If you’re craving a treat that combines the classic indulgence of chocolate cookies with a fun, gooey surprise in the center, these Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl Cookies are the perfect choice. These cookies are a delightful blend of rich chocolate dough, melting semisweet chocolate chips, and gooey marshmallows that create a swirl of flavor in every bite. Ideal for a sweet snack, holiday baking, or sharing with friends and family, these cookies deliver a satisfying, chewy texture with a marshmallow surprise that everyone will love.
These Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl Cookies are easy to make and perfect for cookie lovers of all ages. The combination of cocoa and chocolate chips gives each cookie a deep, rich flavor, while the marshmallow centers add an element of surprise and softness. Plus, the swirl of chocolate and marshmallow creates a fun and festive look, making these cookies a great addition to any cookie platter or gift box.
Whether you’re a novice baker or an experienced home chef, this simple yet flavorful recipe will fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cookies. Plus, with only 30 minutes needed to prepare and bake, they make a quick and satisfying dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s a lot to love about these Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl Cookies:
- Gooey Surprise: Each cookie has a soft, melted marshmallow center that adds a delicious surprise with every bite.
- Rich Chocolate Flavor: The combination of cocoa powder, semisweet chocolate chips, and brown sugar makes these cookies rich and indulgent.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is simple and doesn’t require any fancy techniques. It’s perfect for beginner bakers or busy families looking for a quick treat.
- Versatile: These cookies can be made for any occasion, from holiday baking to casual snacking or even as a gift.
- Chewy Texture: With a chewy, soft center and slightly crisp edges, these cookies have the perfect texture that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients
- Butter, softened
- Sugar
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Baking cocoa
- Semisweet chocolate chips
- Miniature marshmallows
Variations
This recipe can easily be customized to suit your preferences. Here are some ideas to put your own twist on these cookies:
- Add Nuts: Mix in some chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for extra texture and flavor.
- Use Milk Chocolate: Swap the semisweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter, milder taste.
- Miniature Chocolate Chips: For an extra dose of chocolate, use miniature chocolate chips alongside the marshmallows.
- Flavored Marshmallows: Try using flavored marshmallows like strawberry or caramel to create a unique taste experience.
- Swirl of Peanut Butter: Add a dollop of peanut butter to each cookie before baking to create a delicious peanut butter and chocolate combo.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Cream the butter and sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 2: Add the eggs and vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.
Step 3: Combine dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, stirring until just combined.
Step 4: Divide the dough
Divide the dough into two equal portions.
Step 5: Add cocoa to one portion
To one portion of dough, stir in the baking cocoa until the dough is evenly mixed and fully incorporated.
Step 6: Stir in chocolate chips
In the cocoa dough, add the semisweet chocolate chips and stir to combine.
Step 7: Shape the dough
Shape tablespoon-sized portions of both the chocolate dough and the plain dough into balls. Place each ball on a clean surface.
Step 8: Add the marshmallows
Press a miniature marshmallow into the center of each dough ball, then reshape the dough around the marshmallow to enclose it completely.
Step 9: Place on baking sheets
Arrange the dough balls on ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 10: Bake the cookies
Bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes or until the cookies are set but still soft in the center. They should be slightly puffed and firm around the edges.
Step 11: Cool the cookies
Allow the cookies to cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheets before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t overmix the dough: To keep your cookies soft and chewy, mix the dough just until everything is combined. Overmixing can make them tough.
- Chill the dough: If you have the time, chill the dough for 30 minutes to an hour before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape better and prevents spreading.
- Check for doneness: The cookies may look slightly underdone when you take them out of the oven, but they will continue to cook on the baking sheets once removed. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
- Use room temperature butter: For the best texture, ensure your butter is softened to room temperature before creaming it with the sugars.
How to Serve
These Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl Cookies are perfect on their own, but they can also be paired with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee. Serve them at a holiday gathering, as an after-school snack, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy anytime. They also make great gifts when packaged in a cookie tin or wrapped with festive ribbon.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They will stay soft and chewy, thanks to the marshmallows.
Freezing
These cookies freeze well. To freeze, place the cooled cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked texture, microwave the cookies for a few seconds, or warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 3-5 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping the dough balls.
2. Can I use regular-sized marshmallows?
It’s best to use miniature marshmallows so they fit easily inside the cookie. However, you can cut regular marshmallows into smaller pieces if needed.
3. What if I don’t have brown sugar?
You can substitute light or dark brown sugar with granulated sugar, but the cookies will lack the deep, caramel-like flavor that brown sugar provides.
4. Can I add other fillings?
Absolutely! You can add peanut butter chips, caramel bits, or even a swirl of Nutella to make these cookies even more indulgent.
5. How do I keep the marshmallows from melting too much?
Be sure to enclose the marshmallow completely within the dough to prevent it from melting too much. Also, bake at the recommended time and temperature to keep the marshmallow gooey but not overly melted.
6. Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free. Just make sure to check the texture, as it might vary slightly.
7. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
If the dough spreads too much while baking, try chilling it for 30 minutes before baking to help the cookies maintain their shape.
8. How many cookies does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 36 cookies, depending on the size of the dough balls.
9. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough before baking. Shape the dough balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer bag and bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
10. Can I make these cookies without the marshmallows?
If you prefer, you can omit the marshmallows and still enjoy a delicious chocolate chip cookie with a rich cocoa flavor.
Conclusion
These Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl Cookies offer the perfect blend of rich chocolate, gooey marshmallows, and a soft, chewy texture. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just satisfying a sweet craving, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. With simple ingredients and easy instructions, you’ll have a batch of indulgent cookies ready in no time. Enjoy them warm, share them with loved ones, or gift them to friends—these cookies are sure to impress!
PrintChocolate Marshmallow Swirl Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
Description
These Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl Cookies are soft, chewy, and full of rich chocolate flavor with gooey marshmallows hidden in every bite. The perfect treat for any chocolate lover, these cookies are easy to make and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup baking cocoa
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1–1/2 cups miniature marshmallows
Instructions
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed mixture, mixing well.
- Divide the dough: Divide the dough in half.
- Add cocoa: Add cocoa powder to one half of the dough and mix well to incorporate.
- Stir in chocolate chips: Add the chocolate chips to the cocoa dough and mix.
- Shape the dough: Shape tablespoonfuls of each dough (regular and cocoa) into balls, alternating between the two doughs to create a swirl effect.
- Add marshmallows: Press a marshmallow into the center of each dough ball and reshape the dough around it.
- Place on baking sheet: Place the dough balls 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, or until set.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can sprinkle the cookies with a pinch of sea salt after baking.
- Make sure to let the cookies cool for at least 5 minutes before transferring to racks to prevent them from breaking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes