Description
Delight in these Marshmallow Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies, featuring a rich cocoa cookie base layered with a gooey marshmallow center and topped with melted semi-sweet chocolate. Perfectly soft, chewy, and indulgent, these cookies combine the flavors of hot cocoa and marshmallows in every bite, making them a comforting treat for cold days or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 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
- 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
- 2 teaspoons (10ml) milk (any kind, dairy or nondairy)
Topping
- 10–11 large marshmallows, cut in half
- 8 ounces (226g) semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: 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 2–3 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract, then beat on high speed until thoroughly combined. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.
- Mix 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 combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients bowl. Beat on low speed until just combined, resulting in a thick cookie dough. Finally, beat in the milk to enhance dough consistency.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the cookie dough tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to 3 days. Chilling is essential to manage the sticky consistency and to develop flavor and texture.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prepare for baking.
- Form Dough Balls: Remove chilled dough from the refrigerator. Scoop out heaping tablespoons (about 25-26g) and roll into balls. Arrange them spaced 2–3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies for 10 minutes. Take the baking sheets out of the oven, then lightly press a marshmallow half into the top of each cookie.
- Finish Baking with Marshmallows: Return the cookies to the oven and bake for an additional 2 minutes. Remove the cookies from the oven again and gently press down on each marshmallow with the back of a spoon to slightly flatten it.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Melt Chocolate: Melt the finely chopped semi-sweet chocolate either in a double boiler or in the microwave in 20-second increments, stirring after each until smooth and fully melted.
- Decorate Cookies: Spoon the melted chocolate over each cooled marshmallow-topped cookie. Let the chocolate set at room temperature for 30–60 minutes until firm.
- Store: Once the chocolate has set, stack or store the cookies in an airtight container. Leftover cookies can be stored tightly covered at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Notes
- Chilling the dough for at least 2 hours is critical to handle the sticky consistency and achieve the best texture.
- If you don’t have dry hot cocoa mix, a mix of unsweetened cocoa powder and sugar can be used as a substitute, but the flavor may vary slightly.
- Use any kind of milk for the dough; dairy or nondairy alternatives both work well.
- When melting chocolate in the microwave, stir between increments to prevent burning and achieve smooth melting.
- These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for up to a week at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: marshmallow cookies, hot cocoa cookies, chocolate marshmallow cookies, chocolate cookies, homemade cookies, winter dessert, holiday cookies, gooey marshmallow treats
