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Marshmallow Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 62 reviews

These Marshmallow Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies are a delightful treat combining the rich flavors of cocoa and hot cocoa mix with the gooey sweetness of marshmallows and a smooth melted chocolate topping. The cookie dough is chilled for optimal texture, and the marshmallows are added midway through baking to create a soft, melty center finished with a glossy chocolate drizzle. Perfect for cozy evenings or sharing as a sweet gift.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

  • 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 and 1/2 cups (188g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
  • 1/3 cup (27g) natural unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup (40g) dry hot cocoa mix
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons (10ml) milk (any kind, dairy or nondairy)

Toppings

  • 10–11 large marshmallows, cut in half
  • 8 ounces (226g) semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Mix butter and sugars: In a large bowl using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together on medium high speed until fluffy and light in color, about 2–3 minutes.
  2. Add egg and vanilla: Add the room temperature egg and vanilla extract, then beat on high speed until combined. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well mixed.
  3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, dry hot cocoa mix, baking soda, and salt until thoroughly combined.
  4. Incorporate dry ingredients: Add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Beat on low speed until combined; the dough will be thick. Then beat in the milk, resulting in a thick and sticky cookie dough.
  5. Chill the dough: Cover the dough tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours up to 3 days. This chilling step is crucial to manage the sticky dough and improve texture.
  6. Prepare for baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and set aside.
  7. Form cookie balls: Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Scoop heaping tablespoon-sized portions (about 25-26g each) and roll into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets spaced 2–3 inches apart.
  8. Initial bake: Bake cookies for 10 minutes.
  9. Add marshmallows: Remove from oven and lightly press a marshmallow half into the top of each cookie. Return to oven and bake for an additional 2 minutes.
  10. Shape marshmallows: Remove cookies again and use the back of a spoon to gently press down on each marshmallow to flatten slightly.
  11. Cool cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  12. Melt chocolate: Melt the semi-sweet chocolate either in a double boiler or in the microwave using 20-second increments, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted.
  13. Decorate cookies: Spoon the melted chocolate over each cooled marshmallow-topped cookie. Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature for 30–60 minutes.
  14. Store cookies: Once chocolate is set, cookies can be stacked, stored, transported, or gifted. Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Notes

  • Chilling the dough is important to handle the sticky dough and to achieve better cookie texture.
  • Pressing the marshmallows after the second bake helps create a more uniform texture and appearance.
  • Using a combination of natural cocoa powder and hot cocoa mix adds depth of chocolate flavor and a hint of sweetness.
  • For melting chocolate, be cautious not to overheat; stir frequently to prevent burning.
  • These cookies are best enjoyed within a week when stored at room temperature in an airtight container.

Keywords: marshmallow cookies, hot cocoa cookies, chocolate cookies, holiday treats, dessert cookies, soft cookies

Find it online: https://nayabaker.com/marshmallow-hot-cocoa-surprise-cookies-recipe/