Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies Recipe
When winter evenings call for something warm, chocolatey, and gooey, Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies are your answer. These cookies capture all the flavors of your favorite hot cocoa drink—rich cocoa, sweet chocolate, and a hidden marshmallow center that melts perfectly in your mouth.
This recipe is a favorite for cozy nights, holiday cookie swaps, or a fun baking activity with kids. They’re soft on the outside, tender inside, and carry a warm, gooey marshmallow surprise in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp instant espresso powder (optional, enhances chocolate flavor)
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 8–10 mini marshmallows per cookie (or marshmallow fluff)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder if using.
- Cream butter & sugars: In a separate bowl, beat softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg & vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine: Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until a soft dough forms. Fold in mini chocolate chips.
- Shape cookies: Take a small portion of dough, flatten slightly, place 1–2 mini marshmallows in the center, and wrap dough around to seal. Shape into balls and place on prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set and tops are slightly cracked. Do not overbake—cookies should remain soft.
- Cool & serve: Let cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm to enjoy the gooey marshmallow center.
Why This Recipe Works
- Gooey center: Marshmallows melt perfectly inside without leaking.
- Rich chocolate flavor: Cocoa powder and chocolate chips create deep chocolate notes.
- Soft texture: Tender outside with slightly chewy center for perfect bite.
- Kid-friendly & fun: Great for baking with children or winter cookie parties.
Variations
- Peppermint Twist: Add crushed candy cane to dough or sprinkle on top before baking.
- Nutty Surprise: Add finely chopped nuts for texture.
- Extra Chocolate: Use milk chocolate or white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.
- Mini Cookie Bites: Make bite-sized versions for hot cocoa dipping parties.
Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies
These Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies are soft, chewy, and filled with a gooey marshmallow center. Perfect for cozy winter nights, holiday baking, or a chocolatey treat with a surprise inside.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder if using.
- Cream butter with granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet until soft dough forms. Fold in chocolate chips.
- Flatten a portion of dough, place marshmallow(s) in center, wrap dough around to seal, and shape into balls. Place on baking sheet.
- Bake 10–12 minutes until edges set. Do not overbake.
- Cool on tray 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack. Serve warm.
Notes
Add peppermint extract for a holiday twist or extra chocolate drizzle for decadent treats. Freeze dough for quick fresh-baked cookies anytime.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a steaming mug of hot chocolate or coffee.
- Stack in a cookie jar for holiday gift-giving.
- Serve alongside whipped cream or chocolate drizzle for a festive touch.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps cookies soft for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Freeze unbaked dough balls or baked cookies for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
Conclusion
Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies are a cozy, chocolatey delight perfect for cold nights, holiday baking, or anytime you crave a sweet treat with a little surprise inside. Soft, chewy, and filled with molten marshmallow, they’re sure to become a family favorite.
