Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl Cookies – A Sweet, Swirly Delight

There’s something magical about the combination of chocolate and marshmallow, especially when they come together in a beautifully swirled cookie. These Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl Cookies are the perfect fusion of two classic flavors—rich chocolate and sweet, fluffy marshmallow—baked into soft, chewy cookies that are as fun to look at as they are to eat.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these cookies are surprisingly simple to make. The swirling effect might look intricate, but it’s easy to achieve with just a little creativity and a few simple steps. Plus, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering, from holiday parties to casual get-togethers. And let’s be honest: who could resist a cookie that looks this good?

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

1. Beautiful Swirls: The striking chocolate and marshmallow swirl pattern makes these cookies look like they came from a fancy bakery, but they’re easy enough to make at home.
2. Rich Chocolate Flavor: The chocolate cookie dough is made with high-quality cocoa powder, delivering a deep, satisfying chocolate flavor in every bite.
3. Fluffy Marshmallow Texture: Instead of just adding marshmallows to the dough, these cookies use a marshmallow-flavored swirl, which gives the cookies a soft, pillowy texture that complements the chewiness of the chocolate dough.
4. Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re making these cookies for a holiday cookie exchange, a bake sale, or just for fun, they’re sure to impress.
5. Customizable: You can get creative with these cookies by trying different flavor combinations, such as adding a peanut butter swirl or even a hint of peppermint during the holidays.

Ingredients

To make these delicious cookies, you’ll need two main components: the chocolate dough and the marshmallow swirl. Here’s everything you’ll need:

Chocolate Dough

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened, preferably Dutch-processed for a richer flavor)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Marshmallow Swirl

• 1 cup marshmallow fluff or marshmallow creme
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Add-ins

• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (for extra chocolaty goodness)
• Crushed graham crackers (for a s’mores twist)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Chocolate Dough

1. Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Continue mixing until fully combined.
3. Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, beating on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
4. Chill the dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape while baking and enhances the flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Marshmallow Swirl

1. Make the marshmallow swirl: In a medium bowl, whisk together the marshmallow fluff, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. The mixture should be thick and sticky, but easy to spread.

Step 3: Form the Cookie Dough Swirls

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Roll the dough balls: Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of chocolate cookie dough and roll it into a ball. Flatten the ball slightly between your palms to form a disc. Repeat with the remaining dough.
3. Add the marshmallow swirl: Using a small spoon, drop a dollop of the marshmallow mixture onto the center of each dough disc. Use the back of the spoon or a toothpick to gently swirl the marshmallow into the chocolate dough, creating a marbled pattern. You don’t need to overdo it—just a few swirls will create a beautiful effect.
4. Optional: If you’re using mini chocolate chips or crushed graham crackers, you can gently press a few into the top of each cookie for added texture and flavor.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

1. Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly puffed. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake them.
2. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl Cookies

1. Chill the Dough

Chilling the cookie dough is essential for achieving a good texture and shape. Since butter is the primary fat in the dough, it can cause the cookies to spread too much if the dough is too warm. By chilling it for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight), you’ll get a firmer dough that holds its shape and creates that perfect chewy texture.

2. Don’t Overbake

One of the secrets to soft, chewy cookies is to avoid overbaking them. The cookies should look slightly underdone when you take them out of the oven, especially in the center. They’ll continue to cook and firm up as they cool, so taking them out when the edges are set but the centers are soft is key.

3. Use Marshmallow Fluff, Not Mini Marshmallows

While it might be tempting to use mini marshmallows in this recipe, they can melt unevenly and create gaps in the cookies. Marshmallow fluff (or marshmallow creme) gives you a much smoother swirl and holds up better during baking.

4. Customize the Swirls

If you want to get creative, try adding a second swirl to your cookies! Peanut butter, caramel, or even a peppermint swirl during the holiday season can add an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal. Simply mix the additional swirl ingredients together and add them in alongside the marshmallow.

Variations to Try

While the classic chocolate and marshmallow combination is irresistible on its own, there are plenty of ways to customize these cookies to fit your taste or the occasion:

1. Peanut Butter Swirl

For a chocolate-peanut butter twist, replace half of the marshmallow fluff with creamy peanut butter. You’ll get a delicious combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and marshmallow in each bite.

2. S’mores Cookies

Take these cookies to the next level by turning them into s’mores-inspired treats. Add some crushed graham crackers to the cookie dough or sprinkle them on top before baking. You can also sandwich a roasted marshmallow between two cookies for an extra indulgent s’mores experience.

3. Holiday Peppermint

For a festive touch, add a few drops of peppermint extract to the chocolate dough and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top of the cookies before baking. The minty flavor pairs wonderfully with the rich chocolate.

4. Nutella Swirl

If you’re a fan of Nutella (and who isn’t?), you can add a swirl of the chocolate-hazelnut spread to these cookies. Mix the Nutella with a bit of powdered sugar to thicken it before swirling it into the dough for a double chocolate experience.

Storing and Freezing the Cookies

Storing

These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Be sure to let them cool completely before storing them to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Freezing

If you want to make a big batch and save some for later, these cookies freeze beautifully! Once the cookies are fully cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour. Once they’re firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy them, let the cookies thaw at room temperature for 10-15 minutes, or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up.

Freezing the Dough

You can also freeze the cookie dough before baking. Simply roll the dough into balls, flatten them slightly, and add the marshmallow swirl. Freeze the unbaked cookies on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just add a minute or two to the baking time (no need to thaw the dough first).

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are perfect on their own, but if you want to get a little creative with how you serve them, here are a few fun ideas:

1. Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use these cookies to make indulgent ice cream sandwiches! Simply sandwich a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies for the ultimate dessert.
2. Crumbled Over Desserts: Crumble the cookies over a bowl of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a delicious cookie-topping twist.
3. S’mores Upgrade: Make an epic s’mores by using two Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl Cookies instead of graham crackers. Add a roasted marshmallow and a piece of chocolate, and you’re in for a treat!
4. Hot Chocolate Dippers: Serve these cookies alongside a mug of hot chocolate for the perfect winter treat. The marshmallow swirl pairs beautifully with the rich, chocolaty drink.

The Perfect Cookie for Any Occasion

Whether you’re baking for a special event or just looking for a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee, Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl Cookies are a crowd-pleaser. Their striking swirls make them a showstopper, while their rich chocolate flavor and soft, chewy texture keep everyone coming back for more.

The best part? These cookies are versatile enough for any season or occasion. You can stick to the classic chocolate-marshmallow combination or try one of the many variations to suit your tastes. Either way, you’ll be creating a batch of cookies that looks incredible and tastes even better.