These Chocolate Marshmallow Pillow Cookies are a delicious treat that combines the richness of chocolate with the gooeyness of marshmallows, all wrapped up in a soft, chewy cookie. The cocoa powder and chocolate chips create a deep chocolate flavor, while the mini marshmallows add a delightful surprise with each bite. These cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want to indulge in a homemade dessert. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and irresistible combination of flavors, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Chocolatey and Gooey
The combination of cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and marshmallows makes these cookies decadently chocolatey, with gooey marshmallows in every bite.
2. Soft and Chewy Texture
The cookies have a soft, pillowy texture thanks to the right balance of butter and sugar, making them incredibly satisfying to bite into.
3. Quick and Easy to Make
With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cooking time of only 10 minutes, these cookies come together in no time, perfect for when you need a sweet treat in a hurry.
4. Perfect for Any Occasion
These cookies are versatile enough to be made for holiday gatherings, parties, or a simple afternoon snack with friends and family.
5. Kid-Friendly
The marshmallows and chocolate make these cookies a hit with kids. It’s a fun treat that’s as enjoyable to bake as it is to eat.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Mini marshmallows
Variations
- Add Nuts: You can incorporate chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
- Use White Chocolate: For a different twist, replace the semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips.
- Go for Bigger Marshmallows: If you prefer larger marshmallow chunks, cut regular-sized marshmallows into smaller pieces and fold them into the dough.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and light in texture.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring that each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed mixture, stirring until just combined.
Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips and Marshmallows
Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and mini marshmallows, being careful not to overwork the dough.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the cookies have a soft center.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined to avoid tough cookies.
- Use Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming and a smoother cookie dough.
- Space Out the Dough: Leave enough space between each spoonful of dough on the baking sheet to allow the cookies to spread as they bake.
- Monitor the Bake Time: Keep a close eye on the cookies toward the end of the baking time to prevent them from becoming too firm.
How to Serve
These cookies are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of milk for an extra indulgent treat. They also pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of cold brew.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They’ll stay soft and fresh, ready to enjoy whenever you want.
Freezing
These cookies freeze wonderfully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a resealable bag or airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To enjoy the cookies warm, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or heat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can substitute margarine, but the texture may vary slightly, as butter provides a richer flavor.
2. Can I use regular-sized marshmallows?
While mini marshmallows work best, you can chop regular marshmallows into smaller pieces and use them in the recipe.
3. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour, though the texture might be slightly different.
4. Can I add more chocolate chips?
Definitely! Feel free to add more chocolate chips if you want an even richer chocolate flavor.
5. How can I prevent the marshmallows from melting completely?
Marshmallows may melt while baking, but they should still keep their soft texture. To minimize melting, you can slightly underbake the cookies.
6. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Roll it into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a bag and store for up to 3 months.
7. Can I make these cookies without brown sugar?
Yes, you can substitute the brown sugar with more granulated sugar, though this may affect the flavor and texture slightly.
8. How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies should have slightly firm edges and a soft center. If they are still soft in the center, that’s okay— they will firm up as they cool.
9. How many cookies does this recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately 24 cookies, depending on the size of your dough scoops.
10. Can I use other flavorings like almond or mint extract?
Yes, you can experiment with other extracts to add a twist to the flavor, such as almond or mint extract, but keep the amount to a teaspoon.
Conclusion
Chocolate Marshmallow Pillow Cookies offer a sweet, chocolate-filled surprise with every bite. The combination of gooey marshmallows and rich chocolate makes them a favorite for all ages. Whether you’re sharing them with friends, enjoying a cozy treat at home, or bringing them to a gathering, these cookies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Their soft, chewy texture and delightful marshmallow center make them truly irresistible!
PrintChocolate Marshmallow Pillow Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
These soft and chewy cookies are a delightful treat, packed with semi-sweet chocolate chips and gooey mini marshmallows. The cocoa powder gives them a rich chocolate flavor, making these cookies a perfect indulgence for any chocolate lover.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Gradually mix this dry mixture into the creamed butter and sugar mixture.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and mini marshmallows.
- Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the cookies are soft in the center.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- These cookies are best enjoyed warm when the marshmallows are still soft and gooey.
- For extra chewiness, slightly underbake the cookies, keeping them soft in the center.
- If you want a stronger marshmallow flavor, you can use large marshmallows, cut into smaller pieces.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes