Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies: A Cozy Treat for Beginners

Imagine sitting by the fireplace on a cold winter evening, wrapped in a cozy blanket, with a steaming cup of hot chocolate in your hands. The rich, creamy cocoa warms you up, and the gooey marshmallows on top melt into each sip, making the experience even more delightful. Now, imagine turning that comforting moment into a dessert you can eat—that’s exactly what these Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies offer.

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These cookies taste like a classic cup of hot chocolate in every bite. They’re soft, chewy, and packed with rich chocolate flavor, topped with melted mini marshmallows that create the perfect balance of sweetness. Best of all, this recipe is ideal for beginners. You don’t need fancy baking skills or expensive equipment—just a few simple ingredients, a mixing bowl, and an oven.

If you’ve ever hesitated to bake because it seems complicated, this recipe will change your mind. It’s quick, easy, and foolproof, making it perfect for new bakers. Plus, it’s great for sharing—whether you’re making treats for family, friends, or a holiday gathering. Let’s dive in!

Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Beginners

1. Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

This recipe uses a sugar cookie mix as a base, which eliminates the need for measuring multiple dry ingredients like flour, sugar, and baking powder. It’s a great shortcut for beginners who want to bake without worrying about precise measurements.

2. Minimal Equipment Required

You don’t need a stand mixer or any specialized tools—just a basic mixing bowl, a hand mixer (or even a sturdy spoon), and a baking sheet.

3. Quick and Easy

From start to finish, these cookies take just 33 minutes, including baking time. That means you can whip up a delicious batch even on a busy day.

4. No Complicated Techniques

Some cookie recipes require chilling the dough, rolling it out, or using multiple mixing stages. Not this one! Simply mix, scoop, and bake—perfect for beginners who want instant gratification.

Ingredients and Substitutions

What You’ll Need

Before you start, make sure you have these ingredients on hand:

• 1 (17.5-ounce) packet sugar cookie mix – A foolproof base for soft, sweet cookies.
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips – Adds rich, deep chocolate flavor. You can also use semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips for a milder taste.
• ⅓ cup cocoa powder – Enhances the chocolate flavor and gives the cookies their signature dark color.
• ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, softened – Provides moisture and helps create a soft, chewy texture.
• 1 large egg – Binds the ingredients together.
• 36 mini marshmallows – For that classic hot chocolate look and flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions and Alternatives

• Butter Alternative: If you only have unsalted butter, just add ¼ teaspoon of salt to balance the flavors.
• Marshmallow Swap: If you only have large marshmallows, cut them into smaller pieces before placing them on the cookies.
• Chocolate Variety: Want a different taste? Try using white chocolate chips or caramel chips for a fun twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them with butter. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix, cocoa powder, and dark chocolate chips. Stir well to distribute the cocoa powder evenly.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Using a hand mixer (or a spoon if you don’t have one), beat in the softened butter and egg. The dough will start off crumbly but will come together after mixing for 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Form the Cookie Dough Balls

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out dough balls that are about 1 ½ tablespoons each (about the size of a golf ball). Roll each ball between your hands to make them smooth.

Step 5: Arrange the Cookies on a Baking Sheet

Place the cookie dough balls 2 inches apart on the baking sheet to allow room for spreading.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Bake one sheet at a time for 11-14 minutes, or until the cookies start to firm up at the edges. The centers will still be slightly soft.

Step 7: Add the Marshmallows

Immediately after taking the cookies out of the oven, press three mini marshmallows into the center of each cookie. Put the cookies back into the oven for 2-3 more minutes, just until the marshmallows puff up and turn lightly golden.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack. Enjoy warm, or store for later!

Beginner Tips and Troubleshooting

Common Mistakes and Fixes

• Dough Too Crumbly? Keep mixing—the dough will come together with time. The warmth from your hands when rolling the dough also helps bind it.
• Cookies Spreading Too Much? Make sure your butter is soft, not melted before mixing. If necessary, refrigerate the dough for 10 minutes before baking.
• Marshmallows Melting Too Much? Freeze the marshmallows for 10 minutes before placing them on the cookies. This helps them keep their shape in the oven.

Baking Efficiency Tips

• Measure ingredients in advance to make the process smoother.
• Use parchment paper to make cleanup quick and easy.
• Work in batches if you have a small oven—don’t overcrowd the baking sheet.

Serving Suggestions and Storage

Best Ways to Enjoy These Cookies

• With a Cup of Hot Chocolate – The ultimate pairing for cold-weather comfort.
• Drizzled with Melted Chocolate – For an extra-rich treat, drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies.
• With Whipped Cream – Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.

How to Store and Keep Fresh

• At Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• In the Freezer: Freeze baked cookies in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before eating.
• Reheating Tip: Warm a cookie in the microwave for 5-10 seconds to make the marshmallows soft again.

Conclusion: Try This Recipe Today!

Baking doesn’t have to be intimidating, and these Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies prove it. They are rich, chocolatey, and soft with a gooey marshmallow center—perfect for beginners.

This recipe is quick, simple, and requires no fancy techniques. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a cozy night in, or just because you’re craving something sweet, these cookies will not disappoint.

Give them a try and let us know how they turned out for you! Do you have any creative twists or favorite ways to enjoy them? Share your thoughts in the comments! Happy baking!