Baking cookies is one of life’s simple joys, and Chocolate Chip Marshmallow Cookies add a gooey twist to the classic favorite. This beginner-friendly recipe shows you how to create chewy, chocolatey cookies with melty marshmallows that will delight any sweet tooth.
Whether you’re a baking enthusiast or a novice, this guide ensures success with step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and fun variations to customize your batch. Let’s dive in and make these irresistible treats!
Table of Contents
What Are Chocolate Chip Marshmallow Cookies?
Chocolate Chip Marshmallow Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie. These treats combine the richness of semi-sweet chocolate chips with the gooey sweetness of marshmallows, creating a texture that’s crispy on the edges and soft in the middle.
Why They’re Special
- Unique Texture: The marshmallows caramelize during baking, adding a chewy, slightly crisp bite.
- Enhanced Flavor: The combination of chocolate and marshmallow evokes the comforting taste of s’mores, without the campfire.
- Easy to Customize: You can mix in additional flavors, like nuts or flavored chips, to make them your own.
These cookies are perfect for special occasions, bake sales, or a cozy evening at home. If you’re looking for a fun and foolproof recipe, this is it!
Essential Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Marshmallow Cookies
To make the perfect Chocolate Chip Marshmallow Cookies, you’ll need a mix of classic baking staples and a few key ingredients that make this recipe stand out.
Main Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour (2 ¼ cups): Provides structure to the cookies.
- Baking Soda (1 tsp): Helps the cookies rise for a soft, chewy texture.
- Salt (½ tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): Adds richness and ensures the cookies stay moist.
- Brown Sugar (¾ cup): Contributes to the chewy texture and adds a caramel-like flavor.
- Granulated Sugar (½ cup): Balances the sweetness and creates crisp edges.
- Vanilla Extract (2 tsp): Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Eggs (2 large): Binds the ingredients and gives the cookies structure.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1 ½ cups): The star ingredient, adding bursts of chocolatey goodness.
- Mini Marshmallows (1 cup): Create gooey pockets that caramelize beautifully in the oven.
Ingredient Substitutes
- Butter: Swap with coconut oil or plant-based margarine for a dairy-free version.
- Brown Sugar: Use coconut sugar or dark muscovado for a richer flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: Replace with white chocolate, dark chocolate, or butterscotch chips.
- Flour: Substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour to make this recipe gluten-friendly.
Equipment You’ll Need
To ensure a smooth baking experience, gather these essential tools before you start making your Chocolate Chip Marshmallow Cookies.
Baking Tools Checklist
- Mixing Bowls: One large and one medium-sized bowl for wet and dry ingredients.
- Electric Mixer: A hand mixer or stand mixer for creaming the butter and sugar.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurement of ingredients.
- Rubber Spatula: To scrape down the sides of the bowl and fold in the chocolate chips and marshmallows.
- Baking Sheets: Use two large baking sheets lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cookie Scoop: Ensures evenly sized cookies for uniform baking.
- Wire Cooling Rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly and prevents overbaking on the pan.
Tips for Equipment Preparation
- Pre-Line Baking Sheets: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper before mixing the dough.
- Room Temperature Butter: Use softened butter to make mixing easier and more efficient.
- Cooling Rack Position: Keep the cooling rack ready near your baking area for quick cookie transfer.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Chocolate Chip Marshmallow Cookies
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Chocolate Chip Marshmallow Cookies. This process ensures your cookies come out perfectly gooey, chewy, and full of flavor.
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Station
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together:
- 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp of baking soda
- ½ tsp of salt
- Set aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the following until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes):
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in 2 tsp of vanilla extract until combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Do not overmix; this helps keep the cookies soft.
Step 5: Fold in the Mix-Ins
- Gently fold in:
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- Use a spatula to ensure even distribution.
Step 6: Scoop and Arrange
- Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Avoid overbaking; the centers should remain soft for that gooey texture.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, as they will continue to firm up.
- Transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely before serving.
Baking Tips
- If the marshmallows spread too much during baking, gently nudge them back into the cookie shape with a spoon while still warm.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes if your kitchen is warm to prevent excessive spreading.
Tips for Perfect Chocolate Chip Marshmallow Cookies
Crafting the perfect Chocolate Chip Marshmallow Cookies is all about technique and attention to detail. These tips will ensure your cookies are soft, chewy, and irresistible every time.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
- Measure Ingredients Accurately
- Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour. Too much flour can result in dense cookies.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough
- Overmixing can develop too much gluten, making the cookies tough. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
- Chill the Dough if Necessary
- If your dough feels sticky or too soft, refrigerate it for 20-30 minutes. This step prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Handle Marshmallows with Care
- Mini marshmallows can melt and stick to the pan. Ensure they’re well-covered by dough or fold them in gently for even distribution.
- Monitor Baking Time
- Keep a close eye on the cookies in the oven. Bake until edges are golden brown and centers are slightly soft for the best texture.
Best Storage Tips
- Cool Completely Before Storing
- Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack to prevent condensation inside the storage container.
- Use an Airtight Container
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Separate Layers with Parchment Paper
- If stacking cookies, place parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
- Freeze for Longer Storage
- Freeze the cookies in a zip-top freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven before serving.
Expert Techniques
- Caramelization Hack: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on the dough balls before baking to enhance the flavor and balance the sweetness.
