Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallow Centers and Chocolate Frosting Recipe

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If you have a serious sweet tooth and a soft spot for anything chocolaty and cozy, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallow Centers and Chocolate Frosting Recipe. These cookies are the ultimate warm hug on a chilly day—with a rich chocolate cookie base, a gooey, melty marshmallow center, and a luscious chocolate frosting that ties everything together perfectly. Every bite tastes like your favorite cup of hot cocoa transformed into an irresistible treat, making them an absolute must-bake for cookie lovers and holiday bakers alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Believe it or not, this Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallow Centers and Chocolate Frosting Recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that combine to create a cookie experience like no other. Each component plays a key role from enhancing the chocolatey depth to adding that perfect gooey texture.

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Gives the cookies a rich, creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
• 1 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate: Adds the essential deep chocolate flavor essential for hot cocoa-inspired treats.
• 1 1/2 cup flour: Provides structure to balance the fudgy texture of the cookies.
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder: Intensifies the chocolate goodness and deepens the cookie’s color.
• 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft, tender bite.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the chocolate flavors and balances sweetness.
• 1 1/4 cup brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note to the cookies.
• 3 large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to a soft, chewy texture.
• 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Lifts the chocolate flavor with hints of warmth and sweetness.
• 12 large marshmallows (cut in half): The star surprise inside each cookie for that iconic melty center.
• 2 cup powdered sugar: The base for the luscious chocolate frosting that crowns the cookies.
• 4 Tablespoon unsalted butter (melted): Makes the frosting silky smooth and rich.
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder: For that extra chocolate punch in the frosting.
• 1/4 cup half and half: Adjusts frosting consistency to perfectly spreadable and creamy.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth and a sweet aroma to the frosting.
• Christmas sprinkles: A festive touch that makes these treats as merry as they are delicious.

How to Make Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallow Centers and Chocolate Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Melting the Butter and Chocolate

Start by gently melting the butter and semi-sweet chocolate together using a double boiler, stirring frequently until silky smooth. This glossy chocolate mixture is the foundation of these cookies’ rich flavor, so be patient and make sure not to overheat.

Step 2: Combining the Dry Ingredients

While your chocolate cools slightly, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. This ensures that every bite of your cookie will be perfectly balanced with just the right lift and chocolate intensity.

Step 3: Mixing Sugars, Eggs, and Vanilla

In a standing mixer, beat the brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract on low speed until just combined. This mixture provides the sweet and moist backbone to your dough, ensuring it bakes up soft and chewy.

Step 4: Incorporating the Chocolate Mixture

Slowly add the cooled, melted chocolate to your sugar-egg mixture and mix well, blending all those luscious flavors together so every bite bursts with cocoa magic.

Step 5: Adding the Dry Ingredients

Gradually fold in the flour mixture, combining until just incorporated. Your cookie dough will have a brownie-like texture—thick, rich, and ready to chill.

Step 6: Chilling the Dough

Cover the dough with foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. This step is crucial to develop flavors and make handling the dough much easier for shaping the perfect cookies.

Step 7: Preparing to Bake

Once chilled, preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps ensure even baking and easy cleanup.

Step 8: Shaping and Baking the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll into smooth balls with your hands. Place these dough balls about 2 inches apart on your baking sheet. Bake for 9-10 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.

Step 9: Adding Marshmallow Centers

While the cookies bake, cut your marshmallows in half. When the cookies come out of the oven, immediately press a marshmallow half into the center of each warm cookie and return to the oven for 2-3 minutes. The marshmallow melts slightly, creating that iconic gooey center everyone loves.

Step 10: Cooling and Preparing the Frosting

Place a wire rack over a cookie sheet and let your cookies cool there for a few minutes. This keeps your kitchen tidy. Meanwhile, mix together the powdered sugar, melted butter, cocoa powder, half and half, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy—your chocolate frosting is ready!

Step 11: Frosting and Decorating

Once your cookies are cool enough to handle, spread or pipe the chocolate frosting on top. Finish with a sprinkle of festive Christmas sprinkles for that joyful burst of color and crunch.

How to Serve Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallow Centers and Chocolate Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

To amp up the festive vibes, top your frosted cookies with additional mini marshmallows or crushed peppermint candies. These little touches make each cookie feel like a holiday celebration in its own right.

Side Dishes

Pair your Hot Cocoa Cookies with a steamy mug of hot milk, coffee, or even a cozy cup of hot cocoa to enhance the chocolatey experience. For brunch or a party, these cookies also go beautifully alongside fresh berries or a simple fruit salad to balance out the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your cookies on a decorative platter with sprigs of pine or holly for holiday gatherings, or stack them in a cute jar tied with a ribbon as charming edible gifts. You can even sandwich two cookies together with extra frosting for a delightful twist on classic hot cocoa flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallow Centers and Chocolate Frosting Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and chewy for up to four days—perfect for nibbling through the week.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze the baked cookies (without frosting) in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Frozen cookies keep well for up to three months. Freeze your frosting separately in a small container and thaw it before use.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy, warm the refrigerated or thawed cookies briefly in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes to bring back that freshly-baked gooeyness. Add frosting after warming for the best texture and taste.

FAQs

Can I use mini marshmallows instead of large ones?

Absolutely! Mini marshmallows work well too. Just adjust the quantity so each cookie still gets a nice gooey center. You might want to press a few into each cookie for the best effect.

Is it okay to use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet?

You can swap in dark chocolate if you prefer a richer, slightly less sweet cookie. Keep in mind it will intensify the bitterness, so you might want to tweak the sugar slightly if needed.

Can I make the frosting dairy-free?

Definitely. Substitute the butter with your favorite dairy-free alternative and use a non-dairy milk or half and half alternative. The frosting might be a little less creamy but will still be delicious.

What’s the best way to cut marshmallows in half neatly?

Use a sharp knife and lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Cutting on a clean surface with a gentle sawing motion gives you smooth marshmallow halves without squishing.

Can I skip chilling the dough?

Technically yes, but chilling is key to getting the right texture and making the dough easier to handle. If you’re in a hurry, chill for at least an hour; the results will be much better!

Final Thoughts

This Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallow Centers and Chocolate Frosting Recipe is an absolute joy to bake and eat. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, these cookies bring warmth, comfort, and a little bit of magic to any day. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a favorite in your cookie collection. So preheat that oven and let the baking begin!

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