If you love the comforting warmth of a mug of cocoa, then you’re going to absolutely adore this Hot Cocoa Cookies with Chocolate Chips and Mini Marshmallows Recipe. These cookies perfectly capture all those nostalgic flavors in a soft, chewy cookie form—with rich chocolate chips and sweet mini marshmallows nestled throughout, bringing every bite to life. It’s like your favorite winter drink transformed into a delightful treat that’s easy to share and impossible to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up image showing a mint green mixing bowl filled with three layers: a bottom layer of pale yellow butter block, a middle layer of white granulated sugar, and a top layer of light brown sugar with a coarse texture. A white electric hand mixer with shiny silver beaters is partially inserted into the bowl, blending the sugars and butter together. The bowl sits on a soft white marbled surface with a white cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is all it takes to create these cozy cookies. Each component plays a crucial role—from the buttery base that adds tenderness, to the hot cocoa mix that gives that authentic chocolatey flavor, and the marshmallows that create those irresistible gooey surprises.

Butter (1 cup, softened): Provides richness and a tender crumb, making every bite melt in your mouth.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): Balances sweetness and helps with a slight crispness on the edges.
Brown sugar (2/3 cup, packed): Adds moisture and a subtle caramel depth to the flavor.
Eggs (2 large): Bind the cookies together and contribute to their soft texture.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the sweet and chocolate flavors just perfectly.
All-purpose flour (3 ¼ cups): The foundation that gives structure to your cookies.
Hot cocoa mix (4 packages or ¾ cup): The star ingredient packing those rich chocolate notes throughout the dough.
Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Helps the cookies rise for just the right fluffiness.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances flavors and prevents the cookies from tasting flat.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Adds bursts of melty chocolate that complement the cocoa mix perfectly.
Dried mini marshmallows (1 cup): The fun surprise that replicates that classic hot cocoa marshmallow top without melting away.

How to Make Hot Cocoa Cookies with Chocolate Chips and Mini Marshmallows Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start by beating the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This process traps air and creates that wonderful light texture you want in your cookies, setting the stage for soft, tender results.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Incorporate the eggs and vanilla extract next, mixing until everything is fully combined. The eggs act as your binding agents, while the vanilla lends that classic warming note that makes these cookies so comforting.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine

Whisk together the flour, hot cocoa mix, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Then, gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients using your mixer. Expect the dough to be quite thick—that’s exactly how it should be for these rich cookies.

Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chips and Mini Marshmallows

Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and dried mini marshmallows. This step is crucial because you want those little pockets of melty chocolate and sweet marshmallow distributed evenly throughout every cookie.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover your dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to scoop and helping the cookies hold their shape better in the oven.

Step 6: Preheat and Prepare to Bake

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.

Step 7: Scoop and Space Out the Dough

Scoop out 1 ½ inch dough balls, placing them on the baking sheets with at least 1 inch of space between to allow for slight spreading without overcrowding.

Step 8: Bake

Bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes until they’re set but still soft in the middle. Resist the urge to overbake; you want that chewy texture that makes these cookies so special.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 3 to 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step helps them firm up just enough while keeping them wonderfully soft inside.

How to Serve Hot Cocoa Cookies with Chocolate Chips and Mini Marshmallows Recipe

This image shows several thick chocolate cookies on white parchment paper with a baking tray edge partly visible. Each cookie has an uneven, rough surface with dark brown color and is filled with small white marshmallows and chocolate chips, making a bumpy texture. The cookies are placed spaced apart on the paper, with the cookie in the foreground sharp and detailed, showing the soft texture and some melting chocolate. The background has a white marbled texture that blends softly out of focus. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Elevate your presentation by adding a few extra mini marshmallows and chocolate chips on top of each cookie right after baking for a glossy, inviting finish. Dusting with powdered sugar can add a gentle snowy effect that is perfect for festive occasions.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a tall glass of cold milk, a steaming mug of coffee, or a cup of hot cocoa to double down on that chocolatey goodness. For a more indulgent treat, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or a scoop of whipped cream.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, arrange these cookies in the shape of a steaming mug on a platter using marshmallows as the frothy top, or stack them in a decorative jar as a lovely edible gift. Wrapping a few in clear cellophane tied with a ribbon is a charming way to share this Hot Cocoa Cookies with Chocolate Chips and Mini Marshmallows Recipe with friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to 5 days, perfect for satisfying those spontaneous cookie cravings anytime.

Freezing

You can freeze both the cookie dough and the baked cookies. For dough, shape into balls and freeze on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Baked cookies freeze well in airtight containers, wrapped in parchment or wax paper between layers.

Reheating

Warm frozen or stored cookies in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds to restore that fresh-baked softness. You can also place them in a low oven (around 300 degrees Fahrenheit) for 5 minutes to gently refresh their texture.

FAQs

Can I use regular mini marshmallows instead of dried ones?

Regular mini marshmallows tend to melt and become gooey quickly while baking, which might change the texture of the cookie. Dried mini marshmallows hold up better in the dough and give that subtle marshmallow flavor without disappearing.

Is it okay to substitute the hot cocoa mix with cocoa powder?

You can try substituting cocoa powder, but the hot cocoa mix includes sugar and powdered milk that add sweetness and creaminess. If using cocoa powder, adjust sugar levels accordingly for best results.

How soft or chewy are these cookies?

These cookies come out soft and chewy with a tender crumb, thanks to the butter, brown sugar, and baking powder combination. They’re definitely more on the comforting, plush side rather than crunchy.

Can I make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?

With some ingredient swaps like using vegan butter, egg replacers, and dairy-free hot cocoa mix and chocolate chips, you can create a vegan-friendly version that still captures most of the classic taste.

What’s the best way to scoop cookie dough for consistent cookies?

A cookie scoop or spoon works great to portion out dough evenly. Chilling the dough first also helps prevent sticking and makes shaping uniform balls much easier.

Final Thoughts

This Hot Cocoa Cookies with Chocolate Chips and Mini Marshmallows Recipe really does bring all the warm happiness of a cozy beverage right into your hands as a delicious cookie. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a cozy night in, or just because, these treats are sure to bring smiles and comfort. Give this recipe a try—you might find it becoming your go-to cozy snack for every chilly day!