Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini marshmallows (or regular marshmallows, cut in half)
- 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers (optional, for a s’mores twist)
- 1/4 cup hot chocolate mix (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Prepare the cookie dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, beating until fully incorporated.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and hot chocolate mix (if using). Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Add chocolate chips: Stir in the mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Shape the cookies: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Add marshmallows: Press a few mini marshmallows into the top of each cookie dough ball. If you’re adding graham crackers, sprinkle a small amount on top of the marshmallows.
- Bake the cookies: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set, but the centers are still soft. Be careful not to overbake. The marshmallows will puff up and start to brown slightly, creating that perfect hot chocolate look.
- Cool and dust (optional): Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a snowy, festive touch!
Notes:
- If you like your cookies extra gooey, underbake them slightly, as they will firm up as they cool.
- You can use regular marshmallows cut in half, but mini marshmallows are easier to incorporate and melt beautifully.
- For a s’mores-inspired flavor, add some crushed graham crackers to the dough before baking.
- These cookies freeze well! Simply freeze the dough balls and bake straight from the freezer—just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Nutrition (per cookie):
- Calories: 200
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 18g
