Name: Soft Hot Chocolate Cookies with Marshmallows
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup butter; ¾ cup sugar; 1 egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup cocoa powder; 1 tsp baking soda; ¼ tsp salt; Mini marshmallows (enough to top each cookie)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you love the cozy comfort of a warm cup of cocoa, but in cookie form, you are absolutely going to adore these Soft Hot Chocolate Cookies with Marshmallows. Imagine biting into a delightfully soft, chocolatey cookie that melts on your tongue, while pockets of gooey, toasted mini marshmallows add that perfect nostalgic touch reminiscent of classic hot chocolate evenings. These cookies manage to pack all the rich, fudgy goodness of your favorite winter drink into a treat that’s ridiculously easy to bake and even easier to fall in love with. Whether you’re making them for a chilly night in or sharing them with friends, these cookies bring a burst of warmth and joy with every bite.

Soft Hot Chocolate Cookies with Marshmallows - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, familiar ingredients that come together to create a cookie that’s soft, chocolatey, and full of molten marshmallow goodness. Each ingredient has a special role, whether it’s lending richness, sweetness, or that classic cozy flavor.

Butter (½ cup): Provides a rich, creamy base that keeps the cookies soft.
Sugar (¾ cup): Sweetens the dough and helps achieve a slightly crispy edge.
Egg (1): Binds everything while adding moisture and structure.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances the overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
Flour (1½ cups): Gives the cookies their structure and bite.
Cocoa powder (½ cup): Delivers the deep chocolate flavor that’s the heart of this dessert.
Baking soda (1 tsp): Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft texture.
Salt (¼ tsp): Balances sweetness and intensifies the chocolate flavor.
Mini marshmallows: The crowning glory, these pockets of gooey sweetness melt slightly to mimic that perfect hot chocolate topping.

How to Make Soft Hot Chocolate Cookies with Marshmallows

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by beating the butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it aerates your dough, helping create a soft, tender cookie texture that melts in your mouth.

Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla

Next, stir in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined. The egg adds moisture and helps bind the dough, while the vanilla adds a subtle warmth that complements the cocoa perfectly.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to your wet mixture, blending just until you have a smooth cookie dough. Overmixing here can make the cookies tough, so be gentle.

Step 4: Scoop and Bake

Spoon the cookie dough onto a baking sheet, spacing the scoops evenly. Bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 minutes. At this point, your cookies should be set but still soft—perfect for the next step.

Step 5: Add the Marshmallows and Finish Baking

Once the initial bake is done, generously top each cookie with mini marshmallows. Return the cookies to the oven for an additional 2 minutes. This short bake melts and lightly toasts the marshmallows, creating that dreamy, gooey topping that makes these Soft Hot Chocolate Cookies with Marshmallows utterly irresistible.

How to Serve Soft Hot Chocolate Cookies with Marshmallows

Garnishes

If you want to elevate these cookies even more, try sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt over the marshmallows right after baking. The salty contrast highlights the rich chocolate and sweet marshmallows beautifully. You can also drizzle a little melted chocolate or a dusting of cocoa powder for extra flair.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a tall glass of cold milk or a warm cup of your favorite coffee or tea. For a real treat, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream—that contrast between hot and cold is pure magic.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gifts, stack these cookies in a mason jar layered with festive ribbons. Alternatively, serve them warm on a plate with extra marshmallows on the side for guests to add as they like. Another fun idea is to gently sandwich a scoop of marshmallow fluff between two cookies for an impromptu s’mores-inspired delight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Soft Hot Chocolate Cookies with Marshmallows keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To help maintain their softness, tuck a slice of bread inside the container—it helps absorb excess moisture and keeps your cookies fresh.

Freezing

If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, freezing works great. Place baked cookies in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. Frozen cookies stay delicious for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.

Reheating

To enjoy your cookies warm and soft, pop them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or briefly in a low oven until just heated through. This little reheating trick revives the gooey marshmallows and warms the dough for a freshly baked feel every time.

FAQs

Can I use regular-sized marshmallows instead of mini ones?

Absolutely! Just cut the large marshmallows into smaller pieces so they melt evenly across your cookies. Mini marshmallows are easier to distribute, but the flavor and gooeyness remain fantastic either way.

How do I keep these cookies soft and not dry?

The key lies in proper baking time—don’t overbake your cookies. Also, storing them in an airtight container with a piece of bread can help retain moisture. The butter and egg in the recipe also contribute to the soft texture.

Can I substitute butter with a dairy-free alternative?

Yes, you can use vegan butter or margarine, but make sure it behaves similarly to regular butter when creamed with sugar. This swap can slightly affect flavor and texture, but the cookies will still taste delightful.

Is there a way to add extra chocolate chips to these cookies?

Definitely! Feel free to fold in about ½ cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips before baking. It adds an extra burst of chocolate goodness, making these Soft Hot Chocolate Cookies with Marshmallows even more decadent.

Can these cookies be made gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Just check the blend includes xanthan gum or similar ingredients for structure. The texture may vary slightly but the rich chocolate and marshmallow flavor will still shine.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about Soft Hot Chocolate Cookies with Marshmallows that instantly lifts your spirits and warms your heart. They’re simple to make yet feel incredibly indulgent, perfect for cozy nights or sharing joy with loved ones. Once you try these, I bet this recipe will become your go-to comfort cookie, bringing a little delicious magic every time you bake them. So grab your ingredients and get ready to fall in love with a cookie that tastes just like a cup of hot cocoa in the best way possible.