There’s something magical about Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallows—a sweet blend of chocolatey richness and soft, gooey delight that embodies the spirit of winter. These irresistible treats bring warmth to every gathering, making them one of the best cookies for Christmas treats. In this article, you’ll discover the cozy story behind the recipe, a full list of essential ingredients, simple step-by-step directions, and creative ideas for gifting them as holiday neighbor treats. Perfect for fireside chats or festive dessert tables, these holiday desserts Christmas cookies capture all the comfort and joy of the season in every bite.
Why Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallows Are a Holiday Favorite
A Homemade Tradition of Cozy Christmas Baking
When winter settles in and snowflakes begin to fall, the kitchen becomes the heart of the home. As the scent of chocolate and marshmallow fills the air, it’s easy to be transported back to childhood evenings spent baking Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallows with family. The laughter, the sparkle of twinkling lights, and the joy of sharing warm cookies from oven to plate—it’s a timeless comfort that defines the holidays. These Christmas Treats Cookies aren’t just baked goods; they’re memories in the making, ideal for wrapping up as Holiday Neighbor Treats that spread the spirit of sweetness and togetherness all season long.
The inspiration behind these cookies comes from a winter favorite: a steaming cup of hot cocoa topped with fluffy marshmallows. Transforming that soothing flavor into a cookie was the perfect way to create a treat that tastes like a cozy mug of cheer in every bite. Rich cocoa, melty chocolate chunks, and soft marshmallow centers make these truly among the best cookies for Christmas. Each batch brings the same festive warmth as a cozy fire and helps turn ordinary moments into merry celebrations. With their playful texture and irresistible flavor, Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallows deserve a spot in every baker’s holiday tradition.
Before the oven starts warming and the holiday music begins playing in the background, it’s best to gather everything you need. These Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallows come together quickly when all the essentials are on hand. The ingredients below make about two dozen cookies—perfect for a round of Holiday Neighbor Treats or to add to your platter of Holiday Desserts Christmas Cookies.
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Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallows – Best Cookies for Christmas Treats
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
There’s something magical about Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallows—a sweet blend of chocolatey richness and soft, gooey delight that embodies the spirit of winter. These irresistible treats bring warmth to every gathering, making them one of the best cookies for Christmas treats. In this recipe, you’ll find a full list of essential ingredients, simple step-by-step directions, and creative serving and storage tips. Perfect for cozy moments by the fire or gifting as holiday neighbor treats, these cookies capture all the comfort and joy of the season in every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a thick dough forms.
6. Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
7. Use a cookie scoop to drop dough balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 8 minutes, then remove from the oven and press mini marshmallows into the center of each cookie.
9. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until marshmallows are just puffed and cookies are set.
10. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Drizzle with white chocolate or sprinkle with crushed candy canes if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: dessert
- Method: baking
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
Keywords: hot cocoa cookies, marshmallow cookies, christmas cookies, holiday treats, yummy christmas desserts, best christmas cookies, holiday neighbor treats
How to Make Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallows
Ingredients and Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
| Ingredients | Measurements |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter (softened) | ½ cup (1 stick) |
| Granulated sugar | ½ cup |
| Brown sugar (packed) | ½ cup |
| Large egg | 1 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| All-purpose flour | 1 ¼ cups |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | ½ cup |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon |
| Chocolate chips (semi-sweet) | ¾ cup |
| Mini marshmallows | 1 cup |
| Optional toppings (crushed candy canes, white chocolate drizzle) | as desired |
Recommended Kitchen Tools:
- Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
- Hand or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Wire cooling rack
Organizing your workspace keeps the process stress-free and makes these Yummy Christmas Desserts easy to prepare even on the busiest baking day.
Step-by-Step Directions for Perfect Results
Step 1: Cream the softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. This gives your Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallows their soft, chewy texture.
Step 2: In another bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix into the wet ingredients, stirring just until a thick dough forms.
Step 3: Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips using a rubber spatula for rich chocolate flavor.
Step 4: Scoop the dough into balls and place them two inches apart on a lined baking sheet. Flatten slightly for even baking.
Step 5: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8 minutes. Remove from the oven and quickly press mini marshmallows into the center of each cookie. Return to bake for another 2–3 minutes until the marshmallows puff up and the edges are set.
Step 6: Cool for 5 minutes on the sheet before transferring to a rack. Drizzle melted white chocolate or sprinkle with crushed peppermint once cooled for a seasonal finish.
Baking Tips:
- Chill the dough briefly if it feels too soft.
- Underbake slightly for extra gooey centers.
- Add marshmallows mid-bake to prevent over-melting.
With these steps, you’ll craft Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallows that capture the cozy essence of the holidays—perfect for gifting or sharing at festive gatherings.
Serving and Sharing Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallows
Creative Ways to Serve Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallows
Once your cookies cool and the marshmallows set into their soft, puffy centers, the fun begins—serving and sharing them. They pair beautifully with mugs of creamy cocoa, cappuccino, or a cold glass of milk. For your dessert table, display them on a rustic tray surrounded by candy canes and sparkling lights for that winter magic.
For thoughtful gifting, arrange a few Christmas Treats Cookies in clear bags tied with ribbon or layered neatly in mason jars. Add tags or handwritten notes for warm Holiday Neighbor Treats. Whether part of a cookie exchange, office party, or family platter, these cookies shine among the best cookies for Christmas treats.
Storage Tips and Flavor Variations
To keep your Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallows fresh, store them in an airtight container for five days, adding a slice of bread to maintain softness. Freeze dough balls for up to two months for easy, fresh-baked batches whenever needed. These are ideal make-ahead Holiday Desserts Christmas Cookies ready for any celebration.
For festive flair, garnish with crushed peppermint, drizzle with white chocolate, or mix in a hint of cinnamon or espresso powder for added depth. Each variation delivers new charm while keeping that classic Yummy Christmas Desserts feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these Hot Cocoa Cookies ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate dough for up to two days or freeze shaped dough balls to bake fresh later—ideal for preparing Holiday Desserts Christmas Cookies amid a busy holiday schedule.
2. How do I keep marshmallows from melting completely?
Add mini marshmallows mid-bake after 8 minutes. This timing ensures they puff up gently without losing their signature gooey texture for perfect Christmas Treats Cookies.
3. Can I use hot cocoa mix instead of cocoa powder?
Yes, swap part or all of the cocoa powder for hot cocoa mix, reducing sugar slightly for balance. The result—sweeter, fluffier Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallows reminiscent of your favorite mug of cocoa.
4. How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored airtight, they’ll last five days at room temperature, one week refrigerated, or three months frozen. Reheat briefly for that fresh-from-the-oven experience of Yummy Christmas Desserts.
5. Can I make them gluten-free?
Simply replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend containing xanthan gum. Most other ingredients are naturally gluten-free—perfect for gifting inclusive Holiday Neighbor Treats.
Share the Warmth of the Season
There’s no better way to celebrate the holidays than by baking Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallows. With rich chocolate flavor, soft centers, and pillowy marshmallow tops, they embody everything joyful about Christmas baking. Among the best cookies for Christmas treats, these are perfect gifts and heartwarming Holiday Neighbor Treats to share with loved ones.
As your kitchen fills with the scent of cocoa and laughter, these cookies quickly become a treasured Christmas treats cookies tradition. Whether served warm at gatherings or wrapped for friends, Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallows deliver sweetness, comfort, and the true spirit of giving—making them a must-have addition to your Holiday Desserts Christmas Cookies collection.
