Magical Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies Recipe

My winter baking adventure recently stumbled upon this delightful marshmallow-surprise hot cocoa cookies creation that feels like a warm hug.

Sweet chocolate notes dance through each tender morsel, promising comfort in every bite.

Cold evenings suddenly become magical with these unexpected treats.

Cozy kitchen moments spark when unexpected ingredients meld together perfectly.

Rich cocoa powder infuses deep flavor throughout delicate cookie dough.

Melted marshmallows create delectable hidden pockets of gooey goodness.

Come explore this whimsical recipe that turns ordinary cookies into something extraordinary.

Why Marshmallow-Surprise Cookies Feel Festive

• Prepare these indulgent cookies in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients and basic baking skills.
• Enjoy the unexpected soft, gooey marshmallow center that transforms these chocolate cookies into a delightful treat perfect for surprising family and friends.
• Engage children in a fun baking project where they can help press marshmallows and drizzle chocolate, creating memorable moments in the kitchen while developing cooking skills.
• Perfect for winter gatherings, holiday parties, or a cozy night in, these hot cocoa cookies bring warmth and sweetness to any occasion with their rich chocolate flavor and playful marshmallow twist.

What You’ll Need for Hot Cocoa Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture for the cookies.
• Cocoa Powder: Gives rich chocolate flavor and dark color.
• Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and creates soft texture.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with cookie caramelization.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and provides richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor.
• Milk: Adds moisture and softens dough.

• Butter (Softened): Creates tender, rich cookie base.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.

• Large Marshmallows: Creates surprise soft center and adds gooey texture.
• Chocolate Chips: Used for drizzling and adding extra chocolate flavor.
• Coconut Oil or Vegetable Oil: Helps thin chocolate for smooth drizzling.
• Sprinkles: Optional decorative topping for festive look.

How to Bake Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallow Inside

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat your oven to 350F (175C). Cover two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Step 2: Create Creamy Cookie Base

• Softened butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar

Whip until fluffy and light. Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.

• Flour
• Cocoa powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture. Pour milk and mix until dough feels consistent.

Step 3: Shape And Bake Initial Cookies

Drop tablespoon-sized dough portions onto prepared baking sheets. Space cookies two inches apart. Slide into oven and bake for 8 minutes until edges look firm but centers remain soft.

Step 4: Add Marshmallow Magic

Pull cookies from oven. Gently press half a marshmallow into each cookie’s center. Return to oven and bake additional 2-3 minutes until marshmallows puff beautifully. Let cookies rest 5 minutes on baking sheet before moving to cooling rack.

Step 5: Craft Chocolate Drizzle

Melt chocolate chips in microwave using 20-second intervals. Stir between each interval. Mix in coconut oil to create smooth drizzling consistency.

Step 6: Decorate With Flair

Drizzle melted chocolate across cooled cookies. Sprinkle festive decorations if desired.

Step 7: Serve With Comfort

Allow chocolate drizzle to set for 15 minutes. Pair cookies with warm hot cocoa or milk for ultimate cozy enjoyment.

Smart Tips for Gooey Centers and Soft Shells

• Soften Butter Perfectly: Microwave butter in 5-second intervals to reach room temperature without melting, ensuring a creamy cookie texture.
• Prevent Marshmallow Sticking: Lightly coat marshmallows with cooking spray before inserting into cookies to prevent excessive sticking and easy removal.
• Achieve Consistent Cookie Size: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon for uniform cookies that bake evenly and look professionally prepared.
• Enhance Chocolate Flavor: Add a pinch of espresso powder to the cocoa powder mixture to intensify the rich chocolate taste without adding coffee flavor.
• Store Wisely: Keep cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to maintain softness and prevent marshmallow sticking for up to 3 days.

Storing Cocoa Cookies with the Right Touch

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper, separating layers to prevent sticking. Keep chilled for up to 5 days.
• Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 3 months for best texture and flavor.
• Remove cookies from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to maintain original softness.
• Warm cookies gently in a preheated oven at 300F for 3-5 minutes to restore fresh-baked texture and slightly melt marshmallow center.

