Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies

Imagine biting into a rich, chocolatey cookie that tastes just like a steaming mug of hot cocoa, complete with gooey melted marshmallows and a hint of vanilla sweetness. That’s exactly what you get with these Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies—a perfect winter treat that’s chewy, decadent, and bursting with chocolate flavor.

These cookies combine the deep, velvety richness of cocoa powder and chocolate chips with puffy, toasted marshmallows for a nostalgic, comforting dessert. Whether you’re baking these for a cozy night in, a holiday party, or just because you love chocolate, this recipe is easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Serve them warm with a glass of milk, and you’ll have a dessert that feels like a warm hug in every bite.

Why You’ll Love These Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies

• Rich, Fudgy, and Soft – These cookies have a chewy texture with melty chocolate pockets.

• Tastes Like Hot Cocoa – Made with real cocoa powder and vanilla for that authentic hot chocolate flavor.

• Easy to Make – No fancy ingredients, just simple pantry staples!

• Perfect for the Holidays – A great addition to Christmas cookie trays and winter gatherings.

• Customizable – Add crushed peppermint, caramel drizzle, or a sprinkle of sea salt for extra flair.

Preparation Time and Yield

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 10 minutes

• Total time: 25 minutes

• Yield: 24 cookies

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)

• Calories: 160

• Carbohydrates: 22g

• Protein: 2g

• Fat: 8g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 14g

Ingredients for Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

• 1 cup mini marshmallows (plus extra for topping)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This helps create a soft, chewy texture in the cookies.

3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Mix in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for extra flavor.

4. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.

5. Fold in the Chocolate Chips and Marshmallows

Gently fold in the chocolate chips and mini marshmallows. The marshmallows will melt slightly, creating gooey pockets inside the cookies.

6. Scoop the Dough

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.

7. Bake the Cookies

Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.

8. Add Extra Marshmallows

Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a few extra mini marshmallows into each cookie while they’re warm. This gives them a classic hot chocolate look.

9. Cool and Serve

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. Serve warm or store for later!

Ingredient Background

Cocoa Powder

Cocoa powder is the heart of these cookies, providing the deep, rich chocolate flavor that mimics a steaming cup of hot chocolate. Unsweetened cocoa powder is best because it allows you to control the sweetness while delivering that intense chocolatey depth. You can also use Dutch-processed cocoa powder for an even smoother, less acidic taste.

Marshmallows

Mini marshmallows are what give these cookies their hot cocoa-inspired magic. When baked, they melt slightly, creating gooey pockets of sweetness in each bite. To get that signature toasted marshmallow effect, pressing extra marshmallows into the cookies right after baking helps them hold their shape while staying soft and chewy.

Chocolate Chips

Chocolate chips add melty richness to the cookies, enhancing their decadent, fudgy texture. You can use semisweet, dark, or milk chocolate chips, depending on how sweet you want the cookies to be. For an even more indulgent experience, try using chocolate chunks instead of chips.

Technique Tips for Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies

How to Keep the Cookies Soft and Chewy

The key to perfectly soft and chewy cookies is to avoid overbaking. Remove the cookies from the oven when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underbaked. They will continue cooking on the baking sheet as they cool, giving you that ideal chewy texture.

Getting the Marshmallows Just Right

If you mix the marshmallows directly into the dough, some may melt completely while baking. To prevent this, you can freeze the mini marshmallows for 10–15 minutes before adding them. This helps them hold their shape better in the oven. Additionally, pressing extra marshmallows onto the cookies right after baking ensures they stay visible and fluffy.

The Secret to Deep Chocolate Flavor

For an extra-rich chocolate taste, use both cocoa powder and melted chocolate in the dough. You can melt ¼ cup of chocolate chips and mix it into the batter along with the wet ingredients. This gives the cookies an even more intense hot chocolate flavor.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

Hot Chocolate Cookie Sandwiches

For a next-level treat, sandwich two cookies together with a layer of marshmallow fluff or melted chocolate. This creates a decadent, s’mores-like dessert that’s perfect for special occasions.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies

Add a festive twist by mixing crushed peppermint candy or peppermint extract into the dough. The combination of chocolate, marshmallows, and peppermint gives these cookies a holiday-inspired flavor.

Hot Cocoa Cookie Sundae

Warm up a few cookies and serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup for the ultimate hot cocoa-inspired sundae. This dessert is heavenly with whipped cream and sprinkles.

Freezing and Storing Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies

Storing at Room Temperature

These cookies stay fresh for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. To keep them soft, place a slice of bread in the container—it helps retain moisture without affecting the cookies’ flavor.

Freezing the Dough

For fresh-baked cookies anytime, scoop the dough into individual portions and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag and store for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, place frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake for an extra 2 minutes.

Freezing Baked Cookies

Fully baked cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. When ready to eat, warm them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to bring back the gooey marshmallow goodness.

Healthier Twist Ideas

Whole Wheat or Almond Flour

For a healthier alternative, replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for extra fiber, or use almond flour for a gluten-free option.

Reduce the Sugar

To make these cookies less sweet, reduce the granulated sugar by ¼ cup or use a sugar substitute like coconut sugar. The chocolate and marshmallows will still provide plenty of natural sweetness.

Add Nuts for Protein

For added crunch and protein, mix in chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans. This enhances the flavor and gives the cookies an extra satisfying bite.

Serving Suggestions for Events

Holiday Cookie Exchange

These cookies are perfect for Christmas cookie swaps! Their hot chocolate theme, gooey texture, and festive look make them a holiday favorite. Pair them with peppermint bark or gingerbread cookies for a beautiful holiday platter.

Dessert for Cozy Movie Nights

Serve these cookies warm with homemade hot chocolate or a caramel latte for the ultimate cozy movie night treat. Add a plush blanket and a feel-good movie, and you’ve got the perfect winter night.

Party Dessert Platter

For a fun dessert board, pair these cookies with brownies, chocolate truffles, and whipped cream-topped espresso shots. It’s a chocolate lover’s dream and an elegant way to serve cookies at a gathering.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?

Yes! Just cut them into smaller pieces so they distribute evenly throughout the cookie dough.

2. How do I prevent the marshmallows from melting too much?

Try freezing the marshmallows for 10–15 minutes before adding them to the dough. This helps them keep their shape better in the oven.

3. Can I make these cookies without chocolate chips?

Absolutely! You can leave out the chocolate chips or replace them with white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or caramel chips for a different twist.

4. How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Almond flour also works, but the cookies may be softer and spread more.

5. Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free butter and dairy-free chocolate chips to make these cookies completely dairy-free.

6. What’s the best way to store these cookies?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For long-term storage, freeze them in a zip-top bag.

7. Can I add other flavors to these cookies?

Definitely! Try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon, espresso powder, or peppermint extract for a unique twist.

8. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping.

9. What’s the best way to reheat these cookies?

Pop them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to make the marshmallows gooey again.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just double all the ingredients and bake in batches for more delicious cookies.

Conclusion

These Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies bring the cozy, nostalgic flavors of a warm cup of cocoa into a soft, chewy cookie. They’re easy to make, rich in chocolate, and filled with gooey, toasted marshmallows that melt in your mouth. Whether you’re making them for the holidays, a chilly night in, or as a fun dessert for friends and family, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit. Bake a batch today, and enjoy the magic of hot chocolate in cookie form!

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