Gooey Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallow Surprise

If you love the comforting taste of hot chocolate on a chilly day, these Gooey Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallow Surprise will be your new favorite treat. These soft and fudgy cookies have a rich chocolate base, and inside, you’ll find a warm, gooey marshmallow center. Topped with a smooth chocolate drizzle and festive garnishes, these cookies are perfect for winter celebrations, holiday parties, or simply indulging in a cozy night at home.

With their decadent chocolate flavor, chewy texture, and irresistible marshmallow surprise, these cookies will remind you of sipping a steaming mug of hot cocoa with a handful of marshmallows floating on top. Whether you bake them for a Christmas cookie exchange or enjoy them as an everyday dessert, they are sure to become a seasonal favorite!

Why You’ll Love These Hot Cocoa Cookies

• Rich and Fudgy Texture – Each bite is packed with deep, chocolatey goodness.
• Surprise Marshmallow Center – The warm, melty marshmallow adds an extra layer of indulgence.
• Perfect for the Holidays – Ideal for festive gatherings, cookie swaps, or gifting.
• Easy to Customize – Add peppermint, sprinkles, or different chocolate toppings.
• Simple Yet Impressive – Despite their bakery-quality appearance, they’re easy to make at home!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cookies:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 12 large marshmallows, cut in half

For the Topping:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• Optional: Crushed peppermint, sprinkles, or cocoa powder for decoration

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step aerates the butter and ensures a soft cookie texture.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well until fully incorporated.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps evenly distribute the dry ingredients for a balanced dough.
5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to dense cookies.
6. Pour in the milk, which keeps the dough soft and prevents it from becoming too dry.

Step 2: Shape and Bake the Cookies

1. Roll the dough into 1 ½-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
2. Bake the cookies for 8–9 minutes, until they look slightly puffed but not fully set.

Step 3: Add the Marshmallow Surprise

1. Remove the cookies from the oven and quickly press a half marshmallow (cut-side down) into the center of each warm cookie.
2. Return the cookies to the oven and bake for an additional 2–3 minutes, just until the marshmallows puff up and slightly melt into the cookie.
3. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Add the Chocolate Topping

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and vegetable oil. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
2. Drizzle or spoon the melted chocolate over the cookies, covering the marshmallow completely or partially, depending on your preference.
3. Sprinkle the tops with crushed peppermint, colorful sprinkles, or a dusting of cocoa powder for an extra festive touch.

Tips for Perfect Hot Cocoa Cookies

• Use quality cocoa powder – A high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder will give your cookies a deep, rich chocolate flavor.
• Don’t overbake – The cookies should look slightly underdone when you remove them from the oven. They will continue to set as they cool.
• Work quickly with the marshmallows – Adding them while the cookies are warm helps them stick better.
• Let the chocolate set – If you want a firm topping, allow the chocolate drizzle to harden before storing or serving.

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Serving and Storage Tips

How to Serve:

• Enjoy these cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or milk for the ultimate cozy treat.
• Serve them on a holiday cookie platter for parties and gatherings.
• Add a sprinkle of crushed peppermint for a festive, minty twist.

How to Store:

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
• To keep the marshmallow soft and fresh, layer cookies between sheets of parchment paper.

How to Freeze:

• The baked cookies (without the chocolate topping) can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Let them thaw at room temperature before adding the melted chocolate for the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use mini marshmallows instead of large ones?

Yes! Instead of halved large marshmallows, place 2–3 mini marshmallows in the center of each cookie. They melt quickly and work just as well.

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

To prevent excessive melting, add the marshmallows in the final 2–3 minutes of baking rather than from the beginning. This ensures they soften without disappearing into the cookies.

3. Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet for the topping?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate adds a richer, slightly less sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the marshmallow and cocoa flavors.

4. Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days. Before baking, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15–20 minutes to make rolling easier.

5. Can I add extra flavors to these cookies?

Definitely! Try adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor or a dash of cinnamon for a warm spice kick.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a delicious and festive treat that brings the flavors of hot cocoa into a chewy, chocolatey cookie, these Gooey Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallow Surprise are a must-try. They’re rich, soft, and filled with a delightful marshmallow center that makes them irresistible.

Whether you bake them for a holiday gathering, gift them to friends, or enjoy them as a winter dessert, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit. Make a batch today and experience the ultimate hot cocoa-inspired indulgence!