Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl Cookies

Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl Cookies are a decadent treat that combines the rich flavor of chocolate with gooey, sweet marshmallows in a soft, chewy cookie. These cookies offer the perfect balance of textures: a slightly crisp edge, a tender center, and swirls of melted marshmallow that create a striking visual and flavorful contrast. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a holiday dessert table, or just indulging your sweet tooth, these cookies are guaranteed to impress.

The secret to these cookies lies in the harmony between the rich cocoa dough and the marshmallow swirls that caramelize slightly during baking. A drizzle of chocolate or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt takes them to the next level, making them irresistible to chocolate lovers.

This recipe is straightforward and fun to make, perfect for home bakers of any skill level. With their dramatic appearance and unforgettable flavor, Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl Cookies are sure to become a favorite in your cookie repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Visually Stunning
The marshmallow swirls create a beautiful contrast against the dark chocolate dough, making these cookies a show-stopper on any dessert table.

Rich and Gooey
The combination of cocoa and marshmallows delivers a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth experience in every bite.

Easy to Make
With simple ingredients and a few steps, these cookies come together quickly, making them perfect for impromptu baking sessions.

Versatile
Customize the cookies with mix-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or a hint of espresso powder to suit your taste preferences.

Crowd-Pleaser
From kids to adults, everyone loves the comforting combination of chocolate and marshmallows, making these cookies ideal for gatherings and potlucks.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10–12 minutes per batch
• Chill Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 24 cookies
• Serving Size: 1 cookie

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)

• Calories: 140 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 11g

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup mini marshmallows

Optional Toppings:

• 1/4 cup chocolate chips, melted (for drizzling)
• Flaky sea salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 3: Incorporate Marshmallows

1. Gently fold in the mini marshmallows, being careful not to overmix.
2. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 4: Preheat and Prepare

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

1. Scoop 1 1/2-tablespoon portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
2. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
3. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Decorate (Optional)

1. Drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies and sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a finishing touch.

Ingredient Background

Butter:
Butter provides a rich flavor and helps create a soft texture in these cookies. Use unsalted butter for better control over the saltiness.

Cocoa Powder:
Unsweetened cocoa powder gives these cookies their deep chocolate flavor. For a more intense taste, use Dutch-processed cocoa.

Mini Marshmallows:
These melt during baking, creating gooey swirls that add both texture and a burst of sweetness to the cookies.

Brown Sugar:
Adds moisture and a slight caramel flavor, enhancing the overall richness of the cookies.

Technique Tips

Chill the Dough:
Refrigerating the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Don’t Overmix:
Overmixing can result in tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.

Watch the Marshmallows:
Ensure the marshmallows are well-incorporated into the dough to prevent them from melting too much on the baking sheet.

Use a Cookie Scoop:
This ensures uniform cookies that bake evenly.

Recipe Variations

 

Double Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies
For chocolate lovers, adding 1/2 cup of semisweet or dark chocolate chips to the dough enhances the rich cocoa flavor. You can also experiment with white chocolate chips for a touch of sweetness that balances the marshmallows.

S’mores Cookies
Crushed graham crackers mixed into the dough evoke the nostalgic flavors of a campfire treat. For extra authenticity, top each cookie with a square of milk chocolate after baking.

Nutty Chocolate Cookies
Chopped pecans or walnuts not only add crunch but also complement the gooey marshmallows with a slightly earthy flavor. Toast the nuts before mixing them into the dough for even more depth.

Peppermint Marshmallow Cookies
Perfect for the holidays, 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract transforms these cookies into a festive treat. Top with crushed candy canes for a fun, decorative touch.

Caramel Swirl Cookies
Add a drizzle of caramel sauce to the dough before baking for an indulgent twist. The caramel will swirl into the cookies as they bake, creating an additional layer of gooey sweetness.

Espresso Chocolate Cookies
Mix in 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor and give the cookies a sophisticated, mocha-like taste.

