Ready to indulge in something absolutely irresistible? This Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl Cookies Recipe brings you soft, fudgy cocoa cookies with gooey marshmallow ribbons that melt right into every bite. Let me show you how to create these sweet treats that instantly become family favorites.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl Cookies Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl Cookies Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl Cookies Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I adore these cookies because they strike the perfect balance between rich chocolate and sweet marshmallow magic. Whether you're baking for a cozy night in or a festive gathering, they never disappoint.
- Soft & Gooey Texture: Each cookie stays tender with melty marshmallow swirls that add a delightful gooey surprise.
- Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples combined in straightforward steps you’ll feel confident following.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for snacks, parties, or even holiday gifting.
- Customizable Marshmallow Fun: Swirl in fluff or swap for whole marshmallows—your choice!
Ingredients & Why They Work
Before we dive into baking, let's chat about the ingredients you'll need and why each one matters. Grab good quality cocoa powder and fresh eggs for that rich flavor and excellent texture. Trust me, it makes a difference!

- All-purpose flour: The backbone of your cookie, providing structure and chewiness.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives that deep chocolatey richness without extra sweetness.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for softness without puffing up too much.
- Salt: Enhances the chocolate flavor and balances sweetness.
- Unsalted butter: Adds tenderness and richness—room temperature is key for creaming!
- Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create that slight crisp edge.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture; room temperature ensures smooth mixing.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor with warm, inviting notes.
- Marshmallow fluff: The star swirl that adds gooey sweetness and a fun texture contrast.
Make It Your Way
One of the best things about this Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl Cookies Recipe is how easily you can make it your own. Whether you like a gooier center, a fluffier texture, or want to add a seasonal twist, there’s plenty of room for creativity in the kitchen.
- For a fluffier marshmallow texture: I love swapping marshmallow fluff with melted real marshmallows. It melts less and gives the cookies a delightful, cloud-like swirl that's just dreamy.
- The jumbo marshmallow surprise: Sometimes I tuck a large jumbo marshmallow in the center instead of swirling fluff. It creates a gooey, melty core that’s a real treat when you bite into the cookie.
- Diet-friendly tweaks: Want to make these vegetarian-friendly or suited to different diets? This recipe already fits vegetarian needs, but for gluten-free versions, try substituting the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend—just watch the dough’s texture as it may need slight adjustment.
- Seasonal spins: Add a pinch of cinnamon and a few mini peppermint candies swirled into the marshmallow during winter, or fold in some chopped nuts and raspberry jam for a fruity summer twist.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Whisk together your dry ingredients
Grab a medium bowl and whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon salt. This step ensures your cocoa and leavening agents are evenly combined, setting a solid base for your chocolatey dough. Once mixed, set it aside—you’ll come back to it soon!
Step 2: Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat 1 cup of room temperature unsalted butter with 1½ cups granulated sugar. Keep going for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture turns light in color and feels fluffy. This aeration is what gives your cookies that tender crumb and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 3: Beat in eggs and vanilla
Add the 2 large room-temperature eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully blended before adding the next. Then stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. This step adds moisture and richness, balancing perfectly with that deep cocoa flavor.
Step 4: Combine wet and dry ingredients
Gradually add your dry ingredient mix into the wet batter, using low speed on your mixer. Stir just until the dough comes together and no dry pockets remain — don’t overmix here, or your cookies might turn out tough. If you want, this is a great time to gently swirl in about half of your marshmallow fluff for pretty marbled effects, or you can wait and add it later when shaping.
Step 5: Chill the dough
Cover your dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chill step is key to keeping your cookies from spreading too thin and also makes the dough easier to work with when forming your cookies.
Step 6: Preheat and prep your baking sheets
About 20 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and help with even baking.
Step 7: Scoop, press, and swirl in marshmallow fluff
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the chilled dough balls and place them on your prepared sheets, about 2 inches apart. Flatten the top of each ball slightly and press a small indentation in the center. Spoon about a teaspoon of marshmallow fluff into that hollow. Then, take a toothpick and gently swirl the marshmallow through the dough — this creates those signature sweet, gooey ribbons that make these cookies so irresistible.
Step 8: Bake to perfection
Bake your cookies for 12 minutes — you’re looking for edges that are set but centers that still feel soft. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, add a little extra marshmallow fluff on top halfway through to get even more luscious gooeyness.
Step 9: Cool and enjoy
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes so the marshmallow swirl firms up slightly. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps the cookies hold their shape and makes them easier to handle without losing that soft, tender bite you love.
Top Tip
Unlock the full potential of your Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl Cookies Recipe with these handy tips that I've discovered through baking and sharing these cookies over time. A few small tweaks can make a big difference!
- Chill the Dough Properly: I’ve found chilling the dough for at least an hour helps the cookies keep their shape and makes handling the sticky dough much easier.
- Swirling Marshmallow Fluff: Instead of mixing the fluff into the whole dough, swirling it into each cookie before baking gives a gorgeous marbled look and gooey pockets that are irresistible.
- Use a Toothpick for Swirls: Gently swirling the marshmallow fluff with a toothpick before baking ensures even distribution without overmixing the dough, which could toughen the cookies.
- Don’t Skip the Cooling Step: Letting the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes allows the marshmallow swirl to set, preventing messy handling and preserving that perfect soft center.
How to Serve Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl Cookies Recipe

Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a light dusting of cocoa powder for an elegant touch. For extra color and texture, top with some crushed chocolate chips or mini marshmallows right after baking when the cookies are still warm. A drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate also elevates the look and flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a tall glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate to complement the rich cocoa and sweet marshmallow flavor. They pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or even a bowl of fresh berries for a balanced dessert experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once baked and cooled, store your Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and soft for up to 4 days. Keeping them sealed prevents them from drying out and preserves that gooey marshmallow center.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, freeze the shaped dough balls before baking. When ready, simply bake the frozen dough by adding 2 extra minutes to the original 12-minute baking time. This is a great way to enjoy fresh cookies anytime without extra effort.
Reheating
To reheat, pop a cookie in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to revive its soft, gooey texture. Alternatively, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. Just be careful not to overheat or the marshmallow may lose its luscious gooeyness.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! You can melt regular marshmallows and use them instead of fluff for a slightly different texture. Melted marshmallows tend to hold their shape better during baking, creating a fluffier swirl inside your cookies.
Chilling the dough solidifies the butter, which helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. It also makes the dough easier to handle and helps maintain those gorgeous marshmallow swirls without them melting away too fast.
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will stay fresh and soft for about 4 days. After that, they may start to dry out, but reheating can bring back some of the softness.
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with an equal amount of a gluten-free flour blend suited for baking. Just be sure to check that other ingredients, like baking powder and marshmallow fluff, are also gluten-free to keep it safe.
Final Thoughts
Baking these Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl Cookies is such a joyful experience because they deliver that perfect combination of rich chocolate and delightful marshmallow goo in every bite. Whether you're sharing them with friends, gifting them, or simply enjoying a cozy afternoon treat, these cookies bring smiles and warm sweet memories. So keep these tips in mind, have fun swirling the fluff, and savor every moment of baking and indulging in this delicious recipe!
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Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these rich Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl Cookies, featuring a decadent cocoa base perfectly complemented by sweet marshmallow swirls. These soft-baked cookies offer a gooey center and a light, fluffy texture that's sure to satisfy any chocolate lover’s cravings.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1½ 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, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until thoroughly combined. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the room temperature unsalted butter with granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract evenly to the mixture.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until the dough forms and no flour pockets remain. Be careful not to overmix. You may swirl the marshmallow fluff into the dough now or wait until after chilling.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling prevents spreading during baking and makes the dough easier to handle.
- Preheat Oven: About 20 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Form Cookies and Add Marshmallow: Scoop chilled dough using a cookie scoop or tablespoon and roll into balls. Arrange them 2 inches apart on the prepared sheets. Press a small indent into the center of each cookie and spoon a teaspoon of marshmallow fluff into each indent. Use a toothpick to gently swirl the marshmallow into the cookie dough.
- Bake: Bake cookies for 12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft. Optionally, add extra marshmallow fluff on top halfway through baking for added gooeyness.
- Cool on Pan: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set the marshmallow swirl. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them firm up and makes handling easier.
Notes
- Chill the dough always if sticky, for at least 30 minutes for easier handling.
- Use melted real marshmallows instead of fluff for a fluffier texture that doesn't melt as much.
- For a different texture, place a whole jumbo marshmallow in the cookie center instead of swirling fluff.
- Rotate baking sheets halfway through cooking for even baking results.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh.
- You can freeze shaped dough balls and bake from frozen; add a couple of minutes to baking time when using frozen dough.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 184 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 59 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 36 mg




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