Marshmallow Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies
Marshmallow Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies are a delightful treat that brings forth the warmth and comfort of a cozy winter evening. With each bite, you’ll experience a gooey, sweet surprise tucked inside a chocolatey cookie that’s perfectly soft and chewy. This easy-to-make recipe is a fantastic way to bring the family together in the kitchen, creating not just cookies, but treasured memories that will last a lifetime. Whether they’re for holiday gatherings or a simple after-school snack, these cookies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser and quickly make their way into your regular baking rotation. Let’s dive into this sweet, step-by-step adventure!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What makes Marshmallow Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies so special? For starters, they’re incredibly easy to prepare! With simple, accessible ingredients, even novice bakers can whip up a batch in no time. They require minimal prep and just 10 to 12 minutes in the oven, making them the perfect option for spontaneous baking sessions. Plus, who doesn’t love the combination of melty marshmallows and rich chocolate? These cookies are not just dessert; they’re an experience that captures the essence of warmth and nostalgia.
Ingredients
For this irresistible cookie recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: This creamy base adds richness and helps create that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness that balances the deep flavors of cocoa.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Contributes moisture and a hint of caramel flavor to the cookies.
- 2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients together for a perfect cookie structure.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses a wonderful aromatic quality that enhances the overall flavor.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for creating a sturdy, yet tender cookie.
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Offers a rich chocolatey taste that’s hard to resist.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise, ensuring they are light and airy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- 1 cup marshmallows, chopped: Provides that delightful surprise with a gooey, soft texture.
- 1 cup chocolate chips: Elevates the chocolate flavor and adds delightful little pockets of melted goodness.
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cookie releases and minimal cleanup.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined. Use a hand mixer or a stand mixer on medium speed to achieve a creamy, fluffy mixture that’s pale in color.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, and then stir in the vanilla extract. This will create a rich and silky base for your cookies.
4. In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture until well combined, ensuring there are no dry spots.
5. Fold in the chopped marshmallows and chocolate chips. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently incorporate these delightful additions, giving each cookie a generous amount of chocolatey goodness and surprise.
6. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space them about two inches apart, as they will spread while baking.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the cookies are set but still soft in the center. The edges should be firm, while the center remains slightly gooey.
8. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps them to firm up a bit more while retaining their soft center. Enjoy your delicious cookies!
Tips & Tricks
- Chill the dough: For even thicker cookies, consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent excessive spreading.
- Use mini marshmallows: If you prefer smaller bites of gooey marshmallow goodness, mini marshmallows work equally well in the recipe.
- Experiment with different chocolate: Try using white chocolate or dark chocolate chips for a flavor variety.
- Add nuts: For an extra crunch, consider folding in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a wonderful texture contrast.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These marshmallow-filled cookies shine on their own, but why not elevate your dessert experience? Serve them warm with a glass of cold milk or a rich cup of hot chocolate for the ultimate indulgence. They’re also great alongside vanilla ice cream, creating an irresistible sundae. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy movie nights, or as a festive gift for friends and family, these cookies are a versatile treat for any occasion.
Nutritional Information
Each Marshmallow Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookie contains approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the size. They are a delightful indulgence, so it’s advisable to enjoy them in moderation. They provide a good source of energy and can be part of a balanced diet when paired with healthy meals throughout the day.
Storing Tips & Variations
How to store: Place cooled cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness. They can last for about one week at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate them, where they can last up to two weeks.
Freezing: To enjoy these cookies later, freeze the unbaked dough in rounded spoonfuls. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and add an extra minute to the bake time.
Variations: Get creative with your ingredients! For a peppermint twist, add crushed candy canes into the mix. If you’re a fan of nutty flavors, try adding almond or peanut butter to the base for a little extra richness.
Conclusion
There’s something ultra-comforting about baking a batch of Marshmallow Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies. The rich chocolate flavor paired with gooey marshmallows creates a delightful experience that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also warms your heart. We encourage you to try this fantastic recipe and share your cookie creations with friends and family. Happy baking!
FAQs
1. Can I use gluten-free flour in this recipe?
Yes, gluten-free flour can be used as a substitute! However, the texture and taste may vary slightly.
2. What can I substitute for eggs if I’m vegan?
You can use flax eggs or applesauce as substitutes. One flax egg is made of 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water.
3. How can I make these cookies less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar by up to 1/4 cup. Additionally, using dark cocoa powder provides a slightly less sweet flavor.
4. How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
The edges should look set, and the centers will look slightly underdone. They’ll continue to cook as they cool.
5. Can I mix-in additional flavors or ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or include dried fruits for variation.
Marshmallow Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These delightful cookies bring warmth and comfort with a gooey marshmallow surprise inside a soft, chewy chocolate cookie.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup marshmallows, chopped
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture until combined.
- Fold in chopped marshmallows and chocolate chips.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them two inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until set but still soft in the center.
- Cool on baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. Mini marshmallows can be used for smaller bites.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 175
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
