Name: Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup mini marshmallows

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Picture this: it’s a chilly evening, maybe a little rain pattering against the window, and you’ve just brewed yourself a steaming mug of hot cocoa. Now, imagine capturing that pure comfort and rich chocolatey goodness in a cookie. That’s exactly what my Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies are all about! Seriously, the first time I made these, I felt like I was holding a little piece of winter magic. We devoured them during our annual holiday movie marathon, and they were an instant family favorite. They’re just so delightfully fudgy with that surprise gooey marshmallow center – pure bliss!

Why You’ll Love These Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies

Okay, why should you absolutely make these cookies? Let me count the ways!

They’re ridiculously easy to whip up – even if you’re a beginner baker!
That deep, rich chocolate flavor is just divine, like your favorite hot cocoa.
The contrast between the fudgy cookie and the gooey marshmallow center? Pure magic!
They look and taste so impressive, but nobody needs to know how simple they are.

Gather Your Ingredients for Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies

Alright, let’s get our ducks in a row and gather everything we need for these amazing Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies. Trust me, having everything prepped makes the baking process so much smoother!

First up, we’ve got 1 cup (which is two sticks) of unsalted butter that needs to be nicely softened. You know, the kind that gives a little when you press it, but isn’t melted. Then, we’ll need 1 and a half cups of granulated sugar to get that perfect sweetness. For richness, we’re adding two large eggs and a splash of 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Now for the chocolatey core! Grab 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder – the better the cocoa, the better the cookie, I always say! We’ll also add 1 teaspoon of baking soda to help them spread just right and half a teaspoon of salt to balance all that sweetness. Next, it’s 2 and a quarter cups of all-purpose flour. And the star of the show, of course, is 1 cup of mini marshmallows for that gooey, delightful surprise inside. Make sure your marshmallows are nice and fresh; it seriously makes all the difference for that melty center!

Essential Equipment for Baking Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies

Okay, so to make these dreamy Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies, you won’t need anything too fancy, but having the right tools makes all the difference. You’ll want a nice large mixing bowl for creaming your butter and sugar – the bigger the better so you don’t make a mess!

Definitely grab a couple of baking sheets; I usually use two so I can bake in batches. And don’t forget some parchment paper to line them with. This is my secret weapon for easy cleanup and ensuring no cookies stick! Lastly, a good wire cooling rack is essential for letting these beauties cool down properly so they get that perfect texture.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies

Alright, let’s get down to business and bake these amazing Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies! This is where the magic really happens, and trust me, the smell that fills your kitchen is just heavenly. We’ll break it down into a few easy stages.

Preparing Your Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies Dough

First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (that’s 175 Celsius). While it’s warming up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper – this is a lifesaver, I promise! Now, grab your big mixing bowl. Cream together that softened butter and sugar until it’s nice and fluffy, like pale yellow clouds. Then, beat in your eggs, one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in that vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, just give your cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt a quick whisk so they’re all friends. Now, slowly add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing until they *just* come together. Don’t go crazy mixing here! Then, gently mix in the flour until you have a soft, but not sticky, dough. Measuring your flour correctly is super important here; you can learn how to measure flour properly to make sure you get it just right. Overmixing is the enemy of tender cookies, so just combine until it’s ready.

Shaping and Adding the Marshmallow Surprise

Now for the fun part! Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Give them some space, about two inches apart, because they’ll spread a little. The real surprise is next: gently press a few mini marshmallows right into the center of each dough ball. You want them to nestle in there, ready to melt into gooey goodness. Don’t push too hard, or you’ll break the dough apart!

Baking Your Hot Cocoa Cookies to Perfection

Pop those trays into your preheated oven and let them bake for about 10 to 12 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to be set, but the centers should still look a little soft – that’s the secret to a fudgy cookie! They’ll continue to cook a bit on the hot baking sheet, so don’t overdo it. Let them cool on the sheets for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool down completely. This helps them firm up perfectly without falling apart.

Tips for the Best Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies

Want to make sure your Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies turn out absolutely perfect every single time? I’ve got a few little tricks up my sleeve that really make a difference! First off, don’t skimp on the cocoa powder – use a good quality unsweetened one. It really boosts that deep chocolate flavor we’re going for.

And like I mentioned, don’t overbake these guys! Seriously, pulling them out when the centers still look a little soft is key. They’ll keep cooking on the hot pan. Oh, and if you’re feeling extra chocolatey, toss some chocolate chips into the dough with the flour – yum! Fresh marshmallows are also a must for that ooey-gooey center.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

Sometimes we don’t have exactly what the recipe calls for, or maybe you just like to play around in the kitchen! For these Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies, you can totally make some swaps. If you’re out of regular all-purpose flour, a good gluten-free baking blend usually works well, but always check the package directions. And if you’re not a fan of dairy, you can try using a good quality vegan butter substitute – just make sure it’s solid at room temperature. You can find some great ideas for substitutions over at King Arthur Baking!

Want to jazz things up? Toss in some of your favorite chocolate chips along with the flour! White chocolate chips or even some peanut butter chips would be delicious. You could also add a tiny bit of peppermint extract right along with the vanilla for a festive twist, or even mix in a dash of cinnamon for deeper flavor. For even more intense chocolate, try using dark chocolate cocoa powder if you have it!

Storing and Reheating Your Marshmallow Cookies

Got some of these amazing Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies left over? Lucky you! To keep them fresh and that marshmallow center perfectly gooey, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re usually best within about 3-4 days.

If you want that fresh-from-the-oven gooeyness again, just pop one in the microwave for about 5-10 seconds. Careful, they get hot fast! A quick zap is all you need to bring that melty marshmallow surprise back to life. Trust me, it’s worth it!

Frequently Asked Questions About Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies

Got questions about these delightful Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies? I get it! Baking should be fun, not frustrating, so let’s clear up any little worries you might have about making this easy cookie recipe.

Can I use regular-sized marshmallows instead of mini ones?

You absolutely can! Just be aware that larger marshmallows might melt more intensely and could potentially peek out or ooze more. You might need to cut them into smaller pieces to manage the gooeyness, or just embrace the extra melty surprise! For the best “surprise” effect, mini ones tend to hide a bit better.

How do I stop the marshmallows from burning?

Great question! Since marshmallows toast pretty quickly, the key is not to overbake the cookies. Pull them out when the edges are set and the centers are still soft. The residual heat from the cookie will finish melting the marshmallow perfectly without letting it turn into a burnt mess. Don’t leave them in longer than the suggested time, even if the center looks really soft!

Can I make the cookie dough for these holiday cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can! You can make the dough up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before trying to scoop and shape it, as it will be quite firm when cold. This makes them perfect for prepping ahead of time, especially if you’re planning a holiday baking marathon!

My marshmallows spread out too much. What did I do wrong?

Don’t worry, it happens! Sometimes, if the dough is too warm, the marshmallows can start melting before baking, causing them to spread. Make sure your dough is chilled enough, and don’t press the marshmallows *too* deep, just enough to nestle them in. They’ll do their melty thing in the oven!

Estimated Nutritional Information

Just a heads-up, these numbers are estimates, and they can change a bit depending on the exact ingredients and brands you use! But for one delicious Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa cookie, you’re looking at roughly:

Calories: 200
Fat: 10g
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Sugar: 25g

So go ahead and enjoy a couple!