There’s something magical about biting into a warm cookie that oozes melted marshmallows and rich chocolate. Imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen as you create the ultimate treat — the Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies that will make you feel like a kid again. You can’t help but smile when you see those gooey marshmallows peeking out from the soft, chocolatey goodness.
These cookies are perfect for winter gatherings or cozy nights in with loved ones. I remember making these with my kids on a snowy afternoon; their laughter filled the air as we waited for the first batch to come out of the oven. We huddled together, ready with mugs of hot cocoa and our favorite festive sweaters, eagerly anticipating our sweet rewards.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies are incredibly easy to whip up and packed with delightful flavors
- The melty marshmallows create a beautiful presentation that makes them perfect for any occasion
- Ideal for sharing during holidays or cozy family nights in!
I still chuckle every time I think about how my youngest tried to sneak an extra cookie before dinner — who could blame him?
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use a good quality flour for the best texture; it forms the base of our cookies.
- Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder adds rich chocolate flavor; opt for high-quality brands for maximum impact.
- Baking Soda: This little hero gives our cookies a nice lift; always check expiration dates for best results.
- Salt: Enhances sweetness and balances flavor; use fine sea salt for even distribution.
- Unsalted Butter: Room temperature butter ensures your dough comes together smoothly; it’s key for texture!
- Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and contributes to a lovely crispy edge; don’t skimp on this!
- Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and depth of flavor; dark brown sugar is my go-to for a richer taste.
- Eggs: They bind everything together beautifully; use large eggs at room temperature for best results.
- Vanilla Extract: A must-have ingredient that enhances all flavors; pure vanilla extract is worth it!
- Mini Marshmallows: The surprise element in these cookies; choose fresh ones that puff up nicely when baked.
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips work wonders; I prefer using both for an ultimate flavor experience.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until combined. The fragrant cocoa aroma should fill your kitchen by now!
Cream Butter and Sugars
In another bowl, beat softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes — patience is key here!
Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract. Beat until fully incorporated; the mixture should be creamy and smooth.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add dry ingredients to your wet mixture while mixing on low speed. Stop when just combined — overmixing can lead to tough cookies!
Fold in Chocolates and Marshmallows
Gently fold in mini marshmallows and chocolate chips using a spatula. It’s okay if some marshmallows peek through; they’ll add charm once baked!
Scoop onto Baking Sheet
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop generous mounds of dough onto prepared baking sheets about two inches apart. Don’t worry if they look messy; they’ll spread beautifully.
Bake Until Perfect
Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft. Allow them to cool slightly before transferring to wire racks.
Now you’re ready to enjoy those deliciously gooey Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies! The first bite will take you straight back to childhood joy—warmth wrapped in sweet nostalgia.
So grab yourself a mug of hot cocoa (with extra marshmallows), cozy up on your couch, and indulge in these delightful treats!
You Must Know
- Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies are not just cookies; they’re a delightful, chocolatey hug on a cold day
- These treats combine a rich cocoa flavor with a gooey marshmallow surprise, making every bite an adventure
- Perfect for cozy gatherings or just because!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Mix dry ingredients first, then wet, ensuring a smooth batter for those ooey-gooey marshmallow centers.
Add Your Touch
Consider swapping regular cocoa for dark chocolate cocoa to intensify the flavor. You can also add peppermint extract for a seasonal twist!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Reheat them in the microwave for 10 seconds to restore their gooey goodness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best results, let your butter soften completely before mixing
- This ensures a smooth dough that bakes evenly
- When adding marshmallows, place them in the center of each cookie ball to get that surprise effect
- Avoid overmixing your dough to keep cookies tender and chewy
There was this one time I made these cookies for my niece’s birthday party. The look of pure joy on her face when she discovered the marshmallow center was priceless, and I may have eaten more than my share!
FAQ
What makes Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies unique?
The hidden marshmallow center adds a delightful surprise, enhancing the classic cookie experience.
Can I use different types of marshmallows?
Absolutely! Mini marshmallows work great and melt beautifully inside the cookies.
How should I store leftover cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness and chewiness for days!
Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in these Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies, featuring a rich chocolate base and gooey marshmallow center that will warm your heart and delight your taste buds.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined.
- Gently fold in mini marshmallows and chocolate chips.
- Scoop mounds of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft. Cool slightly before transferring to wire racks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
