If you love cookies and marshmallows, then you’re in for a treat! Marshmallow cookies are an irresistible dessert, combining the chewy, gooey texture of marshmallows with the crunchy, buttery goodness of a classic cookie. Whether you’re craving a chocolate version or just want to add a few marshmallows to your favorite cookie dough, this recipe is bound to become a household favorite. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to create delicious marshmallow cookies and provide some helpful tips along the way. Let’s dive right in!
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What Are Marshmallow Cookies?
Marshmallow cookies are exactly what they sound like: cookies that include marshmallows as a key ingredient. These cookies are often known for their chewy texture, with marshmallows adding a soft and gooey bite. The marshmallows melt slightly as they bake, creating a delightful contrast to the crunchy cookie base. Some people love to make chocolate marshmallow cookies, where chunks of chocolate and marshmallows come together in the most indulgent way.
If you’re wondering how marshmallow cookies are different from traditional cookies, the answer lies in the addition of marshmallows, which change the texture and flavor profile. The soft, pillowy marshmallows mix in with the dough to give a deliciously chewy interior. This makes them the perfect treat if you want something beyond your standard chocolate chip cookie.
Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies
Chocolate marshmallow cookies are a special treat that’s sure to become a crowd favorite. The combination of chocolate and marshmallows in a cookie creates a wonderfully rich and indulgent dessert. Chocolate lovers will appreciate the deep, comforting flavor of cocoa mixed with the sweetness of the marshmallows, and the best part is the texture. The marshmallows provide a fun, chewy element, while the chocolate chips or chunks add that extra layer of decadence.
If you’ve ever had the pleasure of biting into a chocolate marshmallow cookie, you’ll know that the melt-in-your-mouth sensation is unlike any other. The gooey marshmallows combined with the slightly crispy edge of the cookie create a treat that’s just perfect for a cozy afternoon snack or a delightful after-dinner dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Marshmallow Cookies
Before you get started, let’s gather all the ingredients needed for this marshmallow cookie recipe. You’ll be amazed at how simple these ingredients are, yet they come together to create a wonderfully flavorful cookie.
For the Marshmallow Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups mini marshmallows (or larger ones, cut in half)
- 1 cup chocolate chips (optional, for a chocolate-marshmallow twist)
These ingredients will create soft, chewy marshmallow cookies that will melt in your mouth. If you’re going for the chocolate marshmallow cookie variation, make sure to add chocolate chips to the dough.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Marshmallow Cookies
Making marshmallow cookies is easier than you might think! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have delicious cookies in no time:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure the cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect cookie texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this could result in dense cookies.
Step 5: Stir in the Marshmallows and Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the mini marshmallows and chocolate chips (if using). Be sure to mix evenly so that every cookie has a good balance of marshmallows and chocolate.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart. These cookies will spread as they bake, so give them room to expand. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. The centers might appear slightly soft, but they will firm up as the cookies cool.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy!
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help them set without falling apart. Once they’ve cooled, you can enjoy your perfect marshmallow cookies.
Tips for Perfecting Your Marshmallow Cookies
While the recipe itself is straightforward, there are a few tips and tricks that will take your marshmallow cookies to the next level:
- Use Fresh Marshmallows: The fresher your marshmallows, the better they will melt during baking. Older marshmallows can become dry and less gooey.
- Don’t Overbake: Marshmallow cookies are meant to be chewy. Be sure to take them out of the oven when the edges are golden and the centers are still soft. Overbaking can result in a dry cookie that doesn’t showcase that gooey marshmallow texture.
- Chill the Dough: If you have time, chilling the cookie dough for 30 minutes to an hour can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking. This is especially useful if you’re working with a dough that’s too soft.
- Use a Mix of Marshmallow Sizes: For extra marshmallow goodness, consider using both mini marshmallows and larger marshmallows (cut into halves). This creates more texture and provides some larger pockets of marshmallow in the cookie.
Other Creative Cookie Ideas with Marshmallows
Marshmallow cookies are so versatile, and once you get the basic recipe down, you can experiment with a variety of flavors. Here are some creative variations to try:
- Peanut Butter Marshmallow Cookies: Add a cup of peanut butter to the dough for a salty-sweet twist.
- S’mores Cookies: Mix in crushed graham crackers and chocolate chunks to make your own s’mores-inspired cookie.
- Mint Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies: Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract and some mint chocolate chips for a refreshing flavor combination.
- Caramel Marshmallow Cookies: Drizzle some caramel sauce over the cookies once they’ve cooled for a rich, gooey finish.
The possibilities are endless, and you can get as creative as you like by adding different mix-ins to your marshmallow cookie dough.
How to Store and Serve Your Marshmallow Cookies
Once your marshmallow cookies have cooled, you’ll want to store them properly to keep them fresh. Here’s how:
- Storage: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them soft and chewy, you can place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies; the bread helps retain moisture.
- Freezing: Marshmallow cookies freeze well if you want to make a batch ahead of time. Just freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container once they’re frozen. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Serving Tips: These cookies are perfect on their own, but you can also serve them with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
FAQs: All About Cookies with Marshmallows
Q: Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini ones?
Yes, you can use large marshmallows, but be sure to cut them into smaller pieces before adding them to the dough. Mini marshmallows melt more evenly throughout the cookie, which is why they’re often preferred in cookie recipes.
Q: Why are my marshmallows not melting properly?
If your marshmallows aren’t melting as expected, it could be because the oven temperature is too low, or they were added too early in the baking process. Make sure you follow the instructions carefully and avoid overbaking.
Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can make marshmallow cookies gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the rest of your ingredients are gluten-free as well.
There you have it a complete guide to making delicious marshmallow cookies! Whether you’re baking the classic version or adding chocolate for an extra layer of flavor, these cookies are sure to delight. I hope this recipe inspires you to get creative and experiment with marshmallows in your baking. Happy baking, and enjoy your sweet treats!