Hot Chocolate Cookies with Marshmallow Filling Recipe

If you love the cozy, comforting flavors of your favorite winter drink transformed into a delectable treat, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Hot Chocolate Cookies with Marshmallow Filling Recipe. Imagine biting into a rich, fudgy cookie that melts in your mouth to reveal a gooey, warm marshmallow center—it’s like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket on a chilly day, but in cookie form. These cookies combine the deep chocolate richness with the fun surprise of marshmallow filling, making them absolutely irresistible and perfect for sharing or savoring alone with a cup of tea or milk.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture in this Hot Chocolate Cookies with Marshmallow Filling Recipe. Each component plays a vital role, from the cocoa levels that provide that signature chocolate punch to the butter and milk that keep the dough luscious and soft.

• 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base of our cookie dough, providing structure and tenderness when balanced right.
• 1/4 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder: Gives a smooth, intense chocolate flavor with a deep color.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough without becoming cakey.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Adds softness to the cookie’s texture, making each bite melt-in-your-mouth.
• 1 pinch salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the chocolate complexity.
• 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and moisture for tender cookies.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens perfectly while encouraging slight crispness on the edges.
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Adds a warm, fragrant note that rounds out the chocolate.
• 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and boosts the chewy texture.
• 2 tablespoons whole milk (or 2% or almond milk): Keeps the dough soft and workable.
• 1/2 cup unsweetened chocolate chips (plus more for topping): Delivers bursts of melted chocolate in every bite.
• Marshmallows (for stuffing): The star of the show, providing that gooey, oozing center.
• Chocolate syrup or melted chocolate for drizzling (optional): Adds a pretty, decadent finishing touch.

How to Make Hot Chocolate Cookies with Marshmallow Filling Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by whisking together the dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt in a medium bowl. This step ensures that all the flavors are evenly distributed and the dough will have that perfect chocolate intensity in each bite.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is the secret to cookies that have a delicate crumb but still remain rich and buttery.

Step 3: Combine Flavors

Add the vanilla extract, egg, and milk to the creamed mixture. Stir well until smooth and fully combined—your dough is starting to come to life!

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet, taking care to mix until just combined. You want a thick dough that’s slightly sticky but firm enough to hold its shape when formed.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the unsweetened chocolate chips to create pockets of melty chocolate throughout your cookies. This is where the magic lives!

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Cover your cookie dough and pop it in the refrigerator for 1 hour. If you’re in a hurry, freezing it for 20 minutes works too. Chilling helps solidify the butter, which means your cookies will spread less and hold their shape better while baking.

Step 7: Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This setup ensures even cooking and easy cleanup.

Step 8: Shape the Cookies

Once chilled, roll your dough into balls and flatten them slightly in your hands. This shape will cradle the marshmallow perfectly.

Step 9: Add Marshmallow Filling

Place a piece of chopped marshmallow in the center of each dough ball. Carefully wrap the dough around the marshmallow to fully enclose it, creating a sweet surprise center that will ooze as the cookie bakes.

Step 10: Arrange Cookies on Sheet

Place your stuffed dough balls on the baking sheet with about 2 inches of space between them. This gives them room to spread without sticking together.

Step 11: Top with Extra Chocolate Chips

Sprinkle a few more chocolate chips on top for a pretty finish and extra bursts of chocolate delight.

Step 12: Freeze Before Baking

Freeze the assembled cookie dough balls for another 20 minutes. This extra step helps them keep their shape and prevents marshmallows from melting out during baking.

Step 13: Bake to Perfection

Bake in your preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still look soft. This timing strikes the balance for chewy, fudgy cookies with gooey filling.

Step 14: Cool

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This rest time lets the marshmallow filling set slightly, so it doesn’t all ooze out immediately.

Step 15: Add a Chocolate Drizzle (Optional)

For a little extra glamour and indulgence, drizzle the cooled cookies with chocolate syrup or melted chocolate. This step is optional but makes these cookies perfect for gifting or special occasions.

Step 16: Set the Drizzle

Let the drizzle firm up before serving. This way, your cookies not only taste heavenly but look gorgeous too.

How to Serve Hot Chocolate Cookies with Marshmallow Filling Recipe

Garnishes

For the finishing touch, dust your cookies lightly with powdered sugar or sprinkle some finely crushed peppermint candy to complement the chocolate and marshmallow flavors. These simple garnishes elevate the presentation and add a festive flair.

Side Dishes

Serve these warm cookies alongside a glass of cold milk, a steaming cup of coffee, or a frothy cappuccino to balance the sweetness and enhance the gooey experience. They also pair wonderfully with fresh fruit like raspberries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, stack the cookies between mini marshmallows and chocolate syrup on a dessert platter for a “hot chocolate-inspired” cookie tower. You can also sandwich two cookies with melted marshmallow filling or present them in individual gift boxes tied with a ribbon to share your love for this Hot Chocolate Cookies with Marshmallow Filling Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To maintain the gooey marshmallow center, avoid refrigerating them as that can harden the filling.

Freezing

If you want to save these delicious treats for later, freeze the unbaked stuffed cookie dough balls. Place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

Warm your baked cookies in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes to revive that melty marshmallow center and freshly baked texture. This little trick makes each bite taste like it just came from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of Dutch-processed cocoa?

While regular cocoa powder can be used, Dutch-processed cocoa offers a smoother, less acidic flavor and richer color, which enhances the overall taste of these cookies. If you substitute, the flavor will still be good but slightly different.

What kind of marshmallows work best for stuffing?

Mini marshmallows or chopped regular marshmallows both work well. Just make sure to seal the dough around them completely to prevent marshmallow from leaking out during baking.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Make sure your other ingredients are gluten-free as well, and the cookies will turn out wonderfully.

What if I don’t have chocolate chips?

You can chop up your favorite unsweetened or semi-sweet chocolate bars to use instead of chips. This can actually melt better and create a more luxurious texture in your cookies.

How do I tell when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies are ready when the edges are set and slightly firm, but the centers still look soft. This ensures the marshmallow remains gooey inside and the cookie stays chewy, not dry.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about this Hot Chocolate Cookies with Marshmallow Filling Recipe that brings warmth and joy with every bite. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or a cozy treat on a quiet evening, these cookies never fail to impress and comfort. Give them a try—you just might find your new favorite dessert to share with loved ones all year round.

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