The holidays are here, and you know what that meansβtime for some serious cookie magic! Picture this: soft, chewy cookies infused with the rich taste of hot cocoa and a delightful marshmallow surprise hidden inside. These Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies not only capture the essence of winter but also evoke cozy memories of sipping hot chocolate by the fireplace while wearing fuzzy socks. Can you smell them baking already?
Now imagine biting into one of these fluffy delights, only to discover a gooey marshmallow center that melts in your mouth. That perfect moment is why youβre going to want to whip up a batch (or two) of these incredible treats! Theyβre ideal for holiday parties or just a casual snack while binge-watching your favorite series.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies are incredibly easy to make and bring joy in every bite
- The flavor combination of chocolate and marshmallow is an instant classic
- Visually striking with their gooey center, theyβre sure to impress guests at any gathering
- Make them versatile by adding your favorite mix-ins like nuts or caramel bits!
I remember the first time I made these cookies; my friends were blown away when they discovered the sweet marshmallow surprise hidden within each cookie!
Essential Ingredients
Hereβs what youβll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of our cookie dough; use fresh flour for optimum results.
- Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for that deep chocolate flavor; Dutch-processed gives it a richer taste.
- Baking Soda: A must-have for helping the cookies rise; ensure itβs fresh for best results.
- Sugar (Granulated and Brown): Combining both gives a great balance of sweetness and moisture.
- Butter (Unsalted): Use softened butter for easier mixing; it contributes to the cookieβs rich flavor.
- Eggs: Essential for binding all ingredients together; room temperature eggs work best.
- Marshmallows: Mini or regular-sized marshmallows create that delightful surprise in the center.
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips add extra decadence; feel free to substitute with dark chocolate!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Letβs Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup later.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set aside as you prepare wet ingredients.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, cream together softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract: Beat in eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract until fully incorporated. The mixture should appear creamy and smooth.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined; avoid over-mixing to keep cookies tender.
Add Chocolate Chips and Marshmallows: Fold in chocolate chips along with mini marshmallows carefully so they remain intact but evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Scoop onto Baking Sheet: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Each ball should look generous enough because these will spread out while baking.
Bake Until Perfect: Place in preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set but centers still look slightly underbakedβthatβs where the gooey goodness lies!
Cool Before Enjoying: Remove from oven and let cool on baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks. This waiting period allows them to firm up just enough without losing that melted marshmallow core.
Now that you know how to create these delightful Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies step-by-step, get ready for some happy faces as they take their first bite! Enjoy sharingβand hidingβa few extras for yourself too because trust me; youβll want more than one!
You Must Know
- These Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies are not just delicious; they warm your heart too
- The delightful combination of chocolate and marshmallows creates an irresistible treat thatβs perfect for cozy nights or holiday gatherings
- Plus, the smell while baking is simply heavenly!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by making the cookie dough, then chill it for 30 minutes while preheating your oven. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhances flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap regular chocolate chips with white chocolate or even peanut butter chips for a unique twist. You can also sprinkle sea salt on top for an extra flavor kick!
Storing & Reheating
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To enjoy them warm again, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing; it helps create a smoother dough
- Always scoop your cookie dough with a spoon to ensure uniform sizes, promoting even baking
- Lastly, keep an eye on them in the oven; overbaking can ruin their gooey texture
Baking these cookies always reminds me of winter holidays spent with family, where laughter filled the air and sweet aromas wafted from the kitchen, creating unforgettable memories.
FAQ
What makes these cookies special?
These cookies have a delightful surprise of marshmallows inside, melting into gooey goodness.
Can I freeze Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies?
Absolutely! Freeze them in a single layer and transfer to a bag after solidifying.
How do I prevent cookies from spreading?
Chilling the dough before baking helps maintain their shape and prevents excessive spreading.
Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies
Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies are a decadent treat, blending soft chocolate cookies with a gooey marshmallow center, perfect for cozy gatherings and holiday cheer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 ΒΎ cups all-purpose flour
- Β½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ΒΌ tsp salt
- Β½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- Β½ cup granulated sugar
- Β½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract, until smooth.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined; donβt overmix.
- Fold in chocolate chips and mini marshmallows gently.
- Scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are set but centers remain slightly soft.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Substitute regular chocolate chips with white chocolate or peanut butter chips for added flavor. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes helps maintain cookie shape during baking. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.