Fluffy Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies Recipe

Cozy Fluffy Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies Recipe

Chocolate chip cookies have never been more delightful than with this marshmallow-surprise hot cocoa cookies recipe that blends childhood nostalgia with sweet sophistication.

Soft, chewy cookie dough meets pockets of gooey marshmallow in every single bite.

The rich cocoa infusion creates a decadent backdrop for these irresistible treats.

Melted chocolate swirls through the dough, creating tempting marbled patterns that beckon dessert lovers.

Each cookie promises a warm, comforting experience reminiscent of cozy winter evenings.

Sprinkled with a light dusting of cocoa powder, these cookies transform an ordinary snack into an extraordinary indulgence.

You won’t be able to resist their warm, inviting charm.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 180 kcal

Servings: 12

For Cookie Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture for soft, chewy cookies.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich, deep chocolate flavor and dark color to the cookies.
  • Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and creates a tender, light texture.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
For Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Creates richness and helps cookies spread perfectly.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and contribute to cookie's soft texture.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients and adds moisture to the dough.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warm, aromatic flavor.
  • Milk: Softens dough and creates smooth consistency.
For Topping and Decoration:
  • Large Marshmallows: Adds gooey, sweet surprise in cookie center.
  • Chocolate Chips: Creates rich drizzle with intense chocolate flavor.
  • Coconut Oil or Vegetable Oil: Helps chocolate drizzle become smooth and glossy.
  • Sprinkles: Optional decorative touch for festive appearance.

Tools for Baking These Marshmallow-Stuffed Cookies

  • Mixing Bowls: Large bowl for wet ingredients, separate bowl for dry ingredients.
  • Electric Mixer or Whisk: Essential for creaming butter and sugar, mixing dough smoothly.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for ingredients.
  • Baking Sheets: Two sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  • Tablespoon or Cookie Scoop: For portioning dough evenly.
  • Wire Cooling Rack: Helps cookies cool completely.
  • Microwave-Safe Bowl: For melting chocolate chips.
  • Spatula or Spoon: For stirring melted chocolate and mixing ingredients.

Bake Cookies That Hide a Cocoa Surprise

  • Prepare the Baking Zone

Grab your baking sheets and line them with parchment paper. Crank up the oven to a toasty 350F (175C) to get ready for cookie.

  • Whip Up the Dough

Mix softened butter with sugars until they’re fluffy and dreamy. Crack in an egg and splash of vanilla, blending until smooth. In another bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, adding a splash of milk to create a silky dough.

  • Shape and Initial Bake

Scoop out dollops of cookie dough onto prepared sheets, keeping them a couple inches apart. Pop into the oven and bake for 8 minutes until edges look set but centers remain soft.

  • Create the Marshmallow Surprise

Pull cookies from the oven and gently press a marshmallow half into each cookie’s center. Return to the oven for another 2-3 minutes, watching marshmallows puff and soften.

  • Chocolate Drizzle Drama

Melt chocolate chips in short microwave bursts, stirring between each. Once smooth, drizzle luxuriously over cooled cookies. Sprinkle with festive decorations if you’re feeling extra.

  • Indulge and Enjoy

Let chocolate set for a few minutes, then serve alongside a steaming mug of hot cocoa. Savor every gooey, chocolatey bite of your marshmallow-stuffed creation.

Tips for Gooey Centers and Crispy Edges

  • Ensure butter is softened but not melted for the perfect cookie texture. Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly and create a more uniform dough.
  • Press marshmallows gently into cookie centers to prevent them from sliding off during baking. For extra stability, slightly indent the cookie before adding the marshmallow.
  • Swap regular flour with a 1: 1 gluten-free baking blend to make these cookies celiac-friendly. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free for a safe alternative.
  • Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, and use plant-based milk. Swap chocolate chips with dairy-free dark chocolate for a completely dairy-free treat.
  • Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their soft, gooey marshmallow centers.

Serve Warm With Hot Chocolate

  • Hot Cocoa Companion: Pair these marshmallow-surprise cookies with a steaming mug of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and extra mini marshmallows for a decadent winter treat.
  • Dessert Platter Elegance: Create a festive cookie display by arranging the drizzled cookies on a rustic wooden board, scattered with holiday sprinkles and powdered sugar for a gorgeous presentation.
  • Sweet Party Favor: Package individual cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons, perfect for holiday gatherings or as delightful homemade gifts for friends and family.
  • Milk and Cookies Night: Serve these warm, gooey cookies alongside cold milk or a rich hot cocoa for a classic comfort food experience that brings everyone together.

