If you’re on a quest for the ultimate cookie that magically blends rich chocolate, gooey marshmallow, and an irresistible swirl into every bite, look no further—Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl Cookies will absolutely steal the show. They’re a nostalgic treat with a modern twist, oozing with decadence and childhood campfire joy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Swirled With Nostalgia: Each cookie has luscious pockets of gooey marshmallow that bring back s’more-filled campfire memories—minus the sticky fingers!
- Chocolate Lovers’ Dream: A rich, fudgy dough forms the core of these cookies, making them perfect for anyone who can never get enough chocolate.
- Show-Stopping Swirls: The marshmallow swirl is not just fun to make, it creates gorgeous cookies everyone will be clamoring to photograph—before they vanish!
- Simple Pantry Staples: You don’t need fancy ingredients—just everyday baking basics come together for homemade magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to unforgettable Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl Cookies is a handful of essential ingredients that each bring something special: richness, chewiness, and that signature swirl. While simple, every component works hard to deliver a cookie that’s so much more than the sum of its parts.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure, ensuring your cookies are thick and chewy—not cakey or flat.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers deep, chocolatey flavor without extra sweetness for a true chocolate punch.
- Baking soda: Allows the cookies to spread just the right amount, resulting in crisp edges and soft centers.
- Salt: A tiny pinch makes the chocolate flavor pop and keeps the sweetness in balance.
- Unsalted butter (room temperature): Gives richness while helping create a perfectly tender crumb. Always start with softened butter!
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve those beautifully crisp edges.
- Large eggs (room temperature): Bind everything together and add moisture for a soft, irresistible bite.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with aromatic warmth. Don’t skip the real stuff if you can!
- Marshmallow fluff: The real superstar—this swirls into the dough to create pockets of gooey, sticky-sweet magic in every bite.
Variations
One of the best things about Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl Cookies is how adaptable they are. Don’t be shy about riffing on the classic—these cookies are deliciously open to twists for different flavors, textures, or dietary needs.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Replace a portion of the marshmallow fluff with creamy peanut butter for a decadent, nutty upgrade.
- Gluten-Free Version: Swap the all-purpose flour for a trusted 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for cookies everyone can enjoy.
- Choco-Mint Burst: Add a splash of peppermint extract to the dough and a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies on top for a holiday-ready treat.
- Rocky Road Style: Fold in some chopped toasted walnuts or almonds and mini chocolate chips to echo that classic ice cream flavor.
How to Make Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl Cookies
Step 1: Whisk Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together your flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This helps distribute the cocoa evenly (no big bitter clumps!) and gives your cookies a homogenous, luscious chocolate crumb.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a stand or hand mixer, beat your softened butter and granulated sugar for 3–4 minutes, until it looks pale and fluffy. This step is crucial—the air you whip in here means a lighter texture and perfect bite once baked.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating in between each addition until fully blended before pouring in the vanilla extract. This ensures your dough stays smooth and emulsified, without any streaks or curdling.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry (and Swirl the Marshmallow!)
With your mixer on low, gradually work the dry ingredients into the wet until a soft, chocolaty dough forms—don’t overmix. Either lightly swirl the marshmallow fluff into the dough now for subtle ribbons, or wait until after chilling for a more dramatic swirl in each cookie.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour. This chills the butter (critical for thick cookies), makes the dough easier to handle, and helps those lovely marshmallow swirls stay distinct during baking.
Step 6: Preheat and Prep
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) about 20 minutes before baking. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy release and cleanup.
Step 7: Shape, Swirl, and Fill
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough, rolling into balls. Place 2 inches apart on the sheets, make a little indent in each, spoon in a teaspoon of marshmallow fluff, then use a toothpick to gently swirl the marshmallow—this is where the “swirl” magic happens!
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but centers still look a touch soft. Optionally, dollop a bit more marshmallow on each halfway through for super-gooey, photo-worthy cookies.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Allow to cool on the pan for 5 minutes to let that marshmallow settle, then transfer to a rack to finish cooling. This part is tough—your kitchen will smell divine—but it’s worth the wait!
Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl Cookies
- Marshmallow Swirl Technique: For the dreamiest swirls, use a gentle hand and a toothpick—over-mixing will lose the marbled effect and just blend the fluff away.
- Chill is Key: Don’t rush the chilling! A fully chilled dough means puffy, thick cookies (and less marshmallow mess).
- Dough Portioning: For uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop. This ensures even baking, and all your Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl Cookies will look like they belong in a bakery window.
- Don’t Overbake: The cookies should look just set on the edges and slightly underdone in the center—they’ll firm up as they cool, staying deliciously fudgy inside.
How to Serve Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl Cookies
Garnishes
Give your Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl Cookies a little something extra with a drizzle of melted dark chocolate or a light dusting of powdered sugar—these not only look stunning, but add just the right finishing touch and a pop of flavor.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a mug of hot cocoa, a tall glass of cold milk, or an ice-cold cold brew. For a rich dessert platter, pair with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack these cookies high on a cake stand for bake sales, arrange in gift boxes lined with parchment for the holidays, or slip them into cellophane bags tied with ribbon as unforgettable party favors. They’re guaranteed show-stoppers wherever they land!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl Cookies (if you’re lucky enough to have any!) keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. The marshmallow stays soft, and the cookies stay as tempting on day four as on day one.
Freezing
You can freeze both the dough and the baked cookies! For dough, shape and freeze cookie balls on a tray, then store in a zip-top bag and bake straight from frozen—just add a minute or two extra to the bake time. Baked cookies freeze well for up to three months; thaw at room temperature.
Reheating
To recapture fresh-baked gooeyness, pop a cookie in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. The marshmallow will melt into irresistible puddles, and the chocolate aroma will fill your kitchen all over again!
FAQs
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Can I use mini marshmallows instead of marshmallow fluff?
Mini marshmallows can work in a pinch, but they tend to melt and disappear into the dough, giving you less of that dramatic swirl. Marshmallow fluff stays gooier and creates more striking ribbons in your Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl Cookies.
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How do I prevent the marshmallow from melting out of the cookies?
Chilling your dough thoroughly is key. Also, be gentle with swirling—the goal is to create pockets, not huge exposed pools, so the marshmallow stays nestled as the cookies bake.
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Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! This recipe scales up beautifully. Just be sure to work in batches when swirling and baking, so every batch of Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl Cookies gets the love and attention they deserve.
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Why are my cookies spreading too much?
If your cookies are spreading thin, it’s often because the dough wasn’t chilled long enough or your butter was too soft to start. Go for a full hour of chilling, and make sure butter is just room temp—not melty or greasy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a cookie that delivers big comfort, rich chocolatey flavor, and a splash of marshmallow magic, you just have to try Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl Cookies. They’re as wonderful to bake as they are to share—so go ahead, whip up a batch and experience the swirl for yourself!
PrintChocolate Marshmallow Swirl Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these decadent Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl Cookies that are a perfect blend of rich cocoa, fluffy marshmallow, and sweet vanilla. These cookies are a delightful treat for chocolate lovers and ideal for gatherings or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup marshmallow fluff
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Use an electric mixer to cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mix until dough forms. Swirl in marshmallow fluff.
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerate dough for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking sheets.
- Form Cookies: Roll chilled dough into balls, make an indent, add marshmallow fluff, and swirl.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes until set.
- Cool on Pan: Cool on baking sheet before transferring to wire rack.
Notes
- You can customize these cookies by adding nuts or chocolate chips.
- For a gooier center, add extra marshmallow fluff on top of the cookies before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg