Description
These Marshmallow Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies are a decadent treat that combines rich cocoa flavors with gooey marshmallows and a silky chocolate topping. Perfect for cozy winter days or holiday gatherings, these cookies offer a delightful mix of textures and tastes — from the soft, fudgy base to the melty marshmallow center and smooth chocolate drizzle.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 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
- 2 teaspoons (10ml) milk (any kind, dairy or nondairy)
Dry Ingredients
- 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
Add-ins & Toppings
- 10–11 large marshmallows, cut in half
- 8 ounces (226g) semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
Instructions
- Mix Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together on medium-high speed until the mixture is fluffy and light in color, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat on high speed until thoroughly combined, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, dry hot cocoa mix, baking soda, and salt until well blended.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients bowl. Beat on low speed until just combined. The cookie dough will be thick. Then, beat in the milk. The dough will become thick and sticky.
- Chill Dough: Cover the dough tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 3 days. Chilling is crucial to handle the sticky cookie dough and to help develop flavor.
- 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 for easy cleanup.
- Shape Cookies: Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator. Scoop out heaping tablespoons of dough (about 25-26 grams each) and roll them into balls. Arrange the dough balls 2 to 3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake Initial Cookies: Bake the cookies for 10 minutes. This partially bakes the base to be soft yet sturdy enough for the marshmallows.
- Add Marshmallows and Finish Baking: Remove cookies from the oven and lightly press a halved marshmallow into the top of each cookie. Return the cookies to the oven for an additional 2 minutes. Remove them again and gently press the marshmallow down with the back of a spoon to flatten slightly.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes to set and finish firming before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Melt Chocolate: Melt the finely chopped semi-sweet chocolate using a double boiler or microwave. For microwave, heat in 20-second intervals, stirring well between each until completely smooth.
- Decorate Cookies: Spoon melted chocolate over the top of each cooled marshmallow-topped cookie. Let the chocolate set at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes until firm.
- Store Cookies: Once the chocolate has set, cookies can be stacked, stored, transported, and gifted. Keep leftover cookies covered tightly at room temperature for up to one week.
Notes
- Chilling the cookie dough is essential to manage the sticky texture and to intensify flavor.
- Pressing marshmallows gently after baking helps them flatten slightly without melting completely, maintaining good texture and appearance.
- Melt chocolate carefully to avoid burning; stirring frequently helps achieve smooth melted chocolate.
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Cookies are best enjoyed once the chocolate topping has fully set.
- Milk can be any type including plant-based alternatives to suit dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: marshmallow cookies, hot cocoa cookies, chocolate marshmallow cookies, winter cookies, holiday cookies, fudge cookies
