Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallows (Soft & Chewy)

Freshly baked hot cocoa cookies with marshmallows rest on a white plate, tempting with their gooey centers and crispy edges.

When the cold weather sets in, nothing beats the cozy comfort of a warm drink and a sweet treat. Imagine capturing the rich, creamy flavor of hot cocoa in a cookie that melts in your mouth, topped with gooey marshmallows. These hot chocolate cookies bring that dream to life with a soft and chewy texture that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you’re looking for new Christmas cookie ideas or a fun baking project with the kids, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.

Why Hot Cocoa Cookies Are a Must-Try

Hot cocoa is a classic winter treat, but turning it into a cookie adds a delightful twist. These cookies combine the deep chocolate flavor of cocoa powder with the sweetness of marshmallows, creating a nostalgic taste that reminds many of childhood. The soft and chewy texture makes them easy to enjoy, especially for little hands and those who prefer tender cookies over crunchy ones.

This recipe is also versatile. You can make a batch for holiday gatherings, pack them in lunchboxes, or enjoy them with a glass of milk on a chilly afternoon. Plus, they are simple enough for beginners but impressive enough to serve at parties.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these soft and chewy hot cocoa cookies, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 cup packed brown sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 ½ cups mini marshmallows

  
  

These ingredients come together to create a rich dough with the perfect balance of sweetness and chocolate flavor. The mini marshmallows add a fun texture and a gooey surprise inside each cookie.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to bake your hot chocolate cookies:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer.

3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.

6. Gently fold in the mini marshmallows, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.

7. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft. The marshmallows will puff up and get golden.

9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

   
   

Tips for Perfect Soft and Chewy Cookies

• Use room temperature butter and eggs for better mixing and texture.

• Don’t overbake. The cookies will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven. Pull them out when the edges are firm but the centers look soft.

• Mini marshmallows work best because they melt evenly without making the dough too wet.

• For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top before baking to balance the sweetness.

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep them soft.

  
  

Variations to Try

If you want to customize your hot chocolate cookies, here are some ideas:

• Add chocolate chips or chunks for extra melty chocolate pockets.

• Mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch.

• Use peppermint extract instead of vanilla for a festive twist.

• Top with a drizzle of melted white chocolate after baking for a pretty finish.

• Swap mini marshmallows for regular-sized ones, but reduce the amount slightly to avoid too much melting.

  
  

Why These Cookies Are Great for Holiday Baking

These hot chocolate cookies fit perfectly into any holiday cookie lineup. Their warm chocolate flavor and marshmallow topping evoke the spirit of winter and cozy nights by the fire. They also offer a fun alternative to traditional sugar cookies or gingerbread.

For parents and caregivers, this recipe is a great way to involve children in baking. The dough is easy to handle, and kids will love seeing the marshmallows puff up in the oven. Plus, the cookies make a wonderful homemade gift when packaged in festive tins or bags.

Final Thoughts on Hot Cocoa Cookies

Soft and chewy hot cocoa cookies with marshmallows bring the magic of hot chocolate into a handheld treat. They are simple to make, delicious to eat, and perfect for sharing during the holiday season or any chilly day. Whether you’re searching for new Christmas cookie ideas or just want a comforting dessert, these cookies deliver on flavor and texture.

Try baking a batch today and enjoy the warm, chocolatey goodness with your loved ones. Don’t forget to save some for yourself!