Print

Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 69 reviews

These Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for cozy moments. Soft, chocolatey cookies made with cocoa powder and hot cocoa mix feature a surprise marshmallow baked right on top, finished with a drizzle of melted semi-sweet chocolate. The recipe involves creaming butter and sugars, mixing in a rich cocoa-flavored dough, chilling for the perfect texture, and a quick bake to ensure gooey marshmallow centers. Ideal for sharing during the holidays or any chilly day craving a comforting, sweet indulgence.

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

Toppings

  • 10–11 large marshmallows, cut in half
  • 8 ounces (226g) semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Cream 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 fluffy and light in color, about 3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract, then beat on high until combined. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, dry hot cocoa mix, baking soda, and salt until fully combined.
  3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients bowl. Beat on low speed until just combined; the dough will be thick. Beat in the milk to achieve a thick, sticky dough.
  4. Chill Dough: Cover the cookie dough tightly with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or up to 3 days. Chilling is essential to manage the sticky dough and improve texture.
  5. 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 and set aside.
  6. Shape Cookies: Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator. Scoop and roll the dough into heaping tablespoons (about 25-26g each) and place the dough balls 2–3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
  7. Initial Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
  8. Add Marshmallows and Continue Baking: Remove cookies from the oven, lightly press a marshmallow half, cut side down, onto the top of each cookie. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 2 minutes.
  9. Press Marshmallows: Remove the cookies again and gently press down on each marshmallow with the back of a spoon to slightly flatten them.
  10. Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. Melt Chocolate: Melt the finely chopped semi-sweet chocolate in a double boiler or microwave in 20-second increments, stirring after each until smooth and melted.
  12. Drizzle Chocolate and Set: Spoon melted chocolate over each cooled marshmallow-topped cookie. Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before stacking, storing, or gifting.
  13. Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Notes

  • Chilling the dough is imperative to manage the sticky consistency and to achieve the best texture in the baked cookies.
  • Use good quality semi-sweet chocolate for melting to ensure a smooth and glossy finish.
  • You can customize the milk type used (dairy or nondairy) according to dietary preferences.
  • Store cookies properly to keep marshmallows soft and chocolate set.
  • For easier melting, if using microwave, stir frequently to prevent burning.

Keywords: hot cocoa cookies, marshmallow cookies, chocolate cookies, baked marshmallow, semi-sweet chocolate, holiday treats, cozy desserts

Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/marshmallow-surprise-hot-cocoa-cookies-recipe/