Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallow Buttercream Recipe

Picture this: the warm, rich scent of cocoa swirling through your kitchen, mingling with the sweet indulgence of melty chocolate chips and soft, pillowy marshmallow frosting. Baking these Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallow Buttercream Recipe feels like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket, the kind that instantly brightens a chilly day. These cookies are not just a treat but a heartfelt hug from the oven — quick to whip up, utterly impressive on the plate, and impossible to resist once you take that first heavenly bite.

Why You’ll Love This Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallow Buttercream Recipe

• Ready in 35 minutes: From mixing bowl to buttery, chocolatey bliss, this recipe moves fast enough for whenever a sweet craving strikes.
• Uses simple ingredients: Pantry staples like cocoa powder, hot chocolate mix, and chocolate chips create an irresistible flavor without fuss.
• Perfect for beginners: Straightforward steps make it easy to achieve bakery-quality cookies at home without a culinary degree.
• Impressive presentation: The fluffy marshmallow buttercream crowned with mini marshmallow bits makes these cookies a showstopper at parties or cozy nights in.
• Customizable: Easily tweak the chocolate chips or add your favorite mix-ins to tailor each batch to your unique taste.

Why This Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallow Buttercream Recipe Works

This recipe shines because it balances classic baking techniques with clever ingredient choices that elevate comfort food into a gourmet experience. Chilling the dough before baking ensures the cookies maintain a soft, tender center without spreading too thin, giving that perfect texture contrast. Incorporating both cocoa powder and hot chocolate mix layers deep chocolate flavor with a hint of nostalgic sweetness, while the dual-chocolate chip combo adds bursts of gooey richness. The marshmallow buttercream frosting, whipped until light and fluffy, is the crowning glory, creating a luscious, creamy finish that pairs impeccably with the cookies’ warm chocolatey base.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallow Buttercream Recipe lies in its straightforward yet essential ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role in delivering the ultimate cozy dessert experience.

• Salted butter: For rich flavor and tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• White sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with cookie structure.
• Brown sugar: Brings moisture and a hint of caramel depth.
• Egg and egg yolks: Bind ingredients and add richness.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the warmth and overall flavor complexity.
• All-purpose flour: Forms the base and texture of the cookie.
• Cocoa powder: Delivers that essential chocolate punch.
• Hot chocolate mix: Infuses nostalgic sweetness and extra cocoa flavor.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Leavening agents that create a perfect rise and soft crumb.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies chocolate notes.
• Dark and semisweet chocolate chips: Melty pockets of irresistible chocolate delight.
• Powdered sugar: For the silky smooth marshmallow buttercream frosting.
• Marshmallow cream: Gives the frosting its signature fluffy, cloud-like texture.
• Whipping cream: Lightens the buttercream for a dreamy consistency.
• Jet Puffed Mini Marshmallow Bits: For the perfect whimsical garnish that adds texture and cuteness.

Ingredient Substitutions & Tips

• Salted butter: Use unsalted butter plus a pinch of salt if preferred, controlling saltiness precisely.
• Hot chocolate mix: Substitute with additional cocoa powder and a teaspoon of sugar if you want less sweetness or don’t have mix on hand.
• Dark and semisweet chocolate chips: Swap with milk chocolate or white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
• Marshmallow cream: If unavailable, whipped cream cheese or a homemade marshmallow fluff can work for the buttercream base.

How to Make Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallow Buttercream Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start by combining one cup of salted butter with both white and brown sugars in a mixing bowl. Beat them together thoroughly for about three to four minutes until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale. This step is magical because it incorporates air, which creates soft, tender cookies with a wonderful crumb.

💡 Pro Tip: Room temperature butter ensures quicker, smoother creaming, so take it out ahead of time.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add one whole egg plus two egg yolks, one at a time, beating well between additions for full incorporation. Stir in the teaspoon of vanilla extract. These ingredients add moisture, richness, and aromatic warmth, making your cookies decadently delicious.

💡 Pro Tip: Make sure to mix well after each egg addition to prevent curdling and keep your batter silky smooth.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, hot chocolate mix, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting helps blend everything evenly, which is essential for consistent texture and flavor in each bite.

💡 Pro Tip: Whisking the dry ingredients also helps avoid clumps of cocoa or leavening agents.

Step 4: Mix Dry and Wet Together

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet butter and sugar mixture, mixing just until you no longer see streaks of flour. Overmixing develops gluten and leads to tougher cookies, so be gentle.

💡 Pro Tip: Using a spatula to fold in the flour can help you maintain a tender dough.

Step 5: Stir in Chocolate Chips and Chill

Fold the dark and semisweet chocolate chips evenly into your dough for delicious melty bursts within every cookie. Cover and chill the dough in the fridge for 20 minutes, which firms it up and prevents cookie spreading while baking.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t skip this chill—it’s the secret weapon to thick, soft cookies.

