Hot Chocolate Cookies with Mini Marshmallows

If you’re craving a cozy, delicious treat that’s bursting with rich cocoa flavor and topped with gooey, melty mini marshmallows, look no further than these irresistible Hot Chocolate Cookies with Mini Marshmallows. This recipe combines the best of both worlds: soft, chewy chocolate cookies paired with the sweet, pillowy charm of marshmallows on every bite. Whether you’re baking for yourself, family, or friends, these cookies are sure to warm hearts and satisfy every sweet tooth craving with their decadent texture and nostalgic taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultimate Comfort Treat: This cookie perfectly mimics your favorite hot cocoa drink in a handheld dessert form, making every bite feel like a warm hug.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: The cookie base stays delightfully soft, while mini marshmallows add that signature melt-in-your-mouth gooeyness.
• Simple Ingredients: Made from easy to find pantry basics, this recipe is both accessible and quick to prepare for any skill level.
• Customizable Fun: You can easily swap ingredients or add mix-ins to tailor these cookies to your taste or dietary needs.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From cozy winter nights to festive gatherings, these cookies shine anytime you want a sweet indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in these Hot Chocolate Cookies with Mini Marshmallows plays an essential role in building the perfect balance of rich chocolate flavor and soft, chewy texture. From cocoa powder for depth to mini marshmallows for that iconic finish, every component is a must-have.

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and softness to keep the cookies chewy yet sturdy.
• Cocoa powder: The star ingredient that delivers intense chocolatey goodness.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and develop a tender crumb.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances sweetness perfectly.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and creates that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Brown sugar: Imparts moisture and a slight caramel undertone.
• Sugar: Balances the taste and helps with browning.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients and lends a soft chewiness to the cookie.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, fragrant note to complement the cocoa.
• Mini marshmallows: The key topping that melts gently, adding sweet pockets of gooey delight.

Variations for Hot Chocolate Cookies with Mini Marshmallows

If you love to experiment or need dietary adjustments, this recipe offers lots of room for creative tweaks without sacrificing any of the gooey goodness that makes these cookies so special.

• Dark chocolate chips: Add extra bursts of melted chocolate throughout the dough for a richer taste.
• Nutty twist: Mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch and flavor contrast.
• Dairy-free option: Use vegan butter and marshmallow alternatives for a plant-based version.
• Spiced cocoa: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper for subtle warmth and complexity.
• Gluten-free version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend without losing the chewy texture.

How to Make Hot Chocolate Cookies with Mini Marshmallows

Step 1: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the dry ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed, which helps your cookies bake with uniform texture and flavor.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, cream the softened unsalted butter with the brown sugar and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential for a tender cookie with depth of flavor, as it incorporates air and dissolves the sugars well.

Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. These wet ingredients bind everything together while keeping your cookies moist and chewy.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix; stirring just until the flour is absorbed keeps the cookies from becoming tough.

Step 5: Add Mini Marshmallows

Fold in mini marshmallows gently, reserving a handful to sprinkle on top before baking. This ensures marshmallows are embedded throughout and melted beautifully on the cookie surface.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Press a few extra mini marshmallows on top of each cookie to give a melty, golden finish. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set but centers remain soft.

Pro Tips for Making Hot Chocolate Cookies with Mini Marshmallows

• Use room temperature butter: Ensures better creaming with sugars, resulting in a softer cookie texture.
• Don’t overbake: Removing cookies while slightly underdone keeps them chewy and moist.
• Press marshmallows on top: Doing this before baking creates that signature golden, gooey layer everyone loves.
• Chill the dough: Letting dough rest in the fridge for 30 minutes can enhance flavor and prevent spreading.
• Use quality cocoa powder: Natural or Dutch-processed cocoa will impact the cookie’s richness and color dramatically.

How to Serve Hot Chocolate Cookies with Mini Marshmallows

Garnishes

Sprinkle extra mini marshmallows or dust a touch of cocoa powder or powdered sugar on your cookies for added charm, making them look just as delightful as they taste.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk, hot cocoa, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience that balances rich chocolate with creamy freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these cookies in a rustic basket lined with a cozy napkin or arrange them stacked next to a mug of steaming hot chocolate to create an inviting, on-theme display perfect for gatherings or gift-giving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Hot Chocolate Cookies with Mini Marshmallows in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them soft and fresh.

Freezing

You can freeze baked cookies by placing them in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature for an easy, ready-to-eat treat anytime.

Reheating

Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven to restore their soft, gooey texture and melty marshmallow charm before serving.

FAQs

Can I use regular-sized marshmallows instead of mini ones?

While regular marshmallows can work, mini marshmallows melt more evenly and create the ideal gooey texture throughout the cookies, so they are highly recommended.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten; however, you can try substituting with a gluten-free flour blend for a similar chewy texture.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! Chilling the dough for 30 minutes to overnight enhances flavor and prevents excessive spreading during baking.

How do I store these cookies to keep marshmallows from hardening?

Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and avoid refrigeration as it can cause the marshmallows to become firm and less gooey.

Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?

Yes, mixing in chocolate chips is a delicious way to customize your Hot Chocolate Cookies with Mini Marshmallows for an extra chocolate boost.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the cozy comfort of Hot Chocolate Cookies with Mini Marshmallows to brighten any day or warm up a chilly evening. With their perfect balance of rich cocoa and sweet, melty marshmallows, these cookies are guaranteed to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. So grab your mixing bowl and give them a try—you might just find your new go-to dessert!

Related Posts

• Cookie Monster Cheesecake
• Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake
• Irresistible Peanut Butter Truffles

Print