These Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies are everything you love about a comforting cup of hot cocoa, transformed into a soft, gooey cookie. With a rich chocolate base, melty marshmallows, and a hint of cocoa, they’re the perfect treat for winter evenings or holiday celebrations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cozy Flavor: The taste of hot chocolate in every bite.
Perfect Texture: Soft, chewy cookies with gooey marshmallow centers.
Great for Sharing: A fun and festive treat for gatherings or gifts.

Ingredients

Cookie Dough

Unsalted butter: For a rich, buttery base.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and structure.
Brown sugar: Enhances the chewy texture and adds a hint of molasses flavor.
Egg: Binds the dough and gives it structure.
Vanilla extract: Adds depth of flavor.
All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the cookies.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: For the classic chocolate flavor.
Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and stay soft.
Salt: Balances the sweetness.

Mix-Ins

Mini chocolate chips: For extra bursts of chocolate in every bite.
Mini marshmallows: The gooey centerpiece that gives the cookies their hot chocolate vibe.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 2: Add the Mix-Ins

Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips.

Step 3: Shape and Chill

Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chilled cookie dough balls onto a baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 8-9 minutes, then remove the cookies from the oven. Quickly press a few mini marshmallows into the center of each cookie.

Step 5: Finish Baking

Return the cookies to the oven and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the marshmallows puff up slightly.
Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Success

Chill the Dough: This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Use Fresh Marshmallows: For the best gooey texture, avoid using stale marshmallows.
Don’t Overbake: The cookies should be slightly soft in the center when removed from the oven; they’ll firm up as they cool.

Nutrition Facts (per cookie)

Servings: 24 cookies
Calories: 140
Total Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3.5g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 60mg
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 14g
Protein: 2g

FAQ

Q1: Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?
A1: Yes, but cut them into smaller pieces to ensure they melt evenly.

Q2: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! Store the dough in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Q3: How do I store these cookies?
A3: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Q4: Can I add other mix-ins?
A4: Yes, chopped nuts or crushed peppermint candies make great additions.

Q5: What can I do if I don’t have cocoa powder?
A5: Substitute cocoa powder with a hot chocolate mix for a sweeter cookie with a similar flavor.

Q6: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A6: Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.

Q7: How do I get perfectly gooey marshmallows?
A7: Press the marshmallows into the cookies halfway through baking, so they don’t overcook.

Q8: Can I double the recipe?
A8: Definitely! This recipe scales well for larger batches.

Q9: What kind of chocolate chips work best?
A9: Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips work best for a balanced sweetness.

Q10: Can I make these without chocolate chips?
A10: Sure! The cookies will still be delicious and packed with hot cocoa flavor.

Enjoy these cozy Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies with a mug of your favorite hot cocoa or as a sweet treat any time of the year!