Marshmallow Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies

If you’re searching for the ultimate cozy winter treat, these Marshmallow Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies are about to become your new favorite. Imagine a soft, rich chocolate cookie packed with a gooey marshmallow center that melts in your mouth like a cup of hot cocoa captured in cookie form. Each bite delivers that perfect combination of warm cocoa flavor and fluffy marshmallow sweetness, making these cookies an irresistible delight for any chilly day or festive occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadently gooey centers: The marshmallow filling stays delightfully soft and melty, adding a wonderful surprise inside every cookie.
• Rich, deep cocoa flavor: Made with quality cocoa powder, these cookies offer a full-bodied chocolate taste that’s never too sweet.
• Simple ingredients: Using pantry staples, the recipe is straightforward and easy to follow for bakers of any skill level.
• Perfect cozy snack: These cookies pair beautifully with a warm drink for snowy afternoons or relaxing evenings.
• Fun to customize: You can easily add nuts, peppermint, or other flavors for a personalized twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each component in this Marshmallow Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies recipe plays a critical role—from the tender cookie base to the luscious marshmallow center. Understanding what each ingredient contributes helps you appreciate how simple pantry items turn into incredible treats.

• All-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation that gives these cookies their soft but structured texture.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Provides the deep, rich chocolate flavor that defines the cookie.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly, keeping them light and tender.
• Butter: Adds creaminess and a rich mouthfeel while enhancing flavor.
• Granulated sugar and brown sugar: These two combine for balanced sweetness and a hint of moistness.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the cookie’s chewiness.
• Vanilla extract: Elevates the chocolate tones with a warm, aromatic touch.
• Mini marshmallows: The star of the recipe, creating that surprise gooey core inside each cookie.
• Optional: pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness perfectly.

Variations for Marshmallow Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies

Feel free to make this recipe your own by trying different variations. This flexibility makes it easy to cater to personal preferences or dietary needs without sacrificing that gooey, warm cookie charm.

• Nutty delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch with every bite.
• Peppermint twist: Mix in crushed candy canes or peppermint extract for a festive flavor boost.
• Vegan version: Substitute dairy butter with coconut oil and use a flax egg to keep it plant-based.
• Double chocolate: Fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips for even more intense chocolate goodness.
• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or cinnamon to bring warmth and complexity.

How to Make Marshmallow Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the dough

In a bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to blend the dry ingredients evenly. Meanwhile, in a separate large mixing bowl, cream softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a smooth, chocolatey dough forms.

Step 2: Shape the cookies

Take a tablespoon of dough and flatten it in your palm. Place two or three mini marshmallows in the center, then fold the dough around the marshmallows, sealing them completely. Roll the dough into a ball, ensuring that the marshmallow is fully enclosed to prevent leaking during baking.

Step 3: Bake to perfection

Arrange the cookie balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-12 minutes, until the edges look set but the centers are still slightly soft. The marshmallow inside will stay delightfully melted, providing that signature surprise.

Step 4: Cool and enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps the cookies firm up slightly, while the marshmallows inside remain gooey and cozy.

Pro Tips for Making Marshmallow Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies

• Scoop precisely: Use a cookie scoop to keep the dough portions even and the marshmallow centers consistent.
• Seal marshmallows well: Ensuring the marshmallows are completely covered prevents them from oozing out during baking.
• Don’t overbake: Pull the cookies out when edges are set but centers are soft to keep them chewy and gooey inside.
• Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes can prevent cookies from flattening too much.
• Use mini marshmallows: Their small size helps distribute gooey pockets without overpowering the cookie.

How to Serve Marshmallow Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies

Garnishes

Sprinkle a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate over the cookies for an inviting, festive look that adds slight sweetness and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a warm mug of hot chocolate, coffee, or a creamy latte to complement the flavors and heighten the cozy winter feel.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the cookies on a rustic wooden platter lined with a cozy holiday napkin, or stack them in a clear glass jar tied with a ribbon for gift-giving that’s both beautiful and delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days—enough time to enjoy their fresh gooeyness and rich cocoa goodness.

Freezing

Freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to 2 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.

Reheating

Warm cookies gently in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated 300°F oven for 5 minutes to revive the melted marshmallow center and soft texture.

FAQs

Can I use regular-sized marshmallows instead of mini?

While you can, mini marshmallows are preferred because they melt evenly and fit neatly inside the dough, creating small pockets of gooey goodness without overwhelming the cookie.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these Marshmallow Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies gluten-friendly while maintaining their soft texture.

What’s the best cocoa powder to use?

For the richest flavor, use Dutch-processed cocoa powder as it gives a smooth, deep chocolate taste compared to natural cocoa powders.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the butter for a non-dairy spread or coconut oil and ensure your marshmallows are vegan, then follow the recipe as usual for a dairy-free treat.

How should I store these cookies if I want to keep them fresh longer?

Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature and avoid stacking too many layers without parchment between, which helps preserve their gooey center and texture.

Final Thoughts

These Marshmallow Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies are a warm, comforting treat that’s just waiting to brighten your day and cozy up your winter. Easy to make and impossible to resist, they bring all the best parts of hot cocoa into a single bite. Go ahead and whip up a batch—you’ll be sharing these sweet, gooey delights with your favorite people in no time!

Related Posts

• Raspberry & Mango Yogurt Parfait
• Cherry & Soured Cream Slab Pie
• Matcha & Strawberry Roulade

Print