Marshmallow Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies Recipe
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.
- Author: Mia
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20-22 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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
- 10–11 large marshmallows, cut in half
- 8 ounces (226g) semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Bake initial cookies: Bake the cookies for 10 minutes. They will be partially baked but not finished.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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