Oh, the joy of baking cookies! There’s just something magical about that warm, sweet scent wafting through the house, isn’t there? It instantly brings back memories of cozy winter gatherings where my family and I would huddle around the oven, eagerly waiting for our treats to bake. Now, let me tell you about these marshmallow surprise hot cocoa cookies – they are pure bliss! Imagine biting into a soft, chocolatey cookie only to discover a gooey marshmallow surprise hiding inside. It’s like a warm hug on a chilly day! Trust me, these cookies will become your go-to for holiday treats or anytime you crave something sweet and comforting. So, grab your apron, and let’s get baking!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delightful marshmallow surprise hot cocoa cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup chocolate chips (feel free to mix it up with dark, milk, or even white chocolate!)
Make sure your butter is softened – it really makes a difference in the texture of the cookies. You want that creamy, smooth consistency when you cream the butter and sugars together. And when it comes to the marshmallows, mini ones are the perfect size for that surprise center, but if you’ve got some regular ones, you can chop them up too! Happy baking!
How to Prepare Marshmallow Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first! You’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because a properly heated oven ensures even baking, which is key to those delicious, gooey centers we’re after!
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature, with 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup packed brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or a stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. You want it to look almost like thick frosting – trust me, this step is where the magic begins!
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next up, add in 2 large eggs and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is combined and smooth. The aroma of vanilla will already start to fill your kitchen, and it’s such a lovely prelude to what’s to come!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Whisk these together until they’re well mixed. This ensures that the baking soda is evenly distributed, which helps your cookies rise beautifully!
Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture. I like to do this in batches, mixing gently until just combined. You don’t want to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. Keep it light and fluffy!
Step 6: Fold in Marshmallows and Chocolate Chips
Here comes the fun part! Gently fold in 1 cup mini marshmallows and 1 cup chocolate chips into the dough. This is where the magic happens – those little marshmallows will create the surprise in every bite! Just be careful not to squish them too much.
Step 7: Shape and Bake
Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Space them about 2 inches apart, because they will spread a little while baking. Pop them in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers still look a tad soft. Don’t worry, they’ll firm up as they cool!
Step 8: Cool Before Serving
Once they’re done, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling time is crucial – it helps the marshmallows settle just right. Once they’re completely cool, store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh and chewy. Enjoy your delightful creations!
Tips for Success
To really nail these marshmallow surprise hot cocoa cookies, here are some of my favorite tips:
- Watch the Baking Time: Since every oven is a little different, start checking your cookies at the 10-minute mark. They’re done when the edges are just set and the centers look slightly underbaked – that’s how you get that gooey marshmallow surprise!
- Chill Your Dough: If you have time, chill the cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps to prevent spreading and gives you thicker cookies, which is always a win!
- Experiment with Chocolates: Feel free to mix things up with different types of chocolate chips! I love using dark chocolate for a rich flavor, but white chocolate adds a lovely sweetness too. Get creative!
- Keep Them Chewy: For chewier cookies, slightly underbake them and let them cool on the baking sheet for longer. They’ll continue to cook a bit as they cool, making them perfectly soft and chewy!
- Don’t Skip the Salt: Even though it’s just a little bit, the salt balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor. It’s a small but mighty ingredient!
With these tips, you’ll be on your way to cookie perfection! Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick glance at the nutritional values for each of these scrumptious marshmallow surprise hot cocoa cookies. Keep in mind that these are estimates, but they should give you a good idea of what you’re indulging in!
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 80mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 2g
So, while you’re enjoying these delightful cookies, you can feel a little better knowing what’s in them. They’re definitely a treat worth indulging in, especially during those cozy winter evenings! Happy munching!
FAQ Section
Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?
Absolutely! You can chop regular marshmallows into smaller pieces if you don’t have mini ones on hand. Just be careful not to squish them too much when folding into the dough!
What if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your cookies spread more than you’d like, it could be because your butter was too warm or you didn’t chill the dough. Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking helps prevent this and gives you thicker cookies!
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can! Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Then, transfer the frozen dough balls into a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven directly from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
How should I store the cookies?
Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re best enjoyed within a week, but I bet they won’t last that long!
Can I substitute the cocoa powder for something else?
If you want to switch things up, you could try using carob powder, but the flavor will be different. For a chocolate-less option, you might want to look into vanilla or spice cookies instead!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These cookies come together in just about 30 minutes, making them perfect for those last-minute cravings or unexpected guests!
- Deliciously Flavorful: With a rich chocolate base and the surprise of gooey marshmallows, every bite is a delightful treat that satisfies your sweet tooth.
- Perfect for Sharing: Whether it’s a holiday gathering, a bake sale, or just a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to be a hit with family and friends!
- Customizable: Feel free to mix and match chocolate types or add in your favorite nuts or spices for a personal touch!
- Kid-Friendly: The fun marshmallow surprise inside will bring smiles to kids and adults alike, making them a fantastic family baking project.
- Chewy and Soft: The texture is perfectly chewy, thanks to the marshmallows, making them a delightful snack alongside a warm cup of cocoa.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your marshmallow surprise hot cocoa cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay nice and chewy for up to a week – if they last that long, that is! If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and seal them in a freezer bag. They’ll be good for about two months in the freezer!
When it comes to reheating, you can pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to bring back that gooey marshmallow goodness. Just keep an eye on them – you don’t want them to get too hot and melt away! Alternatively, you can warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This will help them regain that fresh-out-of-the-oven texture. Enjoy your cozy treats any time you like!
Print
Marshmallow Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies: 7 Reasons to Indulge
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious cookies filled with marshmallow and cocoa flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
- Add the eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in the mini marshmallows and chocolate chips.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- For chewier cookies, slightly underbake them.
- Feel free to use different types of chocolate chips.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: marshmallow surprise hot cocoa cookies
