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Marshmallow Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies Recipe

4.4 from 54 reviews

These Marshmallow Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies are a delightful treat combining rich cocoa flavors, a gooey marshmallow center, and a decadent semi-sweet chocolate drizzle. Soft and chewy with a nostalgic hot cocoa twist, these cookies are perfect for cozy winter days or any time you crave a warm, comforting dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

  • 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 and 1/2 cups (188g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
  • 1/3 cup (27g) natural unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup (40g) dry hot cocoa mix
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons (10ml) milk (any kind, dairy or nondairy)

Toppings

  • 1011 large marshmallows, cut in half
  • 8 ounces (226g) semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together on medium-high speed until fluffy and light in color, about 2–3 minutes.
  2. Add egg and vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract, then beat on high speed until well combined. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed to ensure an even mixture.
  3. Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, dry hot cocoa mix, baking soda, and salt until thoroughly combined.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients bowl. Beat on low speed until combined; the dough will be thick. Then beat in the milk to achieve a thick and sticky dough consistency.
  5. Chill the dough: Cover the dough tightly and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours and up to 3 days. This step is essential to handle the sticky dough and to develop flavors.
  6. Preheat oven and prepare baking sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and set aside.
  7. Form cookies: Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator. Scoop and roll heaping 1 tablespoon (about 25-26g) portions of dough into balls. Arrange the dough balls 2–3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
  8. Bake initial cookies: Bake the cookies for 10 minutes. They will be partially baked but not finished.
  9. Add marshmallows and finish baking: Remove the cookies from the oven and lightly press a marshmallow half into the top of each cookie. Return the baking sheets to the oven and bake for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from the oven and gently press down on the marshmallows with the back of a spoon to slightly flatten them.
  10. Cool cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes to set. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. Melt chocolate: Melt the semi-sweet chopped chocolate using a double boiler or microwave. For microwave, heat in 20-second increments, stirring each time until smooth and fully melted.
  12. Decorate cookies: Spoon the melted chocolate over the cooled marshmallow-topped cookies in generous drizzles or smooth layers. Let the chocolate set at room temperature, which takes about 30-60 minutes.
  13. Store and serve: Once the chocolate is set, stack and store cookies tightly covered at room temperature for up to 1 week. These cookies make a perfect gift or treat for any cocoa lover.

Notes

  • Chilling the dough is crucial for ease of handling and texture—it can be refrigerated up to 3 days in advance.
  • If desired, substitute semi-sweet chocolate with dark or milk chocolate based on preference.
  • Use parchment or silicone mats to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
  • Press marshmallows gently after the second bake to achieve a flat, gooey topping.
  • For best melt, chop chocolate finely and stir often while microwaving to prevent burning.

Keywords: marshmallow cookies, hot cocoa cookies, chocolate cookies, winter cookies, holiday treats, cocoa dessert, chocolate marshmallow cookies