The irresistible combination of soft, fudgy chocolate cookie dough and swirls of melty marshmallow makes these Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl Cookies a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Rich cocoa and creamy vanilla meet a delightful marshmallow swirl that caramelizes just enough in the oven to give each bite a chewy, gooey texture. Perfect for cozy weekends, dessert tables, or sharing with friends, these cookies are as visually stunning as they are delicious. Whether you’re making a batch for the holidays or a rainy Sunday bake, this recipe brings warmth and indulgence to any moment.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 cup packed light brown sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 tbsp vanilla extract
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2 ½ cups 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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¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
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1 ½ cups mini marshmallows
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½ cup marshmallow fluff
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
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Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until well combined.
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Fold in chocolate chips and mini marshmallows.
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Using a spoon or scoop, place dough balls on the prepared baking sheets. Gently swirl about ½ tsp of marshmallow fluff onto the top of each cookie using a toothpick or knife.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set and centers look slightly underbaked.
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Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 27 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 24 cookies
A Rich Backstory of Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl Cookies
Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl Cookies bring back fond memories of campfires, cozy kitchens, and the irresistible combination of chocolate and marshmallows—a pairing that’s been loved for generations. Rooted in the timeless tradition of s’mores and hot cocoa, these cookies carry a nostalgic charm while offering a modern twist. They merge the comfort of homemade chocolate cookies with the dreamy melt-in-your-mouth texture of marshmallows and a visual appeal from the signature swirl. Whether you’re baking for kids, adults, or a holiday event, these cookies have a way of delighting anyone who takes a bite.
These cookies evolved from the classic chocolate chip recipe but were elevated with the incorporation of both mini marshmallows and marshmallow fluff. That dual marshmallow technique is what gives the cookies their standout gooey texture and dramatic swirl, making them visually stunning and texturally addictive. The inspiration? The cozy essence of wintertime hot chocolate and the joyful messiness of roasted marshmallows—transformed into handheld treats.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
What sets this recipe apart is its thoughtful balance between simplicity and indulgence. The use of both brown and granulated sugar provides a chewy, rich texture while keeping the cookie soft and moist in the center. The cocoa powder intensifies the chocolate flavor without overpowering it, while semi-sweet chocolate chips add pockets of melty chocolate in every bite.
The magic of the swirl lies in the marshmallow fluff added just before baking. As the cookies bake, the fluff caramelizes slightly, giving the top a gorgeous swirl while also adding a chewy contrast to the soft interior. Mini marshmallows folded into the dough provide gooey, unexpected bursts of sweetness, creating a cookie that’s complex in texture and flavor without being complicated to make.
The Science Behind the Gooey Center
Achieving that perfect soft-and-gooey center is all about ratios and timing. Using two sticks of butter adds necessary fat that not only enhances flavor but also gives the cookie its soft, melt-in-your-mouth crumb. Chilling the dough isn’t necessary in this case—thanks to the precise flour-to-fat ratio, the cookies naturally hold their shape while spreading just enough to develop crisp edges.
The marshmallow fluff behaves differently than mini marshmallows during baking—it doesn’t fully melt away. Instead, it caramelizes just slightly, giving a beautiful golden swirl. Combined, these two types of marshmallow deliver a multi-layered gooey texture that’s hard to resist. Baking them for only 10–12 minutes ensures the centers stay soft while the edges offer a subtle crunch for contrast.
Perfect for All Occasions
These Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl Cookies aren’t just for casual snacking—they shine in almost any setting. From birthday parties and bake sales to holiday cookie trays and corporate events, these cookies offer a crowd-pleasing option that looks as impressive as it tastes. Their aesthetic appeal alone makes them a social media favorite, but once tasted, their texture and flavor make them unforgettable.
They also make excellent gifts. Wrap them in wax paper and place in a decorative tin, and you have a thoughtful, homemade present for holidays, housewarmings, or teacher appreciation days. Their shelf-life is ideal too; they stay soft for several days when stored in an airtight container, and they can be frozen for later enjoyment.
Great for Beginners and Experienced Bakers Alike
One of the best features of this recipe is its accessibility. Even novice bakers can achieve professional-looking results. The instructions are straightforward, the ingredients are pantry staples, and the margin for error is low. For those who like experimenting, the recipe is also highly adaptable—add crushed graham crackers for a true s’mores vibe, or use white chocolate chips for a contrast in color and flavor.
For more seasoned bakers, these cookies offer an excellent canvas for showcasing piping or swirling techniques, or even sandwiching two cookies with additional marshmallow fluff for an indulgent double-decker version. You could also make them extra festive by using colored marshmallows or adding sprinkles.
Healthier Modifications and Dietary Options
While this recipe is pure indulgence, it can easily be tweaked for various dietary needs. To reduce refined sugar, you can substitute with coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener (though results may vary slightly in texture). For a gluten-free version, simply swap in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The buttery richness of this recipe allows it to adapt well without compromising flavor.
Vegan? No problem. Plant-based butter, egg substitutes like flaxseed meal or aquafaba, and vegan marshmallows/marshmallow cream work beautifully in this dough. These small changes can transform the recipe into a fully vegan dessert without sacrificing its gooey charm.
What Makes These Cookies So Popular Online
If you’ve noticed these cookies trending on TikTok or Instagram, it’s no coincidence. Their hypnotic marshmallow swirls and gooey chocolate chunks make them a favorite among food photographers and influencers. They’re visually irresistible, which is key for platforms driven by aesthetics, but they also have that nostalgic comfort food appeal.
Additionally, the viral factor lies in the “pull-apart” moment—when a cookie is torn in half to reveal the marshmallow strings stretching between both sides. That kind of visual drama practically demands a video or photo moment, and viewers love it.
Conclusion
Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl Cookies are the perfect fusion of taste, texture, and visual delight. With their rich chocolate flavor, gooey marshmallow pockets, and eye-catching swirls, they embody everything a great cookie should be. Easy enough for beginners, adaptable for dietary preferences, and beloved by kids and adults alike, these cookies are far more than just a sweet treat—they’re a feel-good baking experience. Whether you’re baking a batch for a family gathering or just need a comforting snack to brighten your day, this recipe promises satisfaction with every bite. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a permanent favorite in your dessert rotation.
