Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallow Frosting
Chewy, rich Hot Cocoa Cookies topped with fluffy Marshmallow Frosting are the ultimate winter treat. These cookies taste just like a mug of hot cocoa, soft in the center, slightly crisp on the edges, and crowned with a creamy, cloud-like swirl of frosting. Perfect for holidays, gifting, or cozy nights by the fire.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (2 sizes)
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Rubber Spatula
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Wire cooling rack
- Piping bag (optional, for frosting)
Ingredients
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
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips and optional mini marshmallows.
- Scoop 1 ½-tablespoon portions of dough onto the baking sheets, leaving space between each.
- Chill dough balls for 30 minutes (optional for thicker cookies).
- Bake for 9-10 minutes or until edges are just set and centers look slightly soft.
- Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- While cookies cool, make the frosting: beat butter until creamy, then mix in marshmallow creme until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar gradually, then vanilla extract, and whip until fluffy.
- Pipe or spread frosting onto cooled cookies.
- Drizzle with melted chocolate or sprinkle crushed candy canes for garnish.
Notes
Nutritional Information (per cookie)
- Calories: 210
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 80mg