What Pairs with Hot Cocoa Cookies

• Complement the rich cocoa cookies with a cold, creamy chocolate milk that echoes the cookie's deep chocolate flavor and provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, soft marshmallow center.
• Enhance the cookie's sweetness with a hot caramel latte, whose smooth caramel notes and warm espresso will highlight the marshmallow's gooey texture and the cookie's chocolate depth.
• Create a festive experience by serving the cookies alongside a steaming mug of peppermint hot cocoa, where the minty coolness balances the cookie's rich chocolate and marshmallow warmth, creating a delightful winter-inspired treat.
• Offer a spiced vanilla bean chai that provides a gentle, aromatic backdrop to the indulgent chocolate cookies, with its creamy and slightly exotic flavor profile complementing the dessert's sweetness.

Fun Variations for Marshmallow-Stuffed Cookies

• Gluten-Free Cocoa Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend, ensuring same texture and chocolatey richness for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Marshmallow Delight: Swap butter with coconut oil, use plant-based egg substitute, and select vegan marshmallows for a dairy-free friendly version.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining sweet flavor profile.
• Nut-Infused Chocolate Cookies: Add chopped walnuts or pecans into cookie dough for extra crunch and nutty undertones, creating more complex taste experience.

Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sweet magic happens when classic hot cocoa meets cookie perfection in these marshmallow-surprise hot cocoa cookies. Rich chocolate nestles a gooey marshmallow center, creating a delightful winter treat that melts hearts and satisfies comfort cravings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookies Base Ingredients:

• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (45 g) unsweetened cocoa powder

Liquid and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup (60 ml) milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Finishing and Texture Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 12 large marshmallows, cut in half
• ½ cup (85 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable oil (optional, for melting)
• Sprinkles (optional, for decoration)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the workspace by lining two baking sheets with parchment paper, ensuring a clean surface for the cookies.
2. Create a creamy butter mixture by blending softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the texture becomes light and airy.
3. Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, stirring until the blend achieves a smooth consistency.
4. Separately combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl, whisking to distribute the dry ingredients evenly.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently to form a uniform dough.
6. Add milk to the cookie dough, stirring until the texture becomes uniform and slightly glossy.
7. Portion the dough into tablespoon-sized rounds, placing them approximately 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
8. Bake the cookies in a preheated 350F (175C) oven for 8 minutes, watching for set edges and soft centers.
9. Remove the cookies and carefully press a marshmallow half into the center of each warm cookie.
10. Return the cookies to the oven, baking for an additional 2-3 minutes until marshmallows become puffy and slightly golden.
11. Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, enabling them to firm up slightly.
12. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack for complete cooling.
13. Melt chocolate chips in short microwave intervals, stirring between each to prevent burning.
14. Stir coconut oil or vegetable oil into the melted chocolate to create a smooth drizzling consistency.
15. Elegantly drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled cookies using a spoon or piping bag.
16. Optional: Sprinkle festive decorations over the chocolate drizzle for added visual appeal.
17. Let the chocolate set for approximately 15 minutes before serving.
18. Pair the cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa or milk for a delightful indulgence.

Notes

• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before scooping to prevent spreading and create thicker, more uniform cookies.
• Use high-quality cocoa powder for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor that elevates the entire cookie experience.
• Choose large marshmallows that melt beautifully and create a gooey, surprise center when baked.
• For gluten-free options, swap regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain the cookie’s soft texture.
• Add a pinch of espresso powder to the dry ingredients to intensify the chocolate’s depth without adding coffee flavor.
• Create dairy-free versions by using plant-based butter and alternative milk options like almond or oat milk.
• Experiment with different chocolate drizzles by using white chocolate or adding a sprinkle of sea salt for contrast.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft, chewy texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks, Drinks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 75 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg