vegan marshmallows Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies Recipe

Indulge in a delightful treat with our vegan marshmallows Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies Recipe. These cookies combine the rich flavors of hot cocoa and chocolate with gooey vegan marshmallows, making them perfect for festive occasions or cozy nights at home. With their soft texture and melted chocolate topping, these cookies are sure to impress your friends and family!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate cookie dough and vegan marshmallows creates a rich, indulgent taste that satisfies any sweet tooth.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these cookies quickly, even if you’re a beginner baker.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering, a birthday party, or just a rainy day treat, these cookies are versatile enough for any celebration.
• Vegan-Friendly: Enjoy delicious cookies without animal products, making them suitable for those following a plant-based lifestyle.
• Great for Sharing: Bake a batch and share them with friends or family; they make excellent gifts or sweet additions to any dessert table.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin baking these delicious cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and ensure success.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool saves time when creaming butter and sugars together, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
• Baking sheets: A must-have for even baking; they provide the perfect surface for your cookie creations.

Ingredients

To make your delectable vegan marshmallows Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies, gather the following ingredients:

For the Cookie Dough

• 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 and 1/2 cups (188g) all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled
• 1/3 cup (27g) natural unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup (40g) dry hot cocoa mix
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons (10ml) milk, any kind (dairy or nondairy)

For Topping

• 10–11 large vegan marshmallows, cut in half
• 8 ounces (226g) semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped

How to Make vegan marshmallows Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Beat the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together on medium-high speed until fluffy and light in color, about 2–3 minutes.

Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla

Add in the egg and pure vanilla extract. Beat on high speed until combined. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, hot cocoa mix, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Beat on low until combined. The cookie dough will be thick. Finally, beat in the milk until mixed thoroughly.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Chilling is imperative for this sticky cookie dough. Refrigerate it for at least an hour to help firm it up.

Step 5: Prepare Baking Sheets

Line large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside while you prepare your cookie dough balls.

Step 6: Form Cookie Balls

Scoop portions of dough using a heaping tablespoon (about 25–26g each) into balls. Arrange them 2–3 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets.

Step 7: Press in Marshmallows

Remove the cookies from the oven after initial baking. Lightly press half of a vegan marshmallow into each cookie’s top. Return them to bake for an additional 2 minutes. When done, gently press down on each marshmallow using the back of a spoon to flatten slightly.

Step 8: Cool Cookies

Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely after removing them from the oven.

Step 9: Melt Chocolate Topping

Melt the chopped semi-sweet chocolate using either a double boiler or microwave. In the microwave method, heat chocolate in short increments (20 seconds), stirring after each until completely melted.

Step 10: Drizzle Chocolate

Spoon melted chocolate over each cooled cookie topped with vegan marshmallows. Allow chocolate to set at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes before stacking or storing cookies.

Now you have delicious vegan marshmallows Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies ready to enjoy!

How to Serve vegan marshmallows Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies Recipe

These vegan marshmallows Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or simply indulging yourself, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

Perfect with a Warm Beverage

• Hot Chocolate: Pair these cookies with a steaming cup of rich hot chocolate for the ultimate cozy treat.
• Coffee: Enjoy alongside your favorite coffee blend to balance the sweetness of the cookies.

Creative Serving Ideas

• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Place a scoop of dairy-free ice cream between two cookies for a delicious dessert twist.
• Cookie Platter: Arrange them on a platter with fresh fruits and nuts for an eye-catching dessert display.

Fun Presentation Tips

• Sprinkle Toppings: Add crushed nuts or sprinkles on top of the melted chocolate for an extra layer of flavor and color.
• Personalized Packaging: Gift them in decorative bags or boxes, perfect for sharing during holidays or celebrations.

How to Perfect vegan marshmallows Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies Recipe

To ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips. They will help you achieve the best flavor and texture.

• Chill the Dough: Chilling is crucial for preventing sticky dough. It makes it easier to scoop and shape your cookies.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation and fluffiness.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into measuring cups rather than scooping directly to avoid dense cookies.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on baking time; remove cookies when edges look firm but centers remain soft for chewy texture.
• Experiment with Mix-Ins: Try adding dairy-free chocolate chips or nuts for added flavor and crunch.
• Store Properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness and softness.

Best Side Dishes for vegan marshmallows Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies Recipe

These vegan marshmallows Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These provide a rich chocolatey contrast while keeping it light and refreshing.
3. Nutty Granola: Serve with yogurt or milk; its crunch complements the soft texture of the cookies well.
4. Mini Fruit Tarts: The tartness from fresh fruit tarts contrasts beautifully with sweet cookies, creating a balanced dessert table.
5. Dairy-Free Milkshakes: Blend up some creamy milkshakes to create a fun pairing that kids will love!
6. Coconut Whipped Cream: A dollop of this fluffy topping adds extra luxury without overpowering the cookie’s flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making vegan marshmallows Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies, it’s easy to make some common errors. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:

• Not chilling the dough: Chilling is crucial for thickening the cookie dough. Without it, your cookies may spread too much during baking.
• Skipping the marshmallow pressing step: Failing to press the marshmallows into the cookies can lead to uneven melting and a less appealing presentation. Always press them down lightly after adding.
• Using cold ingredients: Starting with cold butter or eggs can affect the texture of your cookies. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for optimal results.
• Overbaking the cookies: Baking for too long can make your cookies hard instead of soft and chewy. Keep an eye on them and bake until just set.
• Ignoring chocolate melting tips: If you don’t melt chocolate properly, it can seize or burn. Use short bursts in the microwave and stir often for smoothness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store vegan marshmallows Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing vegan marshmallows Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies Recipe

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight freezer bag.
• They can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating vegan marshmallows Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries about vegan marshmallows Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies that might help you out!

Can I use cocoa powder instead of hot cocoa mix?

Yes, you can substitute cocoa powder with more sweetener if needed since hot cocoa mix usually contains sugar.

How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

Simply replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, ensuring it has xanthan gum or another binding agent.

What are some variations of vegan marshmallows Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies?

You can add nuts, swap chocolate chips for chunks, or experiment with different flavors of extracts like almond or mint!

Can I use store-bought vegan marshmallows?

Absolutely! Store-bought options save time and work perfectly in this recipe.

Final Thoughts

These vegan marshmallows Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile! You can customize them by adding nuts or different types of chocolate. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!