Chocolate Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallow Bits Recipe

Picture this: the rich, nostalgic scent of chocolate swirling through your kitchen, mingling delightfully with a hint of sweet marshmallow. As you pull these warm Chocolate Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallow Bits from the oven, your eyes catch the glossy, melted chocolate chips and tiny pockets of gooey marshmallow gleaming on top. These cookies aren’t just deliciously indulgent—they’re a heartwarming hug on a chilly day, easy enough to whip up anytime, yet impressive enough to delight every friend or family member who takes a bite.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallow Bits Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just about 35 minutes from start to finish, these cookies fit perfectly into any baking day, no complicated steps or long waits.
• Simple Ingredients: You’ll find most of these ingredients in your pantry already, making this recipe fuss-free and budget-friendly.
• Perfect for Weeknights: Whether you’re craving a sweet treat after dinner or want to surprise the kids, these cookies bake fast and satisfy big chocolate cravings.
• Impressive Presentation: The shiny, melty chocolate chips paired with bubbly marshmallow bits create irresistibly pretty cookies that look as good as they taste.
• Customizable: Easy to tweak—add nuts, swap chocolate types, or toss in your favorite mix-ins for a personal twist everyone will adore.

Why This Chocolate Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallow Bits Recipe Works

This recipe strikes the perfect balance between classic cookie texture and decadent flavor highlights—from the cocoa powder’s deep richness to the chocolate hot cocoa mix’s cozy warmth. Using softened butter beaten with sugars helps achieve that dream fluffy yet chewy bite. The addition of marshmallow bits combined with semi-sweet chocolate chips introduces a delightful melty-chewy contrast that makes each bite an exciting experience. Plus, the method ensures the cookies stay soft at the center while edges caramelize just right, giving you that ideal cookie you’ll want to reach for again and again.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of common pantry staples and a couple of special touches, these ingredients come together effortlessly to create a rich, chocolatey experience packed with gooey marshmallow bits.

• Butter (1/2 cup, softened): Adds creaminess and richness while helping create a luxuriously tender cookie.
• Sugar (1/4 cup) and Brown Sugar (1/4 cup): The blend balances sweetness with deep caramel undertones for a perfect depth of flavor.
• Egg (1): Binds everything together and keeps the texture soft.
• Milk (2 tablespoons): Ensures moisture for tender, chewy centers.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Lifts the chocolate flavors with a warm, sweet fragrance.
• Flour (1 1/8 cups): The base structure that keeps your cookies holding their perfect shape.
• Powdered Hot Cocoa Mix (1/3 cup): Infuses that nostalgic hot cocoa essence, elevating the chocolate profile uniquely.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (1/3 cup): Delivers intense chocolate flavor and beautiful dark color.
• Baking Soda (1/2 teaspoon): Leavens gently for soft, airy cookies.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the chocolatey goodness.
• Marshmallow Bits (1/2 cup): Tiny sweet pockets of gooey marshmallow that surprise your bite.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1/2 cup): Melts into luscious pools of chocolate with each warm cookie.

Ingredient Substitutions & Tips

• Butter: Can be swapped for margarine or coconut oil (same amount), though butter will give the richest flavor.
• Milk: Any type of milk works—whole, skim, or even a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk for dairy-free options.
• Powdered Hot Cocoa Mix: If unavailable, use an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder plus a bit of powdered sugar to mimic sweetness.
• Marshmallow Bits: Substitute with mini marshmallows chopped into small pieces if marshmallow bits aren’t on hand.

How to Make Chocolate Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallow Bits Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350℉ and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This non-stick surface ensures the cookies spread evenly and come off cleanly without sticking or burning.

💡 Pro Tip: Use heavy-duty parchment paper for best results and easy cleanup.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In your stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat together the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar. Start on low to combine, then increase to high speed until light, fluffy, and pale—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. This creaming defines the texture of your cookie, giving it that tender crumb.

💡 Pro Tip: Scrape down the bowl once halfway through to ensure all butter and sugars incorporate evenly.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in the egg, milk, and vanilla extract until combined fully, stopping once the batter appears smooth. These ingredients bring moisture and amplify the cookie’s softness and flavor.

💡 Pro Tip: For richer cookies, use an egg at room temperature.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, powdered hot cocoa mix, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Slowly add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing develops gluten, causing tough cookies; so stop once flour disappears.

💡 Pro Tip: Sift the cocoa powders and flour together for a lighter, fluffier dough.

Step 5: Fold in Marshmallow Bits and Chocolate Chips

Stir in the marshmallow bits and semi-sweet chocolate chips by hand for an even spread throughout the dough. These add the signature pockets of sweetness and melty texture that make these cookies truly special.

💡 Pro Tip: Reserve some chips and marshmallows for pressing on top of the cookies before baking for a gorgeous finish.

