Indulgent Hot Chocolate Cookies with Marshmallows You’ll Love

Megan

The Guardian of Family Flavors

October 6, 2025

There’s something utterly comforting about the gooey blend of chocolate and marshmallows melting together, and that’s exactly what inspired my Hot Chocolate Cookies with Marshmallows. One chilly evening, craving a sweet treat that felt like a warm hug in cookie form, I whipped these up with simple ingredients and was amazed at how the marshmallows added an irresistible, toasty softness amid rich, chocolaty bites. Whether you’re winding down after a long day or looking for a cozy dessert to share, these cookies promise the perfect balance of nostalgia and indulgence without any fuss. Trust me, once you try them, your usual cookie routine will never be the same!

Why choose Hot Chocolate Cookies with Marshmallows?

Irresistible Comfort: Warm, gooey marshmallows melt into rich chocolate, creating a cozy treat. Simple Ingredients: No complicated steps, just easy baking for home cooks. Textural Delight: Soft cookies with marshmallow pockets offer the perfect contrast to fudgy chocolate. Versatile Snack: Ideal for chilly nights, parties, or gifting. Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves the nostalgic twist on classic cookies that feels like a sweet hug.

Hot Chocolate Cookies with Marshmallows Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

All-purpose flour – Use to create the classic cookie base with tender structure.
Unsweetened cocoa powder – Adds deep chocolate flavor essential for Hot Chocolate Cookies with Marshmallows.
Baking soda – Helps the cookies rise slightly for a soft, chewy texture.
Salt – Enhances the chocolate notes and balances sweetness.
Unsalted butter – Provides richness and moisture for tender cookies; room temperature is best.
Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and slight crispness to the cookie edges.
Brown sugar – Keeps the cookies moist with its natural molasses flavor.
Large eggs – Bind the ingredients while adding tenderness and structure.
Vanilla extract – Brightens the chocolate with warm, aromatic notes.

For the Mix-ins

Mini marshmallows – Melt into soft, gooey pockets that define this beloved cookie.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips – Boost chocolate decadence and add melty texture.

Optional Topping

Extra mini marshmallows – For extra gooeyness on top before baking to get that golden toasty finish.

How to Make Hot Chocolate Cookies with Marshmallows

Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F, lining two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats while the dough comes together.
Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly blended and chocolatey in color.
Cream butter & sugars: Using a mixer, beat room-temperature butter with granulated and brown sugar for 3 minutes until light, fluffy, and pale golden.
Combine dough: Stir the dry mix into the butter-sugar mixture until just moistened, then add eggs and vanilla, beating until smooth.
Fold in mix-ins: Gently fold in semi-sweet chips and mini marshmallows, ensuring pockets of gooey texture without overmixing the dough so the cookies bake up soft and fudgy.
Scoop dough: Drop rounded tablespoons or a 1.5-inch cookie scoop of dough onto prepared sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart for spreading.
Top with marshmallows: Press a few extra mini marshmallows onto each dough mound for a toasty golden finish, right before baking for melty, toasted goodness.
Bake: Slide sheets into preheated oven and bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set but centers remain soft.
Cool: Let cookies rest on sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely and enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Optional: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt before baking for extra flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Hot Chocolate Cookies with Marshmallows?

Indulging in these sweet treats is even better when paired with wonderful accompaniments that elevate your cozy experience.

Chilled Milk: Perfectly creamy and refreshing, it complements the rich chocolate flavors and balances sweetness wonderfully.
Hot Cocoa: Keep the theme going! Sip on a warm mug of cocoa topped with whipped cream for a delightful pairing.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the warm, gooey cookies.
Fresh Berries: The tartness of raspberries or strawberries cuts through the sweetness, refreshing your palate and adding color to the platter.
Sweet Fruit Compote: A quick stove-top mix of berries and sugar creates a warm sauce to drizzle over the cookies for extra indulgence.
Peppermint Tea: A soothing herbal tea brings a refreshing contrast that brightens the palate after the chocolate explosion.
Chocolate Ganache Dip: For true chocolate lovers, a side of rich ganache adds an extra layer of decadence that’s hard to resist.
Nutty Cookie Bars: Enhance the texture experience with crunchy nut-filled bars for a delightful variety alongside your soft cookies.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel over your cookies or on a plate for dipping, adding a sweet complexity that takes them over the top.