- Double Batch Tip: Prepare a double batch of dough and freeze half for a quick cookie fix later.
- Shaping Perfection: If your cookies spread unevenly, use a round cutter or spoon to shape them immediately after removing from the oven.
Variations to Try
While the classic Chocolate Chip Marshmallow Cookies recipe is delightful on its own, experimenting with variations can make these cookies even more exciting. Here are some fun and creative twists to try:
Gluten-Free Option
- Ingredient Adjustments
- Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour.
- Ensure that the baking soda and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Tips for Success
- Add ½ tsp of xanthan gum if your gluten-free flour blend doesn’t include it.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to help it hold its shape better during baking.
Vegan Recipe Ideas
- Dairy and Egg Replacements
- Use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of unsalted butter.
- Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water per egg).
- Marshmallow Alternative
- Opt for vegan mini marshmallows that are gelatin-free and plant-based.
- Chocolate Substitutes
- Use dairy-free chocolate chips to keep the recipe entirely vegan.
S’mores-Inspired Cookies
- Add Crushed Graham Crackers
- Mix ½ cup of crushed graham crackers into the dough for a true s’mores flavor.
- Layer Technique
- Press a small piece of chocolate bar into the center of each cookie dough ball before baking.
Nutty Variations
- Pecan or Walnut Mix-Ins
- Add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for a crunchy contrast.
- Nut Butter Swirl
- Drizzle a teaspoon of peanut butter or almond butter on top of each dough ball before baking.
Festive Flavors
- Peppermint Twist
- Add ½ tsp of peppermint extract to the dough and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top before baking.
- Cinnamon-Spice Cookies
- Add 1 tsp of ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.
Looking for more easy and creative cookie recipes? Try our Pancake Mix Cookies: The Quick and Easy Recipe for a fun twist on traditional baking using simple pantry ingredients!
Serving Suggestions
Chocolate Chip Marshmallow Cookies are versatile treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some fun and creative serving ideas to elevate your cookie experience.
Classic Pairings
- With Milk
- Serve warm cookies with a tall glass of cold milk for the ultimate comfort snack.
- With Coffee or Hot Chocolate
- Pair your cookies with a cup of hot coffee or a rich hot chocolate topped with whipped cream for a cozy indulgence.
Elevated Dessert Ideas
- Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Place a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two cookies for a decadent dessert.
- Cookie Crumble Parfait
- Layer crumbled cookies with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and marshmallows in a glass for a beautiful parfait.
- S’mores-Inspired Dessert
- Add a toasted marshmallow and a square of chocolate between two cookies for a s’mores-style treat.
Party Presentation
- Cookie Platter
- Arrange cookies with fresh fruit, nuts, and chocolates on a serving platter for a stunning party centerpiece.
- Dessert Bar
- Offer different cookie variations and toppings like sprinkles, caramel drizzle, or dipping chocolate for a customizable experience.
Creative Kid-Friendly Ideas
- Mini Cookie Pops
- Insert lollipop sticks into mini cookies before baking for a fun and portable treat.
- Decorating Activity
- Let kids decorate the cookies with colorful icing or edible glitter for a hands-on activity.
Seasonal Touches
- Holiday Themes
- Use holiday-themed cookie cutters and add festive sprinkles for seasonal celebrations.
- Summer Treats
- Crumble cookies over a bowl of summer fruit salad or frozen yogurt for a refreshing dessert.
Curious about the science behind cookies? Explore The Chemistry of Baking Cookies by Science of Cooking to understand how ingredients work together to create the perfect texture and flavor.
Nutritional Information
Below is the approximate nutritional breakdown for one Chocolate Chip Marshmallow Cookie (based on a recipe yielding 24 cookies). Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient brands and serving sizes.
| Nutrient | Amount per Cookie | Daily Value (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 170 kcal | 9% |
| Total Fat | 8 g | 10% |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 25 mg | 8% |
| Sodium | 70 mg | 3% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 23 g | 8% |
| Sugars | 15 g | — |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 g | 4% |
| Protein | 2 g | 4% |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% |
| Calcium | 15 mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0.7 mg | 4% |
Notes:
- Reduced Calorie Version: Substitute half the butter with unsweetened applesauce to lower fat content.
- Higher Protein Option: Add a scoop of protein powder to the dry ingredients for an extra protein boost.
Final Thoughts
Chocolate Chip Marshmallow Cookies are the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth while adding a fun, gooey twist to a beloved classic. This beginner-friendly recipe ensures success with simple ingredients, clear steps, and plenty of tips to achieve bakery-quality results at home.
Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, experimenting with variations, or simply indulging in a sweet craving, these cookies never fail to impress. Their versatility, from festive spins to vegan adaptations, makes them suitable for all occasions and preferences.
So preheat your oven, grab your ingredients, and start baking these delightful cookies that are sure to become a household favorite. Enjoy every gooey, chocolatey bite!
FAQs
Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?
Yes, but it’s recommended to cut regular marshmallows into smaller pieces to ensure even distribution and better integration into the cookie dough.
Why do my cookies spread too much in the oven?
This often happens if the butter is too warm or the dough wasn’t chilled. Refrigerating the dough for 20-30 minutes can help cookies hold their shape better during baking.
What is the cookie with marshmallow and chocolate called?
Chocolate Chip Marshmallow Cookies.
What is the hardest cookie to make?
Macarons are considered the hardest due to precise techniques required.