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Marshmallow Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 94 reviews

These Marshmallow Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies combine the rich flavors of cocoa and hot chocolate with gooey marshmallows and a smooth semi-sweet chocolate topping. The soft, thick cookies are chilled before baking for the perfect texture, resulting in a delightful treat that captures the cozy essence of hot cocoa in cookie form. Ideal for gifting or enjoying as a comforting homemade dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • 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
  • 2 teaspoons (10ml) milk (any kind, dairy or nondairy)

Dry Ingredients

  • 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

Add-ins and 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 egg and vanilla extract to the mixture, then beat on high speed until combined. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed to ensure all ingredients are incorporated.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, dry hot cocoa mix, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients bowl. Beat on low until just combined, resulting in a thick cookie dough. Then, beat in the milk. The dough will be thick and sticky at this point.
  5. Chill Dough: Cover the cookie dough tightly and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, up to 3 days. Chilling is essential for managing the sticky dough and achieving the proper cookie texture.
  6. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and set aside.
  7. Scoop and Shape Cookies: Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator. Using a tablespoon measure (about 25-26g), scoop and roll the dough into balls. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheets spaced 2–3 inches apart.
  8. Initial Bake: Bake the cookies for 10 minutes in the preheated oven.
  9. Add Marshmallows and Continue Baking: Remove the cookies from the oven. Lightly press a half marshmallow into the top of each cookie. Return the tray to the oven and bake for an additional 2 minutes.
  10. Flatten Marshmallows: Take the cookies out again and, using the back of a spoon, gently press down on each marshmallow to flatten slightly.
  11. Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  12. Melt Chocolate: Melt the chopped semi-sweet chocolate using a double boiler or microwave. If using a microwave, heat in 20-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and fully melted.
  13. Top Cookies: Spoon the melted chocolate over each cooled marshmallow-topped cookie evenly. Allow chocolate to set at room temperature for 30–60 minutes.
  14. Store: Once the chocolate has set, stack, store, or gift the cookies. Keep leftovers tightly covered at room temperature for up to one week.

Notes

  • Chilling the dough is crucial to manage its stickiness and to improve the texture of the cookies.
  • Use quality cocoa powder and hot cocoa mix for the best flavor depth.
  • If you prefer non-dairy options, any plant-based milk can be used.
  • Melting the chocolate gently is key to avoid burning; stir frequently when microwaving.
  • These cookies are best stored at room temperature and can be enjoyed for up to one week.
  • Be careful not to overbake the cookies to keep them soft and chewy.

Keywords: marshmallow cookies, hot cocoa cookies, chocolate cookies, winter dessert, holiday cookies, marshmallow chocolate cookies

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