Step 6: Scoop, Shape, and Bake

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out dough balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Gently press them down just a bit with your palm to shape. Bake at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes until you see the edges crisp and centers still look soft and slightly underbaked. This creates the ideal texture balance of crisp around the edges with a luscious center.

💡 Pro Tip: Let cookies rest on the tray after baking to finish setting and cool gradually.

Step 7: Make the Marshmallow Buttercream

While cookies cool, whip together one cup of butter, your tub of marshmallow cream, and powdered sugar until combined. Then add vanilla and a teaspoon of whipping cream and continue beating until the frosting is light, fluffy, and heavenly smooth.

💡 Pro Tip: Use a stand or hand mixer on medium speed for best results—don’t rush this!

Step 8: Frost and Garnish

Once the cookies have completely cooled, generously pipe or spread the marshmallow buttercream onto each one. Finish with a sprinkle of Jet Puffed Mini Marshmallow Bits for adorable texture and classic charm.

💡 Pro Tip: Add a tiny pinch of cocoa powder on top for extra visual appeal and subtle flavor boost.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from these common pitfalls:

• Overmixing dough: Leads to tougher cookies instead of tender chewiness.
• Skipping dough chill: Causes cookies to spread thin and lose their signature soft center.
• Overbaking: Cookies may turn dry and lose that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Not letting cookies cool before frosting: Warm cookies melt the buttercream and cause it to slide off.
• Using too large scoops: Can result in uneven baking and cookies that don’t bake through properly.
• Forgetting to sift dry ingredients: Results in lumpy dough and uneven flavor distribution.

Delicious Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallow Buttercream Recipe, these creative twists will add even more fun:

Peanut Butter Hot Cocoa Cookies

Add a half cup of creamy peanut butter to the wet ingredients for a luscious nutty twist that pairs beautifully with the chocolate and marshmallow.

Mint Chocolate Hot Cocoa Cookies

Stir in a teaspoon of peppermint extract and top with crushed candy canes sprinkled over the marshmallow buttercream for a refreshing holiday vibe.

Salted Caramel Drizzle

Once frosted, drizzle warm salted caramel sauce over the cookies for an indulgent sweet-salty contrast that will wow your taste buds.

Nutty Delight

Mix in chopped toasted pecans or walnuts along with the chocolate chips for extra crunch and a toasty depth of flavor.

White Chocolate and Raspberry

Swap out semi-sweet chips for white chocolate chips and add freeze-dried raspberry bits for a tart, creamy combo.

Vegan Version

Try plant-based butter, egg substitutes, and vegan marshmallow fluff to make a cruelty-free batch without compromising taste or texture.

How to Serve Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallow Buttercream Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle additional mini marshmallows, a dusting of cocoa powder, or festive colored sugar atop the marshmallow buttercream for extra charm.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a steaming mug of your favorite hot chocolate, a creamy latte, or even vanilla bean ice cream for a decadent treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange cookies on a rustic wooden platter with some fresh evergreen sprigs for winter gatherings, or stack them in gift boxes wrapped with twine and mini hot cocoa sticks for delightful party favors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain their soft texture and flavorful freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted cookie dough balls wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in freezer bags for up to three months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to baking time. Frosted cookies can be frozen in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transferred to a container once solid.

Reheating

Warm cookies for 10-15 seconds in the microwave to revive that freshly-baked softness. Avoid heating frosted cookies to keep the marshmallow buttercream firm and luscious.

FAQs

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of hot chocolate mix?

Yes! While hot chocolate mix adds extra sweetness and a nostalgic flavor, using only cocoa powder will still result in rich chocolate cookies. You may want to add a little extra sugar to balance taste.

Is the marshmallow buttercream difficult to make?

Not at all! It’s simply whipped butter combined with marshmallow cream, sugar, and a touch of cream. It whips up easily, giving you that fluffy frosting that’s perfectly sweet.

How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough before baking is essential. Also, avoid using melted butter and don’t overmix the dough, which can cause spreading.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Be sure it contains xanthan gum for structure.

What if I don’t have a cookie scoop?

A tablespoon or small ice cream scoop works fine; just try to keep cookie sizes consistent for even baking.

Can I substitute mini marshmallows for the marshmallow cream?

Marshmallow cream is softer and easier to whip into frosting, so mini marshmallows won’t yield the same texture. However, mini marshmallows can be used as a garnish.

How do I store the frosted cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for longer, but allow cookies to come to room temperature before eating.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just double all ingredients and bake on multiple trays, rotating pans for even baking.

Final Thoughts

These Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallow Buttercream Recipe are the embodiment of cozy comfort wrapped up in a cookie. From the first joyful bite of chocolatey softness to the playful marshmallow topping, this recipe is bound to become a beloved staple in your baking rotation. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or savoring a quiet moment by the fire, each cookie brings a little warmth and magic to your day.

Have you tried this Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallow Buttercream Recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below. If you loved this recipe, please share it with friends and family. Happy cooking! 😊

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