Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallow Centers Recipe

If you’re a chocolate lover who also adores that soft, gooey marshmallow surprise, you’re going to absolutely fall for this Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallow Centers Recipe. These cookies capture the cozy, rich flavor of a cup of hot cocoa but transform it into a decadent treat you can hold in your hand. Each bite offers a tender cocoa-infused cookie wrapping a melty marshmallow center, creating that magical contrast of textures that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a special occasion, or just because, this recipe brings a fun and festive twist to classic chocolate cookies that’s sure to delight everyone around you.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the flavor and texture just right in these cookies comes down to a handful of simple, quality ingredients. Each one plays an important role — from the buttery richness to the cocoa’s deep chocolate notes, and of course the marshmallows that make every cookie unforgettable.

• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Adds a creamy, rich base that helps the cookies stay tender and flavorful.
• Semi-sweet chocolate (1 1/2 cups): Brings chocolates’ luscious depth and melts perfectly into the dough.
• Flour (1 1/2 cups): The foundation of the cookie, providing structure while keeping things soft.
• Cocoa powder (1/4 cup): Infuses an intense chocolatey punch that makes this more than a typical cookie.
• Baking powder (1 1/2 teaspoons): Ensures a good rise for tender, slightly fluffy cookies.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances chocolate flavor.
• Brown sugar (1 1/4 cups): Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note for rich complexity.
• Large eggs (3): Bind everything together and add moisture.
• Vanilla extract (1 1/2 teaspoons): Sweetly rounds out the chocolate and complements the marshmallows.
• Large marshmallows (12, halved): The star surprise center that melts for gooey delight.
• Powdered sugar (2 cups): Essential for making the icing that finishes the cookies with a soft sweetness.
• Unsalted butter, melted (4 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps create a smooth icing.
• Half and half (1/4 cup): Lightens the icing and makes it silky smooth.
• Extra cocoa powder (1/4 cup): Gives the icing an added chocolate flavor punch.
• Christmas sprinkles: For a festive pop of color and fun texture on top.

How to Make Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallow Centers Recipe

Step 1: Melt Butter and Chocolate

Start by gently melting together the unsalted butter and semi-sweet chocolate in a double boiler. Stir frequently and patiently to get a perfectly smooth, glossy mixture. Once melted, set this delicious base aside so it can cool slightly while you prepare the dry ingredients.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This dry mix is the backbone of your cookie dough, blending chocolate intensity and the lift that makes the cookies tender and just the right texture.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

Using a stand mixer, beat the brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract on low speed just until combined. Next, pour in your cooled chocolate mixture and mix again until everything is beautifully combined into a rich, velvety batter.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients Gradually

Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients while mixing gently. This ensures your dough develops just enough structure without losing that beautiful fudgy texture—like the best brownie meets cookie hybrid.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Shape the dough into a bowl, cover it tightly with foil, and let it chill in the refrigerator for about 4 hours. This chilling step is key for handling the complicated texture, making it easier to scoop and shape your cookies smoothly.

Step 6: Prepare the Oven and Cookie Sheet

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. This will keep your cookies from sticking and help them bake evenly with a crisped bottom and soft interior.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

Once chilled, scoop out cookie dough with a cookie scoop and roll it gently between your hands into balls. Be sure to make them uniform in size so they bake evenly and look perfectly polished.

Step 8: First Bake

Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the cookie sheet. Bake for 9 to 10 minutes until the edges are set but the centers still look soft. This timing is crucial to get that just-right texture for melting marshmallows later.

Step 9: Prepare Marshmallows

While the cookies are baking, slice your large marshmallows in half. These will become the luscious centers that make this Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallow Centers Recipe truly special.

Step 10: Add Marshmallow Centers and Bake Again

Right after removing your cookies from the oven, carefully press a halved marshmallow into the center of each cookie. Return the cookies to the oven for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the marshmallows to soften and melt just enough to create that gooey center.

Step 11: Cool and Prepare for Icing

Set a wire rack over another cookie sheet and transfer cookies after they cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. This keeps the bottoms crisp while you prepare the luscious chocolate icing that will top your cookies.

Step 12: Make the Cocoa Icing

In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, melted butter, cocoa powder, half and half, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This chocolate icing adds a glossy, sweet finish that perfectly complements the marshmallow centers and rich cookie base.

Step 13: Decorate the Cookies

Generously drizzle or spread the cocoa icing over each cookie before sprinkling the Christmas sprinkles on top. The festive sprinkles add a joyful crunch and holiday cheer, making these cookies not only delicious but wonderfully eye-catching.

How to Serve Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallow Centers Recipe

Garnishes

For extra fun, try adding a light dusting of cocoa powder or powdered sugar before serving. If you want to get creative, tiny edible gold flakes or crushed peppermint candies make a delightful, festive touch on these already gorgeous cookies.

Side Dishes

These cookies shine alongside a warm cup of steaming milk or your favorite hot chocolate. For brunch or dessert tables, pair them with creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the rich chocolatey kick.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange these cookies on a rustic wooden board with sprigs of fresh cranberries or pine to evoke a cozy holiday vibe. Gift them in decorative tins lined with parchment paper for an irresistible homemade surprise perfect for friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallow Centers Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep the marshmallow centers soft and melty, avoid refrigeration unless absolutely necessary.

Freezing

To freeze, place baked and cooled cookies on a parchment-lined sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer to a sealed freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

Warm cookies in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes to revive the gooey marshmallow center and soften the icing without drying out the cookie itself.

FAQs

Can I use mini marshmallows instead of cutting large ones in half?

While mini marshmallows work, they won’t create the same large, gooey center effect that the halved large marshmallows deliver. For the best experience of this Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallow Centers Recipe, stick with halved large marshmallows.

Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a good quality gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s suitable for baking, and expect slight texture differences but still delicious results.

Why do I need to chill the dough for 4 hours?

Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to shape and helping the cookies hold their structure during baking. It also enhances flavor by allowing ingredients to meld, which is key for the rich taste of this Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallow Centers Recipe.

Can I prepare the dough ahead and freeze it?

Absolutely! After chilling the dough, you can freeze the scooped cookie balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen; just add a couple extra minutes to baking time.

What’s the best way to avoid marshmallows from burning?

Keep a close eye during the second bake after adding marshmallows and bake only for 2-3 minutes at 325 degrees. This gently softens them without scorching, preserving their sweet, gooey texture integral to this Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallow Centers Recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallow Centers Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorites because it’s comforting, fun, and bursting with chocolatey goodness that feels both classic and exciting. I can’t wait for you to make these for yourself and your loved ones—they’re the perfect cookie to cozy up with and share moments of pure joy. Give them a try and watch how they brighten any day or gathering!

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