cookies last?
These cookies will stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 5 days. - Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, freeze the dough in balls for up to 2 months and bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time. - Can I make these cookies without cocoa powder?
If you prefer, you can skip the cocoa powder, but the cookies will have a different flavor and texture. - Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?
Yes, but they will create larger pockets of melted marshmallow inside each cookie. - What can I use if I don’t have an electric mixer?
You can use a hand whisk or a wooden spoon to cream the butter and sugar. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just double all the ingredients and use two baking sheets if needed. - Can I add other mix-ins to the dough?
Yes, feel free to add chocolate chips, toffee bits, or chopped candy. - How do I prevent the marshmallows from burning?
Bake at the recommended temperature and time to keep the marshmallows soft and gooey inside. - Can I use store-bought dough for this recipe?
For the best results, make the dough from scratch to ensure the perfect texture and marshmallow surprise.
Conclusion
Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies are a delicious, cozy treat that combines the comforting flavors of hot cocoa with the fun twist of gooey marshmallows hidden inside. These soft, chocolatey cookies are filled with rich cocoa powder and chocolate chips, creating a decadent cookie base. The surprise element comes when you bite into one and discover a gooey, melted marshmallow in the center.
To make these cookies, start by preparing a simple cookie dough with butter, sugar, eggs, and cocoa powder. Then, wrap small pieces of marshmallow inside the dough before baking, ensuring that the marshmallow stays tucked inside as the cookies bake to golden perfection. Once baked, the marshmallow inside softens, creating a delightful surprise with each bite. For added flavor, you can sprinkle the cookies with a bit of crushed graham crackers or drizzle with melted chocolate to evoke the flavors of s’mores. These cookies are perfect for holiday baking, cozy winter days, or as a fun treat to share with friends and family.
I can’t wait to see how your Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your sweet, gooey creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!