I’m convinced there’s nothing quite like biting into a hot chocolate cookie with marshmallows melting right at the center. You know that moment when the chocolate is still warm, the edges are crisp, and the middle is perfectly gooey? That’s what we’re after here. These cookies transform everyone’s favorite winter drink into a handheld treat that’s somehow both nostalgic and indulgent. Want to know my secret for getting that perfect pocket of marshmallow without it disappearing during baking?
Why You’ll Love these Gooey Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies
Who doesn’t crave that perfect combination of chocolate and marshmallow in cookie form? I’m telling you, these cookies are everything a chocolate lover dreams about. Rich cocoa flavor, melty chocolate chips, and those pockets of gooey marshmallow that stretch when you pull them apart? Heaven.
They’re surprisingly simple to make, even with that clever trick of hiding marshmallows inside the dough. The contrast between the slightly crisp exterior and that molten center creates pure magic in every bite. Perfect for cold evenings, holiday gatherings, or just Tuesday nights when chocolate calls your name.
What Ingredients are in Gooey Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies?
To create these dreamy, chocolatey cookies with stretchy marshmallow centers, you’ll need just a handful of pantry staples and a few special ingredients.
- 1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup chocolate chips
- Mini marshmallows (approximately 5 per cookie)
The quality of your cocoa powder will greatly impact the flavor, so if you can spring for Dutch-processed cocoa, your cookies will have that deep, rich hot chocolate flavor we’re all looking for in this cozy treat.
How to Make these Gooey Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies
These cookies come together with a wonderfully simple process that yields incredibly decadent results. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining your baking sheet with parchment paper—trust me, you’ll thank yourself later when those marshmallows start melting. In a large bowl, cream together 1 stick (8 tablespoons) of room temperature unsalted butter with ½ cup brown sugar and ½ cup white sugar until light and fluffy. The room temperature butter is essential here; cold butter just won’t blend properly, and we want that perfect creamy base. Beat in 1 egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until the mixture looks smooth and silky.
Now for the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, sift together 1 cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup cocoa powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Sifting might seem fussy, but it prevents those annoying cocoa lumps that can plague chocolate cookies. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing just until combined—overmixing is the enemy of tender cookies. For effortless mixing with perfect consistency, a stand mixer is the versatile kitchen companion that makes this process nearly effortless. Fold in ¾ cup chocolate chips, which will create pockets of melty chocolate throughout.
For the magic touch, scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough, flatten it slightly in your palm, place about 5 mini marshmallows in the center, then wrap the dough around them, completely encasing those little pillows of sweetness. Before baking, don’t skip the indispensable step of chilling the dough balls for 15-20 minutes. This prevents excessive spreading and helps maintain that perfect cookie shape with the marshmallow surprise inside. Bake for 8-10 minutes—they might look slightly underdone, but that’s exactly what we want for that fudgy texture.
Want to take them over the top? Try adding a few extra marshmallows on top of each cookie before baking for that visual marshmallow appeal. The cookies will have crisp edges with soft, gooey centers that stretch when pulled apart, creating that irresistible hot chocolate experience in cookie form.
What to Serve with Gooey Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies
The perfect companions for these decadent cookies will elevate your dessert experience from merely delicious to absolutely unforgettable. I always pair them with a tall glass of cold milk—the cool creaminess cuts through the rich chocolate flavor beautifully.
Want something warmer? A mug of vanilla-infused coffee or actual hot chocolate (meta, right?) creates the coziest combination imaginable.
For dinner parties, try serving these cookies alongside vanilla bean ice cream or a small dish of fresh berries. The tartness of raspberries or strawberries balances the sweetness of the marshmallow centers. Trust me, your guests will be asking for seconds.
Leftovers and Storage for these Gooey Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies
Now that we’ve covered all those tasty pairing options, let’s talk about what happens when you’ve somehow managed not to devour every last cookie in one sitting. These marshmallow-stuffed treats stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, though they’re at their gooey best on day one.
Want to extend their life? Pop them in the fridge for up to a week. Just warm them for 10 seconds in the microwave before enjoying.
Can you freeze them? Absolutely. They’ll keep for a month, but might lose a bit of that marshmallow magic when thawed.
Gooey Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies Substitutions and Variations
Looking for ways to customize these chocolatey treats? I’ve got plenty of options to make these cookies your own. Swap white chocolate chips for a sweeter twist, or try dark chocolate for intense flavor. Can’t have dairy? Use coconut oil instead of butter and dairy-free chocolate chips.
The marshmallow magic doesn’t have to stop with minis. Try chopped regular marshmallows or even flavored ones—peppermint marshmallows during the holidays are divine. For a nutty crunch, fold in chopped walnuts or pecans.
Feeling fancy? Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top right after baking for that perfect sweet-salty balance.
Final Thoughts
With all these variations in mind, let’s get real about these hot chocolate marshmallow cookies. They’re simply divine—crisp edges, fudgy centers, and those melty marshmallow pockets that create the perfect gooey surprise.
I love how versatile this recipe is. Can’t find mini marshmallows? No problem. Need a gluten-free option? Got you covered.
What makes these cookies special isn’t just the ingredients but the experience they create. Picture yourself, cozy blanket, favorite mug, and these warm cookies fresh from the oven. Perfection, right?
For an extra special presentation, you could even apply the painted buttercream technique to decorate cookie sandwiches with a seasonal or festive design.
Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become your go-to chocolate craving fix.
