Warm, soft-baked, and loaded with melted chocolate and pillowy marshmallows—these cookies are pure comfort in your hands. Each bite delivers a mix of crisp edges, chewy centers, and melty marshmallow pockets that delight sweet-lover dreams.
If you’re craving a cozy treat that feels indulgent yet straightforward, this recipe delivers bakery-style cookies you can bake at home in under 30 minutes. Perfect for sharing, gifting, or satisfying that cookie jar calling your name.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
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1 cup (220 g) packed brown sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 tsp pure vanilla extract
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3 cups (360 g) all‑purpose flour
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1 tsp baking soda
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½ tsp baking powder
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½ tsp salt
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2 cups (340 g) chocolate chips
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2 cups mini marshmallows
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Line baking sheets with parchment.
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In a large bowl, cream softened butter and both sugars until light and fluffy (~3 min).
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Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
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Whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt; gradually blend into wet mixture.
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Fold in chocolate chips. Gently stir in mini marshmallows, taking care to not crush them.
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Scoop dough by rounded tablespoon onto prepared sheets, spacing 2″ apart.
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Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set and centers look slightly soft.
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Let cookies cool on sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 27 minutes | Kcal: approx. 210 kcal per cookie | Servings: yields about 24 cookies
A Timeless Classic with a Gooey Twist
When it comes to cookies, chocolate chip will forever be a crowd favorite. The comforting aroma, the sweet and slightly salty balance, the warm chocolate—everything about them is nostalgic. But what if we told you this beloved classic could be taken to the next level? Enter: Marshmallow Chocolate Chip Cookies. With gooey, molten marshmallows swirled throughout each cookie, they elevate a traditional treat into something magical. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to add a unique flair to their baking routine while keeping the familiar taste of a chocolate chip cookie intact.
The Origin of Marshmallow Chocolate Chip Cookies
Though traditional chocolate chip cookies date back to the 1930s thanks to Ruth Wakefield of the Toll House Inn, the marshmallow-enhanced version is a modern innovation. Likely born from a love of campfire s’mores and a need for comfort food that’s quick and easy, this version swaps graham crackers for a soft cookie base, resulting in something that’s halfway between a s’more and a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie.
Over the past decade, the marshmallow chocolate chip cookie has seen growing popularity on social media platforms and food blogs. Its visual appeal—those sticky, golden pools of marshmallow surrounded by rich chocolate—is only matched by its flavor. These cookies quickly became a hit with bakers of all skill levels due to their minimal prep time and maximum wow factor.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is all about balance. Marshmallows are known for their high sugar content and tendency to melt, so pairing them with a classic cookie dough that isn’t overly sweet creates harmony. The marshmallows melt into gooey pockets that slightly caramelize around the edges, adding both texture and flavor. Combined with the bittersweet depth of chocolate chips and the softness of the cookie itself, it’s a multi-sensory experience in every bite.
Additionally, the dough’s structure is specifically designed to support the marshmallows. By using a blend of white and brown sugar, the cookie achieves a rich flavor with chewy texture. The brown sugar’s molasses content gives the cookie depth and helps balance the sweet marshmallow bursts.
Texture, Taste, and Visual Appeal
What sets marshmallow chocolate chip cookies apart is their irresistible texture. The exterior is golden and slightly crisp, while the inside remains soft and chewy. Then there are the gooey marshmallows—some stay puffy, others melt into caramelized edges, and a few stretch out in stringy, Instagram-worthy pulls. These cookies don’t just taste good—they look amazing, which is why they’ve become so popular in both home kitchens and bakeries alike.
Taste-wise, they combine three essential elements: sweetness, richness, and a hint of salt. The chocolate brings the richness, the marshmallows contribute a soft, sweet fluffiness, and a pinch of salt enhances everything. Each element plays a key role, and the final result is a cookie that’s far from ordinary.
Perfect Occasions for Marshmallow Chocolate Chip Cookies
These cookies are incredibly versatile. They’re ideal for:
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Holiday cookie trays – Their visual appeal and indulgent taste make them standout additions.
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Kids’ parties – Children love the gooey texture and fun marshmallow surprise.
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Gifting – Pack them in a mason jar or a festive tin for a homemade gift that feels both thoughtful and decadent.
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Bake sales and potlucks – They’re eye-catching and universally loved, ensuring they disappear quickly from any dessert table.
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Movie nights or cozy weekends – There’s something about a warm, gooey cookie that pairs perfectly with a blanket and your favorite film.
Customization and Creative Add-Ins
One of the best things about this cookie is how easily you can make it your own. Want a s’mores vibe? Toss in crushed graham crackers. Craving a little crunch? Add chopped pecans or walnuts. Prefer something fruity? Dried cherries or cranberries add a tart contrast to the sweet cookie. The dough is sturdy enough to handle mix-ins while still maintaining its soft texture.
Some bakers have also experimented with flavored marshmallows (like strawberry or chocolate), chunks of dark chocolate instead of chips, or even stuffing the dough around a whole jumbo marshmallow for an ultra-gooey center. The possibilities are as endless as your creativity.
Storage and Shelf Life
If you manage not to eat them all straight from the tray, these cookies store well at room temperature for about 4–5 days in an airtight container. The marshmallows may slightly harden after a day, but a quick 5-second zap in the microwave brings them right back to life.
For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies or freeze the dough in pre-portioned balls. When you’re ready, pop them in the oven straight from the freezer—just add an extra 1–2 minutes to the baking time. This makes it easy to have fresh, warm cookies on demand.
Common Mistakes and Tips for Success
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Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
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Baking too long will cause the marshmallows to over-melt and harden. Pull the cookies out while they still look slightly underbaked in the center.
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Lining your baking sheet with parchment is key. Marshmallows tend to ooze, and parchment prevents sticky messes.
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Chill the dough if your kitchen is warm. This keeps the cookies from spreading too thin and helps the marshmallows stay put.
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Use mini marshmallows for best distribution. Larger ones tend to burst and make the cookie lose structure.
Dietary Adjustments
For those with dietary restrictions, you can make several swaps:
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Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. These cookies are forgiving with texture, so it works well.
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Dairy-free: Substitute butter with a vegan margarine and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
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Egg-free: Try a flaxseed or chia egg as a binder. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
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Refined sugar-free: Use coconut sugar and maple syrup, though marshmallows will still contain refined sugar unless you use specialty ones.
Kids and Family-Friendly Fun
This recipe is a favorite for baking with kids. From scooping dough to watching the marshmallows puff up in the oven, every step is fun and interactive. It’s also a great way to teach kids about kitchen safety, following instructions, and enjoying the rewards of homemade goodies.
Make it even more engaging by letting them add their own mix-ins, shape the dough into fun forms, or sandwich ice cream between two cookies for the ultimate dessert.
Conclusion
Marshmallow Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful upgrade to a beloved classic. They offer the perfect combination of gooey texture, rich flavor, and nostalgic charm. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a family gathering, or just to satisfy a craving, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Their adaptability, ease of preparation, and crowd-pleasing nature make them a must-have recipe for any home baker. Once you try them, regular chocolate chip cookies might never feel quite as special again.
So fire up that oven, grab a handful of marshmallows, and prepare yourself for a truly unforgettable cookie experience. Happy baking!