Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies Recipe

If you’re anything like me and absolutely adore the cozy embrace of hot cocoa on a chilly day, then you’re going to flip for this Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies Recipe. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie packed with rich cocoa flavor, studded with gooey mini marshmallows that melt just right—a comforting dessert that feels like a cozy hug in cookie form. Trust me, these cookies are a game-changer, and once you try them out, your cookie jar will never be the same.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies Recipe relies on simple ingredients that blend together to deliver that classic warm cocoa flavor and soft texture you crave. Plus, a little tip: make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and better cookie texture!

• Unsalted butter: Use softened, room-temperature butter—this helps the dough come together smoothly and gives you that tender crumb.
• Light brown sugar: Adds a slight molasses note and moisture for chewiness.
• Granulated sugar: Divided—some for mixing into the dough and some to coat the cookies for that subtle sweet crunch.
• Large egg: Binds everything and gives the cookie structure without drying it out.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the warm flavors—don’t skip it!
• All-purpose flour: The base for your cookie dough, choose fresh for best results.
• Hot chocolate mix: This is the star ingredient that adds that unmistakable cocoa and a bit of sweetness.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: For extra depth and richness.
• Baking soda: Helps these cookies spread just enough and get those lovely cracked tops.
• Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and highlights all the flavors.
• Mini marshmallows: The best kind for this recipe—they melt just right and get delightfully gooey inside the cookie.

Variations

I love giving recipes a little personal twist, and this Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies Recipe is no exception. Play around with these variations to make it your own—you’ll find it fun to customize!

• Chocolate Chips: Adding semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips is my go-to for double the chocolate yum.
• Nutty Upgrade: Toasted chopped pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch and complement the fluffy marshmallows.
• Peppermint Pep: Crushed peppermint candies stirred into the dough make for a festive holiday cookie that’s a crowd-pleaser.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap the flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and follow the same method.

How to Make Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Your Butter and Sugars

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a cookie sheet with parchment paper—trust me, it makes cleanup a breeze. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and half of the granulated sugar until the mix is fluffy and light—this usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes with an electric mixer. You’ll notice the mix changes texture and looks creamier, which is exactly what you want. Don’t rush this step; it sets the stage for perfectly soft cookies.

Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla

Next, crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat again until fully combined and smooth. This ensures that every bite is consistent and rich with flavor.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, hot chocolate mix, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This not only evenly distributes the leavening but mixes the cocoa elements together so your cookies get that uniform chocolaty goodness.

Step 4: Bring Dough Together

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing just until a dough forms. Be careful not to over-mix here—you want to stop as soon as everything is combined to keep the cookies tender. The dough should be soft but manageable.

Step 5: Scoop, Insert Marshmallows, and Shape

Using a 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out 24 balls of dough. Here’s the fun part: flatten each dough ball into a disc, place 5 to 6 mini marshmallows in the center, then carefully fold the dough around to encase the marshmallows. Pinch the seams tightly to seal them in. Then, roll each into a smooth ball and toss in the remaining granulated sugar to coat—that little sugar kiss on the outside adds a perfect texture contrast.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes or until you see lovely cracks on top and spot the marshmallows peeking through. When you pull them out, they might feel soft—don’t worry! Let them cool on a wire rack for about 15 minutes; that’s when they firm up and achieve that perfect chewy edge with a soft center.

How to Serve Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I love dusting these cookies lightly with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and a snow-kissed look, especially around winter holidays. A sprinkle of mini chocolate chips on top before baking also adds visual oomph and extra melty bites that I can’t resist.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk or a steaming cup of your favorite hot chocolate for a full-on cozy dessert experience. If you want to get fancy, try them alongside whipped cream-topped coffee or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to stack these cookies in a cute mason jar with some festive ribbons tied around. Another favorite is creating a cookie platter with different toppings and letting guests mix and match. They also make charming gifts when wrapped in parchment with a hand-tied bow – trust me, these cookies spread happiness!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay soft and chewy for up to a week. I always add a slice of bread in the container to keep them moist—it’s an old baking trick that really works wonders here.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, I wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or zip-top bag. Frozen, they stay delicious for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw overnight on the counter—fresh-baked taste preserved!

Reheating

For a warm, freshly baked feel, pop a cookie or two in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. That gentle warmth revives the gooey marshmallow center and softens the cookie for maximum comfort.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies Recipe brings a little extra warmth and magic to my kitchen, especially when the weather turns chilly. It’s a recipe I come back to again and again, partly because it’s easy and partly because every bite is like a mini celebration of cozy comfort. I really hope you give it a try—you’ll enjoy the melty marshmallows, rich cocoa flavor, and the smile it brings every time you pull a fresh batch from the oven.

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