Name: Hot Chocolate Cookies with Marshmallow Bits Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter – softened; 1/2 cup brown sugar – packed; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon light corn syrup; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup Dutch process cocoa powder; 1/4 cup hot cocoa mix – powder only; 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 3/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 3/4 cup mallow bits (small freeze-dried marshmallows)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 78 reviews

If you are a fan of all things cozy and chocolatey, then you are going to absolutely adore the Hot Chocolate Cookies with Marshmallow Bits Recipe. These cookies are the ultimate treat, combining the rich, deep flavor of Dutch process cocoa with the nostalgic sweetness of hot cocoa mix and delightfully soft marshmallow bits. Each bite feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, blending melt-in-your-mouth texture with bursts of chocolate and marshmallow magic that simply can’t be beaten. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass mixing bowl is filled with a thick dark brown dough that looks dense and slightly sticky. The dough has small white mini marshmallows spread over the top, some partly pressed into the dough surface. The inside of the bowl shows some streaks of cocoa powder and dough residue, giving a textured look. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with soft natural light enhancing the contrast between the dark dough and bright marshmallows. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing these cookies. Each component plays a special role: from the creamy butter that provides moisture, to the combination of cocoa powders that gives a rich chocolate boost, and of course the marshmallow bits that add that signature sweet surprise. Here’s what you’ll want to gather for these scrumptious Hot Chocolate Cookies with Marshmallow Bits Recipe:

1/2 cup unsalted butter – softened for easy creaming and creamy texture.
1/2 cup brown sugar – packed to add subtle caramel notes and moisture.
1/2 cup granulated sugar – balances sweetness and helps create that perfect cookie chew.
1 large egg – binds everything together and gives structure.
1 tablespoon light corn syrup – adds chewiness and helps keep the cookies soft.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances all the flavors with a warm, fragrant touch.
1/4 cup Dutch process cocoa – delivers rich, intense chocolate flavor that’s never bitter.
1/4 cup hot cocoa mix (powder only) – adds nostalgic chocolate flavor and extra sweetness.
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour – the backbone for the cookie’s structure.
2 teaspoons cornstarch – keeps the cookies tender and soft.
3/4 teaspoon baking soda – provides just the right rise and lightness.
1/2 teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness and enhances flavor complexity.
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips – melty chocolate pockets for extra indulgence.
3/4 cup mallow bits (small freeze-dried marshmallows) – the star of the show for that gooey, marshmallow surprise.

How to Make Hot Chocolate Cookies with Marshmallow Bits Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 365°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, giving you clean edges and easy cleanup.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium speed for 1 to 2 minutes. This step is crucial because it aerates the dough, lending a light texture to your cookies.

Step 3: Add Egg, Corn Syrup, and Vanilla

Mix in the egg, light corn syrup, and vanilla extract until just combined. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of your bowl with a rubber spatula to capture every bit of that delicious batter.

Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the Dutch process cocoa, hot cocoa mix, flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until everything is just combined; overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, and we want soft, tender ones.

Step 5: Stir in Chocolate Chips and Marshmallow Bits

Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and mallow bits gently by hand, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough for those delightful bursts of flavor in every bite.

Step 6: Scoop and Shape the Dough

Using a 3-tablespoon scoop, portion the cookie dough into balls and place them 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Then, press each ball gently into a thick disk with your palm – just a light touch to avoid the cookies spreading too thin while baking.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake the cookies for 10 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 to 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures they finish setting up perfectly without drying out.

How to Serve Hot Chocolate Cookies with Marshmallow Bits Recipe

The image shows several dark brown chocolate cookies with small white marshmallows scattered on and around them. The cookies have a rough texture with visible melted chocolate bits and marshmallows embedded in the surface. They are placed on top of crumpled white parchment paper set on a white marbled surface. In the corner, a white bowl is filled with mini marshmallows, and a silver spoon rests on a dark dish. The scene captures a cozy and sweet dessert look, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While these cookies are sensational on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate can add an extra touch of whimsy. For a cozy winter vibe, sprinkle some crushed peppermint candy or top with a mini toasted marshmallow just before serving.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a warm beverage to complement their chocolatey marshmallow goodness. Think classic hot chocolate, a spiced chai latte, or even a cold glass of milk to balance their richness beautifully. They also make a fantastic treat alongside a bowl of fresh berries or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For gifting or parties, arrange the Hot Chocolate Cookies with Marshmallow Bits Recipe on a festive platter with colorful napkins and a few sprigs of fresh mint or holly. You can also stack them in a mason jar tied with ribbon for a charming homemade gift that’s sure to wow friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will maintain their soft, chewy texture for up to 4 days. If you want your cookies a bit more tender the next day, a slice of bread placed in the container helps retain moisture.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies to enjoy later! Either freeze the dough balls on a baking sheet before baking (then transfer to a bag after freezing) or freeze baked cookies in an airtight container. Dough balls freeze well for up to 3 months, and baked cookies maintain flavor and texture best for about 2 months.

Reheating

To bring frozen or stored baked cookies back to life, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes or pop them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. This refreshes their softness and melts the chocolate chips slightly, recreating that freshly baked feeling in seconds.

FAQs

Can I substitute regular cocoa powder for Dutch process cocoa?

Absolutely! Regular cocoa powder will work, but Dutch process cocoa provides a smoother, less acidic tone that enriches the chocolate flavor beautifully. If using regular cocoa, your cookies might be slightly tangier but still delicious.

What are mallow bits, and where can I find them?

Mallow bits are tiny freeze-dried marshmallows that add a unique texture and sweetness without melting into the dough too much. You can usually find them in specialty baking stores or online. If unavailable, mini marshmallows can be a substitute but may melt differently during baking.

Is there a way to make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that is a 1-to-1 substitute for flour. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum for proper texture. The cookies may be a little more delicate, but just as tasty.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Definitely! The dough can be made and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Chilling the dough actually enhances the flavors and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.

How do I ensure the cookies stay soft?

Using cornstarch in the recipe and the light corn syrup helps keep the cookies tender. Also, avoid overbaking; pulling them from the oven as soon as the edges set keeps the centers nice and soft.

Final Thoughts

This Hot Chocolate Cookies with Marshmallow Bits Recipe is a heartwarming celebration of chocolate and marshmallow goodness, perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself on a cozy day in. Its simple ingredients come together effortlessly to deliver a cookie that’s rich, soft, and packed with nostalgic flavors. Give this recipe a try and watch it become an instant favorite in your baking rotation – you won’t regret it!