Description

These Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallow Frosting are rich, chocolatey treats perfect for cozy winter days or holiday celebrations. Made with Dutch-processed cocoa and semi-sweet chocolate chips, these cookies offer deep chocolate flavor and a soft, fudgy texture. The luscious marshmallow frosting adds a fluffy, sweet finish that mimics a mug of hot cocoa topped with marshmallows, making each bite indulgent and delightful.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Hot Cocoa Cookies:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed preferred)
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup mini marshmallows (optional for mix-in)

For the Marshmallow Frosting:

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 jar (7 oz) marshmallow creme or fluff
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 tablespoon heavy cream (optional, for consistency)

Instructions

Prepare the oven and baking sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes, creating a smooth base for your cookies.
Add eggs and vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the pure vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, Dutch-processed cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly distributed to ensure a consistent dough texture.
Mix dry ingredients into wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can toughen the cookies.
Fold in chocolate and marshmallows: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and, if desired, the mini marshmallows for pockets of gooey sweetness.
Scoop and chill dough: Portion the dough into 1 ½ tablespoon-sized balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them to allow for spreading. Optionally, chill the dough balls for 30 minutes to help the cookies maintain a thicker shape during baking.
Bake the cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 9-10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain slightly soft, allowing for a chewy texture.
Cool the cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they firm up properly.
Make the marshmallow frosting: While the cookies are cooling, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add the marshmallow creme and mix until smooth. Gradually blend in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, whipping the frosting until light and fluffy. Add heavy cream if needed to adjust consistency.
Decorate the cookies: Once the cookies are fully cooled, pipe or spread the marshmallow frosting on top. For an extra festive touch, drizzle with melted chocolate or sprinkle crushed candy canes as garnish.

Notes

For the richest chocolate flavor, use Dutch-processed cocoa powder and semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips.
Chilling the dough before baking helps the cookies hold their shape and results in a thicker, chewier cookie.
The marshmallow frosting can be adjusted with heavy cream to achieve desired spreading or piping consistency.
Optional garnishes like melted chocolate or crushed candy canes add a festive finishing touch perfect for holiday occasions.
These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Using quality ingredients ensures the best texture and flavor balance.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: holiday cookies, hot chocolate cookies, Hot Cocoa Cookies, Marshmallow Frosting