Marshmallow Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies
Marshmallow Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies are a delightful treat that will surely warm your heart and tickle your taste buds. The comforting aroma of freshly baked cookies fills your kitchen as these delightful morsels transform from mere dough to scrumptiously soft and chewy delights. Packed with chocolate chips and gooey mini marshmallows, each bite evokes the nostalgic feelings of sipping hot cocoa on cold winter days. This recipe is not only easy to make but is also a fantastic way to bring the family together in the kitchen. Perfect for cozy gatherings or just a sweet snack, these cookies await to bring joy to your taste buds step-by-step.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this Marshmallow Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies recipe because it combines simple ingredients with easy preparation, making it a breeze to whip up for any occasion. Without needing any complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients, anyone can enjoy the decadence of these cookies. They are a crowd-pleaser, perfect for holiday parties or cozy family nights. Plus, with just one bowl, clean-up is minimal, leaving you more time to indulge in the deliciousness! This recipe sings comfort and warmth, wrapping you in a reminiscent hug of childhood favorites.
Ingredients
Creating these marshmallow-infused treats starts with a few pantry staples that are easy to gather:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Creamy and rich, the base for our cookie texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: This adds sweetness and a delightful crunch.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: For that deep, caramel-like flavor, enhancing the cookie’s chewiness.
- 2 large eggs: The binding agents that bring everything together.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Aromatic and sweet, this elevates the flavor profile.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the cookies structure and softness.
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder: All the chocolatey goodness to satisfy your sweet tooth.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Provides the lift and perfect texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor.
- 1 cup chocolate chips: Melted morsels of chocolate that will create delightful bursts in each cookie.
- 1 cup mini marshmallows: These little puffs offer gooey surprises in every bite.
- 1/2 cup melted chocolate (for drizzling): A finishing touch that elevates the appearance and flavor.
Step-by-Step Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This process typically takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer, allowing air to incorporate for a dreamy texture.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well combined before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract for that unmistakable comforting aroma.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined—don’t overwork the dough!
Fold in the chocolate chips and marshmallows using a spatula, making sure they are evenly distributed for delightful gooiness in every cookie.
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart. Remember, they will spread a little as they bake.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. The aroma will be irresistible, so keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking.
Once out of the oven, drizzle the melted chocolate over the warm cookies and allow it to set slightly.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling period helps them firm up for that perfect chewy texture. Enjoy your cozy treat!
Tips & Tricks
- For a more intense chocolate flavor, consider using dark chocolate chips in place of semi-sweet chips.
- If you want a fun twist, experiment by adding nuts or crushed peppermint candies to the dough for a seasonal variation.
- Ensure your butter is softened at room temperature to achieve the best creaming effect for fluffy cookies.
- For a slightly crispy edge, bake them a minute or two longer, but be careful not to lose the gooey inside.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These Marshmallow Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies are delightful all on their own, but they truly shine when paired with a comforting glass of hot cocoa or a warm cup of tea. Perfect for holiday gatherings, birthday parties, or cozy movie nights, these cookies can also be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an elevated dessert experience. Stack them in a jar as a charming gift for friends or family and watch their faces light up with delight!
Nutritional Information
One cookie typically contains around 150 calories, with 7g of fat, 20g of carbohydrates, and 1g of protein. Though they are a sweet treat, moderation is key. Enjoy them as part of a balanced diet, and remember that homemade cookies can be a wonderful source of joy when shared with loved ones.
Storing Tips & Variations
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’d like to make them ahead of time, this dough can be frozen for up to three months. Simply scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, bake them straight from the freezer — just add an extra minute or two to the baking time. For fun variations, consider substituting the mini marshmallows with peanut butter chips or adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top before serving to enhance the flavor experience.
Conclusion
Marshmallow Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies are a delightful and comforting treat for any occasion. Heartwarming and easy to make, they’re perfect for whipping up with family and friends. We encourage you to try this wonderful recipe and share your experience! Don’t forget to tell us how your cookies turned out — we can’t wait to hear about your baking adventures!
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
- Yes, margarine can be used as a substitute, but it may affect the texture slightly. Unsalted butter is preferred for flavor and consistency.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
- You can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it includes xantham gum to help with structure.
What can I add if I don’t have mini marshmallows?
- Chopped dried fruits, like cherries or raisins, can add both sweetness and texture. Alternatively, substitute with larger marshmallows cut into smaller pieces.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
- Absolutely! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to let it thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
Why are my cookies flat?
- Flat cookies can result from too much melted butter, the dough being too warm when it goes in the oven, or not enough flour. Be sure to measure accurately and chill the dough if needed!
Marshmallow Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful cookies filled with chocolate chips and gooey mini marshmallows, evoking nostalgic feelings of hot cocoa on cold winter days.
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
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup melted chocolate (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and marshmallows.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
- Drizzle the melted chocolate over the warm cookies and allow it to set slightly.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Notes
For an intense chocolate flavor, consider dark chocolate chips; you can add nuts or crushed peppermint for a twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
