Hot Cocoa Cookies (original) (raw)

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Our delicious Hot Cocoa Cookies have a chewy chocolate base, with a warm, gooey marshmallow, covered in chocolate frosting. This is one of my favorite holiday cookie recipes!

A tray of hot cocoa cookies recipe, with a bite out of one of them to show the marshmallow inside.

Hot Cocoa Cookies will be your new fav.

These Hot Cocoa Cookies are a unique and fun cookie that my great aunt always used to make; they were one of my favorites! No one had her recipe (she called them Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies), so, years ago, my mom helped me recreate them. My aunt always placed a walnut on top but you could also sprinkle crushed candy canes, sprinkles, or a little dusting of powdered sugar.

For more Christmas Cookies, try Turtle Cookies, Chocolate Mint Cookies, Peppermint Sandwich Cookies, or Ginger Molasses Cookies.

How to make Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies:

Make Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in eggs and vanilla. Combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in another bowl then pour into the wet mixture and stir only until combined. Scoop the cookie dough into rounded tablespoons onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Two images showing a chocolate cookie batter in a bowl then after it's scooped into balls for a hot cocoa cookie recipe.

Bake: Place in a 350°F oven for 8 minutes then remove and top with half of a marshmallow, cut side down. Return to oven for 2 minutes, then allow cookies to cool while you make the chocolate frosting. Spoon frosting over each marshmallow and enjoy. Top with crushed candy canes, a walnut, or sprinkles, if desired. Keep any leftovers in an airtight container or freeze.

Two images showing chocolate cookies fresh out of the oven then topped with half of a marshmallow then covered with chocolate frosting.

Storing and Freezing Instructions:

Store leftover hot cocoa cookies in an airtight container on the counter for 3-4 days.

To Freeze: place in a freezer safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2-3 months.

More Holiday Desserts:

Frosting:

My Great-Aunt always added a walnut on top at the end. You could also add crushed peppermint candy, to make them festive for Christmas.

Storing Instructions: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container on the counter for 3-4 days.

Freezing Instruction: Let cool completely then place in a freezer safe bag or container. Keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Cookie dough could also be frozen. Bake from frozen, adding a few minutes to bake time.

Calories: 177kcal, Carbohydrates: 29g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0.2g, Cholesterol: 29mg, Sodium: 109mg, Potassium: 52mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 20g, Vitamin A: 209IU, Calcium: 10mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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I originally shared the recipe December 2016. Updated December 2019 and December 2024.

Published December 14, 2024

Lauren Allen

Welcome! I’m Lauren, a mom of four and lover of good food. Here you’ll find easy recipes and weeknight meal ideas made with real ingredients, with step-by-step photos and videos.