Variations & Substitutions for Hot Chocolate Cookies with Marshmallows

Feel free to put your unique spin on these delightful cookies, making them even more special!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend for a similar texture and taste.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative along with dairy-free chocolate chips, keeping them deliciously creamy.
Nutty Twist: Fold in chopped hazelnuts or walnuts for a delightful crunch and rich nutty flavor.
Minty Fresh: Add peppermint extract for a festive twist that’s perfect during the holiday season; a few crushed candy canes can also be sprinkled on top.
Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a surprising heat that balances the sweetness.
Boozy Bliss: Enhance the flavor by adding a splash of coffee liqueur to the dough, creating an adult version that’s rich and decadent.

When you’re ready to create, remember that the joy of baking lies in experimenting. Whether you’re exploring healthier options or trying something adventurous, there’s no limit to the exciting combinations you can achieve!

Tips for the Best Hot Chocolate Cookies with Marshmallows

Use Room-Temp Butter: Soft butter creams better with sugars, ensuring a light, fluffy dough that bakes into tender, chewy cookies.
Don’t Overmix Dough: Fold in the marshmallows and chocolate chips gently to prevent melting or breaking them down, preserving gooey pockets in the cookies.
Space Cookies Properly: Leave enough room on the baking sheet (about 2 inches) so the cookies spread evenly without merging.
Watch Baking Time: Remove cookies when edges are set but centers still look soft to keep that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Add Marshmallows Last: Press extra mini marshmallows on top just before baking for golden toasty bites that elevate the classic Hot Chocolate Cookies with Marshmallows.
Cool Slightly Before Serving: Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up, making them easier to handle but still deliciously soft inside.

Make Ahead Options

These Hot Chocolate Cookies with Marshmallows are perfect for busy home cooks! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance. Simply mix all the ingredients as directed, then scoop the dough onto a lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the dough balls to an airtight container or zip-top bag, and they’ll hold their quality beautifully in the freezer. When you’re ready to bake, just place them on a baking sheet from the freezer (no need to thaw) and add a few extra marshmallows on top. Bake for an additional minute, and you’ll have delicious, gooey cookies ready to enjoy with minimal effort!

How to Store and Freeze Hot Chocolate Cookies with Marshmallows

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain their chewy texture and flavor.

Fridge: If you want them to last longer, keep the cookies in the fridge for up to a week. Just allow them to come to room temperature before serving.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen.

Reheating: Warm cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes for that fresh-baked experience!

Hot Chocolate Cookies with Marshmallows Recipe FAQs

How do I know if my marshmallows are fresh enough for these cookies?
Fresh mini marshmallows should be soft and pillowy, not hard or sticky. If they have dried out or have dark spots all over, it’s best to toss them and use fresh ones to get those perfect gooey pockets.

What’s the best way to store leftover Hot Chocolate Cookies with Marshmallows?
I recommend storing your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep that chewy texture. For longer freshness, pop them in the fridge for up to a week—but let them warm up on the counter before you dive in to regain the soft, melty marshmallow goodness.

Can I freeze these cookies? If yes, how should I do it?
Absolutely! Here’s how to freeze your Hot Chocolate Cookies with Marshmallows step-by-step: First, place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). Then transfer them to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. They’ll keep delicious for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat them straight from frozen in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes or microwave for 15 seconds to revive that fresh-baked warmth and gooey marshmallows.

What if my cookies come out too hard or dry?
If your cookies turn out hard, it might mean they baked too long or the dough was overmixed, causing the marshmallows to lose their softness. Try reducing the bake time slightly and folding the marshmallows in gently to keep their texture intact. Also, make sure your butter is at room temperature to create a tender crumb. Adding a pinch of brown sugar helps retain moistness as well.

Are these Hot Chocolate Cookies with Marshmallows safe for pets or anyone with allergies?
These cookies contain chocolate and marshmallows, which are not safe for dogs or many pets due to theobromine and sugar content. Also, they contain common allergens like eggs, dairy (butter), and gluten, so they aren’t suitable for those with allergies to these ingredients. Always keep them well out of reach of pets and inform guests if allergens are present.