Hot Cocoa Cookie Stack

Featured in: Sweet-Warm Comfort Plates

This dessert features soft chocolate cookies layered with a creamy marshmallow frosting, stacked to resemble a mug of hot cocoa. Baked to perfection, the cookies offer a tender yet rich cocoa flavor, complemented by the light sweetness and fluffiness of the marshmallow topping. Finished with mini marshmallows and melted chocolate drizzle, these stacks provide a playful and comforting treat. Ideal for sharing, they bring warmth and festive charm to any gathering.

Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 14:31:00 GMT
Hot Cocoa Mug Cookie Stack: A delightful dessert, three layers of chocolate cookies covered in fluffy marshmallow. Pin It
Hot Cocoa Mug Cookie Stack: A delightful dessert, three layers of chocolate cookies covered in fluffy marshmallow. | sweetcairn.com

A playful, decadent dessert featuring layers of chocolate cookies and fluffy marshmallow frosting, stacked to resemble a cozy mug of hot cocoa.

A playful, decadent dessert featuring layers of chocolate cookies and fluffy marshmallow frosting, stacked to resemble a cozy mug of hot cocoa.

Ingredients

  • Cookies: 1 1/2 cups (190 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup (50 g) unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened, 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar, 1/4 cup (50 g) brown sugar, 1 large egg, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 2 tbsp milk
  • Marshmallow Frosting: 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened, 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar, sifted, 1 jar (7 oz/200 g) marshmallow crème, 1 tsp vanilla extract, Pinch of salt
  • Decorations: 1/2 cup (85 g) mini marshmallows, 1/4 cup (40 g) chocolate chips, melted (for drizzling), 8 mini candy canes (optional, for mug handles)

Instructions

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Step 1:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2:
In a medium bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 3:
In a large bowl, beat butter and both sugars until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
Step 4:
Add egg and vanilla, beating until combined.
Step 5:
Mix in half the dry ingredients, then the milk, then the rest of the dry ingredients.
Step 6:
Scoop tablespoon-sized balls onto baking sheets, flattening slightly to 2-inch rounds.
Step 7:
Bake for 10 12 minutes until set but still soft. Cool completely.
Step 8:
For frosting, beat butter until creamy. Gradually beat in powdered sugar. Mix in marshmallow crème, vanilla, and salt until fluffy.
Step 9:
To assemble, spread a thick layer of frosting on a cookie, top with another cookie. Repeat to form stacks of three cookies each.
Step 10:
Spread frosting on top, sprinkle with mini marshmallows, and drizzle with melted chocolate.
Step 11:
Press a mini candy cane into the side to create a mug handle, if using.
Step 12:
Chill stacks 10 minutes before serving for best results.
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Blend smoothies, sauces, and shakes quickly for easy breakfasts, snacks, and meal prep.
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Blend smoothies, sauces, and shakes quickly for easy breakfasts, snacks, and meal prep.
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Pair with hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy treat.

Notes

For a festive touch, use colored sprinkles or crushed peppermint on top. Substitute store-bought chocolate cookies for a shortcut.

Required Tools

Mixing bowls, Electric mixer, Baking sheets, Parchment paper, Offset spatula or knife

Nutritional Information

Calories 410, Total Fat 20 g, Carbohydrates 56 g, Protein 3 g per stack

Stack of Hot Cocoa Mug Cookies: Chocolate cookies layered with sweet marshmallow frosting, ready to enjoy. Pin It
Stack of Hot Cocoa Mug Cookies: Chocolate cookies layered with sweet marshmallow frosting, ready to enjoy. | sweetcairn.com
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This cookie stack is perfect for holiday gatherings and makes a charming gift.

Recipe FAQs

What is the best way to achieve soft cookie layers?

Use softened butter and avoid overbaking to maintain a tender texture. Baking 10-12 minutes ensures the cookies set but stay soft.

How is the marshmallow frosting prepared?

Beat softened butter until creamy, gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in marshmallow crème, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until fluffy.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the cookie layers and frosting in advance, then assemble and chill before serving to allow flavors to meld.

What decorations enhance the cookie stacks?

Mini marshmallows, melted chocolate drizzle, and optional mini candy canes add festive charm and texture contrast.

Are there ingredients substitutions possible?

Store-bought chocolate cookies can be used to save time, and crushed peppermint or colored sprinkles can be added for variety.

Hot Cocoa Cookie Stack

Chocolate cookie stacks layered with marshmallow frosting and drizzled chocolate, perfect for a cozy indulgence.

Prep Duration
30 minutes
Time to Cook
12 minutes
Time Needed
42 minutes
Recipe by Hunter Phillips


Level Medium

Cuisine American

Makes 8 Portions

Dietary Notes Suitable for Vegetarians

Ingredient List

Cookies

01 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
03 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 1/4 teaspoon salt
05 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
06 3/4 cup granulated sugar
07 1/4 cup brown sugar
08 1 large egg
09 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
10 2 tablespoons whole milk

Marshmallow Frosting

01 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
03 7 ounces marshmallow crème
04 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
05 Pinch of salt

Decorations

01 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
02 1/4 cup chocolate chips, melted
03 8 mini candy canes (optional)

Steps

Step 01

Preheat oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 02

Combine dry ingredients: Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.

Step 03

Cream butter and sugars: Beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

Step 04

Incorporate egg and vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until fully combined.

Step 05

Mix in dry ingredients and milk: Add half the dry ingredients, then the milk, followed by the remaining dry ingredients; mix until just combined.

Step 06

Form cookie rounds: Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto baking sheets and flatten slightly to create 2-inch rounds.

Step 07

Bake cookies: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges set but centers remain soft; allow to cool completely.

Step 08

Prepare marshmallow frosting: Beat butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar. Mix in marshmallow crème, vanilla extract, and salt until light and fluffy.

Step 09

Assemble stacks: Spread a thick layer of frosting on one cookie, top with another cookie; repeat to form stacks of three cookies each.

Step 10

Decorate stacks: Cover top with frosting, sprinkle mini marshmallows, and drizzle melted chocolate over each stack.

Step 11

Add candy cane handle: Insert a mini candy cane into the side of each stack to form a mug handle, if desired.

Step 12

Chill before serving: Refrigerate the cookie stacks for 10 minutes to set frosting for best presentation.

Equipment Needed

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Offset spatula or knife

Allergy Info

Look through each ingredient for allergens and check with a healthcare provider if you’re uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, milk (dairy).
  • May contain soy from chocolate chips or marshmallow crème.

Nutrition Info (each serving)

Figures are for reference only—always seek medical advice when needed.
  • Caloric Value: 410
  • Fats: 20 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 56 grams
  • Proteins: 3 grams