Store in a Covered Tin for Freshness

  • Store cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 5 days, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain their delightful texture.
  • Refrigerate cookies in a closed container for extended freshness, keeping them tasty for up to a week while maintaining their soft marshmallow centers.
  • Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, thawing at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying their gooey goodness.
  • Prepare cookie dough in advance and refrigerate for 24 hours or freeze raw dough balls for up to 2 months, allowing spontaneous baking whenever sweet cravings strike.

FAQs

  • What makes the marshmallow part special in these cookies?

The marshmallow is strategically added midway through baking, creating a gooey surprise center that puffs up and softens, giving the cookie an unexpected creamy texture and delightful marshmallow flavor.

  • Can I use mini marshmallows instead of large marshmallows?

While large marshmallows are recommended for the best visual and textural effect, mini marshmallows can work – just use 2-3 mini marshmallows per cookie and adjust baking time slightly to prevent burning.

  • How do I ensure the cookies stay soft and chewy?

Use room temperature ingredients, avoid overmixing the dough, and watch the baking time carefully. Remove cookies from the oven when edges are set but centers are still soft to maintain a tender, moist texture.

  • Do I need any special equipment to make these cookies?

Basic baking tools like a mixer, baking sheets, parchment paper, and measuring cups are sufficient. A wire cooling rack helps cookies cool evenly, but isn’t absolutely necessary for the recipe’s success.

Print
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Fluffy Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies Recipe

Fluffy Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies Recipe


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4.6 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies blend winter comfort with sweet indulgence, offering chocolate lovers a delightful treat. Homemade cookies combine rich cocoa flavors with gooey marshmallow centers that will make dessert lovers swoon.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (45 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar, packed
  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 12 large marshmallows, cut in half
  • ½ cup (85 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 tsp coconut oil or vegetable oil (optional, for melting)
  • Sprinkles (optional, for decoration)

Instructions

  1. Prep Station: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper, creating a pristine workspace for cookie crafting.
  2. Butter Fusion: Whip softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture transforms into a light, fluffy cloud of sweetness.
  3. Liquid Harmony: Blend egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, creating a silky smooth foundation for the cookies.
  4. Dry Ingredient Symphony: Sift flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt together, ensuring a perfect, even distribution of dry components.
  5. Dough Alchemy: Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, incorporating milk to form a glossy, uniform cookie dough.
  6. Cookie Formation: Scoop tablespoon-sized dough rounds onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
  7. Initial Bake: Roast cookies in a preheated 350F (175C) oven for 8 minutes, watching for set edges and tender centers.
  8. Marshmallow Magic: Remove cookies and tenderly nestle a marshmallow half into the center of each warm cookie.
  9. Final Transformation: Return cookies to the oven for 2-3 minutes, allowing marshmallows to puff and caramelize to golden perfection.
  10. Cooling Choreography: Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
  11. Chocolate Drizzle: Melt chocolate chips in short microwave bursts, stirring between intervals and blending in coconut oil to create a silky drizzling consistency.
  12. Artistic Finish: Elegantly cascade melted chocolate over cooled cookies using a spoon or piping bag, optionally crowning with festive decorations.
  13. Serving Suggestion: Allow chocolate to set for 15 minutes, then serve alongside a steaming mug of hot cocoa for the ultimate indulgence.

Notes

  • Butter Temperature Matters: Ensure butter is soft but not melted for the perfect creamy base, which helps create a smooth, uniform cookie texture.
  • Gentle Mixing Technique: Fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients carefully to prevent overmixing, which can make cookies tough and dense.
  • Marshmallow Placement Precision: Press marshmallow halves gently into warm cookies immediately after first baking to help them melt and integrate seamlessly.
  • Chocolate Drizzle Control: Melt chocolate in short intervals and stir frequently to prevent burning, creating a smooth and glossy chocolate topping.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks, Drinks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 164
  • Sugar: 16 g
  • Sodium: 85 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Emily Lawson

Emily Lawson

Content Creator & Culinary Specialist

Expertise

  • Creative Content Writing and Blogging​
  • Plant-Based and Alternative Grilling Recipes​
  • Food Styling and Visual Storytelling​
  • Nutritional Analysis and Healthy Cooking

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and the fusion of global flavors with traditional grilling methods. ​


Emily Lawson is the content creator at Daves Grill, turning tasty ideas into clear, easy recipes. Based in Portland, she trained at the Oregon Culinary Institute and loves cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients, especially grilled veggies and global flavors.

Emily mixes food writing with hands-on cooking to bring you recipes that feel fun, not stressful. Her goal is to make every dish simple, flavorful, and worth coming back to. Together, she and Dave serve up real food, one recipe at a time.

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