Freezing and Storing

Refrigeration
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Adding a slice of bread to the container can help maintain the cookies’ softness by preventing them from drying out.

Freezing Dough
Prepare the dough as instructed, portion it into balls, and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once firm, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag, ensuring you remove as much air as possible. This method preserves the flavor and texture for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 1–2 minutes to the baking time to ensure they cook through.

Freezing Baked Cookies
Once baked and completely cooled, arrange the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Thaw at room temperature for a few hours or reheat briefly in the microwave for a warm, fresh-from-the-oven experience.

Reheating Tip
For the best texture, reheat cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3–5 minutes. This restores their slightly crisp edges and gooey marshmallow centers.

Serving Suggestions for Events

Holiday Dessert Table
Place the cookies on a decorative platter, drizzle with melted white chocolate, and sprinkle with edible glitter or holiday-themed sprinkles. They pair beautifully with eggnog or mulled wine for a festive celebration.

Birthday Treats
Turn these cookies into an unforgettable birthday dessert by sandwiching two cookies with marshmallow fluff or chocolate ganache. Arrange them on a colorful platter alongside milkshakes or ice cream.

Casual Gatherings
Warm these cookies and serve with a coffee or hot chocolate bar featuring flavored syrups, whipped cream, and toppings like chocolate shavings or cinnamon sticks. This makes for an interactive and cozy dessert experience.

Potluck Favorite
Transport the cookies in a decorative tin lined with parchment paper. To make them even more special, include small cards with a description of the cookies and a note mentioning their marshmallow swirls and gooey texture.

Afternoon Pick-Me-Up
Pair with a glass of cold milk or a strong espresso for a simple yet satisfying snack that beats the afternoon slump.

Special Equipment

Mixing Bowls
Choose sturdy, non-slip bowls for mixing the wet and dry ingredients separately. Opt for one large bowl to allow for easy folding of the marshmallows into the dough without spilling.

Cookie Scoop
A medium-sized cookie scoop ensures the dough portions are uniform, leading to even baking and consistent appearance.

Parchment Paper
This essential tool not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup effortless. It also helps protect the marshmallows from sticking to the baking sheet as they melt.

Cooling Racks
Allow the cookies to cool completely on wire racks to maintain their structure and avoid sogginess. These racks also allow air to circulate around the cookies, which is especially important for marshmallow-filled treats.

Pastry Brush
Optional but helpful, use a pastry brush to add a light coating of melted butter or egg wash for a glossy finish before baking.

Offset Spatula
Use this tool for transferring delicate cookies from the baking sheet to the cooling rack without breaking them or losing the marshmallow swirls.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use marshmallow fluff instead of mini marshmallows?
Marshmallow fluff can be used, but it’s more challenging to swirl evenly into the dough. Mini marshmallows are easier to incorporate.

2. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking mix.

3. How do I prevent the marshmallows from melting too much?
Ensure the marshmallows are mixed into the dough thoroughly and avoid placing them directly on the baking sheet.

4. Can I use dark chocolate cocoa powder?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate cocoa powder will give the cookies a more intense chocolate flavor.

5. Why did my cookies spread too much?
Ensure the dough was properly chilled before baking. Using room-temperature dough can cause excessive spreading.

6. Can I use regular-sized marshmallows?
Regular marshmallows can be chopped into smaller pieces and used as a substitute.

7. What’s the best way to store these cookies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.

8. How can I make the cookies more festive?
Drizzle melted chocolate and add sprinkles or colored sugar for a fun, decorative touch.

Conclusion

Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl Cookies are the ultimate indulgence for chocolate and marshmallow lovers. Their soft, gooey centers, rich chocolate flavor, and visually stunning swirls make them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a casual get-together, or just to treat yourself, these cookies deliver on flavor, texture, and presentation.

With easy preparation, customizable variations, and long-lasting freshness, this recipe is a must-have in your baking repertoire. Try it today and watch these cookies disappear as quickly as they’re served!

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