Step 6: Chill the Dough (Optional)

You can cover the dough and refrigerate it for up to 36 hours. This rest allows flavors to meld and can improve the dough’s handling and final cookie texture, yielding fudgier bites.

💡 Pro Tip: Chilled dough also helps control spreading during baking.

Step 7: Scoop Onto Baking Sheets

Use a cookie scoop to portion even dollops of dough onto the prepared sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.

💡 Pro Tip: Press a couple of extra marshmallow bits and chocolate chips on the top of each cookie right before baking for that irresistible gooey look.

Step 8: Bake to Soft Perfection

Bake each sheet for 8-10 minutes. The cookies should look set around the edges but remain very soft in the center; this ensures they will stay chewy after cooling.

💡 Pro Tip: Bake one sheet at a time for consistent oven heat and perfect results.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet. The residual heat will continue baking the centers gently to the perfect consistency. Then, savor that warm, chocolatey goodness!

💡 Pro Tip: Resist the urge to move cookies too soon—they are fragile when hot.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from these common pitfalls:

• Using cold butter: Cold butter won’t cream properly, resulting in dense cookies.
• Overmixing dough: Leads to tough cookies by developing too much gluten.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour causes dry, crumbly cookies—measure by spooning flour into the cup and leveling off.
• Skipping parchment paper: Can cause sticking or uneven baking if cookies contact metal directly.
• Overbaking: Cookies will continue cooking on the hot pan after removal; taking them out when centers look soft keeps them chewy.
• Not spacing cookies enough: Cookies spread during baking and can merge into one large cookie if placed too closely.

Delicious Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic version of this Chocolate Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallow Bits Recipe, feel free to experiment to keep things exciting in your baking adventures.

Double Chocolate Chunk

Swap semi-sweet chips for chopped dark and white chocolate chunks for complex layers of sweetness and texture.

Nutty Delight

Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch that pairs beautifully with the gooey marshmallows.

Spiced Cocoa

Mix a teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne pepper into the dry ingredients to add warmth and a gentle spicy kick.

Mint Chocolate

Fold in 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract and substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with mint-flavored chocolate chips for a festive twist.

Coconut Marshmallow

Stir in 1/3 cup shredded sweetened coconut along with the marshmallow bits for a tropical flair that complements the cocoa notes.

How to Serve Chocolate Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallow Bits Recipe

Garnishes

Dust the cooled cookies lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for a decadent finish. Adding a few toasted marshmallow bits on top creates visual appeal and extra flavor.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies alongside a tall glass of cold milk or a steaming cup of hot cocoa for an indulgent treat. They also pair wonderfully with warm vanilla ice cream or fresh berries for a dessert plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange cookies on a festive platter with sprigs of mint or pine for holiday gatherings. Use cookie jars or gift boxes lined with colorful parchment paper as charming homemade gifts. Stack several cookies between parchment circles to make homemade cookie sandwiches filled with marshmallow cream or chocolate ganache.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Layer with parchment paper between to keep marshmallow bits from sticking.

Freezing

Freeze unbaked dough scoops on a tray until firm, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to bake time.

Reheating

Warm leftover cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 300℉ oven for about 5 minutes to revive that fresh-baked softness and melty chocolate.

FAQs

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of hot cocoa mix?

Yes, you can substitute hot cocoa mix with extra cocoa powder and some powdered sugar to maintain sweetness. The hot cocoa mix adds a richer, sweeter flavor, but adjustments can be made.

Are marshmallow bits the same as mini marshmallows?

Marshmallow bits are small, freeze-dried marshmallows that hold their shape better in baking. Mini marshmallows can also be used but may melt and blend more during baking.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

To make a vegan version, replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine, use a flax or chia egg substitute, and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

This usually happens if the dough is too warm or too much butter is used. Chilling the dough before baking helps control spreading and maintain shape.

Can I add nuts to this recipe?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds pair wonderfully, just fold them in with the chocolate chips and marshmallow bits.

Should I bake both cookie sheets at the same time?

For best results, bake one sheet at a time to ensure even heat distribution and consistent baking across all cookies.

How do I store cookie dough in the refrigerator?

Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container for up to 36 hours. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping.

What’s the best way to reheat cookies without drying them out?

A quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave or a few minutes in a low oven helps warm cookies while keeping them soft and gooey.

Final Thoughts

Baking these Chocolate Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallow Bits Recipe feels like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket of chocolate and sweetness. The delightful combination of melted chocolate and soft marshmallow pockets makes every bite a little celebration, perfect for sharing or savoring solo on a rainy afternoon. It’s comfort food at its finest, simple yet impressively delicious.

Have you tried this Chocolate Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallow Bits Recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below. If you loved this recipe, please share it with friends and family. Happy cooking! 🍪❤️

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