Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies

⏱️ Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 18 cookies

📝 Ingredients List

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 18 large marshmallows, halved

✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

• Large mixing bowl
• Electric hand mixer
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Silicone spatula
• Wire cooling rack

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Cream the Base: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
3. Add Liquids: Mix in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix on low speed until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips with a spatula. 🍫
5. Scoop and Bake: Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8 minutes.
6. Add Marshmallows: Remove from the oven, press a marshmallow half onto the center of each cookie, and return to the oven for 2 minutes until the marshmallow is soft and slightly toasted.
7. Cool: Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy while warm! 😊

💡 Pro Tips Section

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freshness: If the marshmallows get too firm, pop a cookie in the microwave for 5-10 seconds to restore that gooey texture.
• Substitutions: You can swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips to create a ‘frosted’ look.

Variations

• Peppermint Twist: Add 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough for a holiday-inspired flavor.
• Nutty Crunch: Top the marshmallows with crushed toasted hazelnuts for added texture.

FAQ

Can I freeze these cookies? Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking for up to one month. Bake straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time.

Do I need to grease the pan? Using parchment paper is highly recommended as the marshmallow can become quite sticky if it touches the pan directly.