Bake Delicious Marshmallow Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies Today!

Baking up a batch of Marshmallow Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies is the ultimate way to embrace the cozy, comforting flavors of the holiday season. These decadent treats combine a fudgy, cocoa-rich cookie base with a gooey marshmallow center and a drizzle of silky smooth chocolate on top. It’s a triple threat of texture and taste that’s sure to delight both kids and adults alike.

Imagine sinking your teeth into the soft, chewy cookie, only to be met with a burst of molten marshmallow goodness. The rich chocolate notes from the cocoa powder and hot cocoa mix perfectly complement the sweet, fluffy marshmallow, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. These cookies are the perfect accompaniment to a steaming mug of hot chocolate, making them the ultimate indulgence for cozy winter afternoons or festive holiday gatherings.

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Ingredients for Marshmallow Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies

To create these irresistible Marshmallow Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies, you’ll need a carefully curated list of ingredients that work together to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Cookies:

• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 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 milk (any kind)

Topping:

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

The combination of softened butter, granulated and brown sugars, and a single egg creates the perfect chewy, fudgy cookie base. The addition of cocoa powder and hot cocoa mix infuses the dough with deep chocolate flavor, while the baking soda provides just the right amount of lift. A touch of milk helps bring the dough together into a thick, scoopable consistency.

For the topping, the marshmallow halves add a gooey, molten center to each cookie, while the melted semi-sweet chocolate drizzle takes these treats to the next level of indulgence.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Marshmallow Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies

Crafting these delightful Marshmallow Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. Follow these easy steps to bring these sweet sensations to life:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and both sugars together until light, fluffy, and well-combined, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and beat until fully incorporated.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, hot cocoa mix, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. The dough will be thick.
6. Beat in the milk until the dough comes together. It will be thick and sticky.
7. Chill the dough for at least 2 hours, or up to 3 days. This crucial step helps prevent excessive spreading during baking.
8. Once chilled, scoop and roll the dough into balls, about 1 tablespoon each, placing them on the prepared baking sheets with 2-3 inches of space between them.
9. Bake the cookies for 10 minutes, then remove them from the oven and press the marshmallow halves, cut-side down, onto each cookie.
10. Return the cookies to the oven and bake for 2 more minutes. Gently press down on the marshmallows with a spoon to flatten them slightly.
11. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks.
12. While the cookies are cooling, melt the chopped semi-sweet chocolate using a microwave or double boiler. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the marshmallow tops.
13. Let the chocolate set at room temperature before serving or storing the cookies.

Tips for Perfect Marshmallow Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies

To ensure your Marshmallow Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies turn out absolutely divine, keep these helpful tips in mind:

• Chilling the Dough is Key: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 2 hours (or up to 3 days) is essential for achieving the perfect thick, chewy texture. The chilling process helps solidify the butter, preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
• Use the Right Baking Chocolate: For the smoothest, most elegant chocolate drizzle, opt for high-quality semi-sweet baking chocolate. Avoid using chocolate chips, as they may not melt as smoothly.
• Watch the Baking Time: Be sure not to overbake the cookies, as this can lead to a dry, crumbly texture. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven as soon as the marshmallows start to puff up and the edges are just set.
• Get Creative with Toppings: While the classic marshmallow and chocolate drizzle combination is divine, don’t be afraid to experiment with other festive toppings, such as crushed peppermint candies, chopped nuts, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Serving and Storing Marshmallow Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies

These Marshmallow Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies are the perfect treat for all your holiday gatherings and cozy winter moments. Serve them alongside a steaming mug of hot chocolate for the ultimate indulgence, or package them up in festive tins or bags for thoughtful homemade gifts.

To store the cookies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you’d like to enjoy them for longer, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, simply thaw the cookies at room temperature and reheat them briefly in the oven or microwave to revive the gooey marshmallow center.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Hot Cocoa Brownies
• S’mores Cookies
• Fudge Brownies with Marshmallow Topping
• Chocolate Chip and Cocoa Cookies

FAQs about Marshmallow Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies

How do I prevent my Marshmallow Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies from spreading too much during baking?

To prevent your cookies from spreading excessively while baking, ensure that your dough is properly chilled before placing it in the oven. Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes allows the fats in the butter to solidify, which helps maintain the shape of the cookies as they bake. Additionally, make sure that you are using the correct measurements of flour and cocoa powder, as too little can lead to a runny dough. If you find that your dough is too sticky, you can add a little extra flour to achieve the right consistency.

Can I use a different type of cocoa powder in this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of cocoa powder in your Marshmallow Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies. While natural unsweetened cocoa powder is recommended for its flavor and acidity balance with the baking soda, you can also opt for Dutch-processed cocoa powder. However, keep in mind that Dutch-processed cocoa is less acidic and may slightly alter the texture and flavor of the cookies. If using Dutch cocoa, consider omitting the baking soda and replacing it with baking powder to maintain the proper leavening.

What should I do if my cookies turn out too dry?

If your Marshmallow Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies turn out too dry, there are a few adjustments you can make for next time. First, ensure that you’re accurately measuring your flour and not packing it into the measuring cup, as this can lead to using too much flour. Also, be mindful of your baking time; overbaking can dry out cookies quickly. If your cookies are already baked and dry, you can try storing them in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The moisture from the bread can help soften them slightly over time.

Can I add other mix-ins to the cookie dough?

Absolutely! You can customize your Marshmallow Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies by adding various mix-ins to the dough. Consider incorporating chocolate chips, crushed peppermint candies, or nuts such as walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor. Just keep in mind that adding too many mix-ins can alter the dough’s consistency, so it’s best to limit additional ingredients to about 1/2 to 1 cup total. This will help maintain the cookie’s intended texture while still enhancing the flavor profile.

Conclusion

Marshmallow Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies are the ultimate holiday indulgence, blending rich chocolate, gooey marshmallow, and a silky chocolate drizzle for a truly decadent treat. With the right techniques and a few simple tips, you can easily whip up a batch of these cozy, comforting cookies to share with your loved ones. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a new holiday favorite that’s sure to delight all who try them.

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