Hot Cocoa Cookie Stack

Featured in: Sweet & Savory Treats

This indulgent dessert features layers of soft chocolate cookies paired with a creamy marshmallow frosting, stacked to mimic a cozy mug of hot cocoa. Each stack is topped with mini marshmallows and a drizzle of melted chocolate, offering both visual charm and a rich flavor profile. Optional candy cane handles add a festive touch. Perfect for sharing, these stacks combine classic chocolate and fluffy sweetness in a playful presentation.

Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 10:20:00 GMT
Warm stacked Hot Cocoa Mug Cookie desserts, swirled with marshmallow frosting and drizzled chocolate. Save
Warm stacked Hot Cocoa Mug Cookie desserts, swirled with marshmallow frosting and drizzled chocolate. | nibbromeals.com

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

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.
A close-up of a delightful Hot Cocoa Mug Cookie stack, piled high with mini marshmallows and rich flavor. Save
A close-up of a delightful Hot Cocoa Mug Cookie stack, piled high with mini marshmallows and rich flavor. | nibbromeals.com

Notes

For a festive touch, use colored sprinkles or crushed peppermint on top. Substitute store bought chocolate cookies for a shortcut. Pair with hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy treat.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, milk (dairy). May contain soy (in chocolate chips or marshmallow crème). Always check ingredient labels if allergies are a concern.

Imagine a cozy mug: delicious Hot Cocoa Mug Cookies boast chocolate chips and a snowy marshmallow topping. Save
Imagine a cozy mug: delicious Hot Cocoa Mug Cookies boast chocolate chips and a snowy marshmallow topping. | nibbromeals.com

This dessert is perfect for holiday gatherings and pairs beautifully with a warm drink.

Common recipe questions

What type of cocoa powder is best for rich flavor?

Unsweetened cocoa powder provides a deep chocolate flavor without added sweetness, ideal for this dessert.

How can I make the marshmallow frosting fluffier?

Beat the butter thoroughly before adding powdered sugar and marshmallow crème, which helps achieve a light, airy texture.

Can I prepare the cookie stacks ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble and chill the stacks before serving; chilling helps the frosting set and enhances flavors.

What is the purpose of pressing mini candy canes on the stacks?

They serve as decorative ‘handles,’ mimicking mug handles and adding a festive visual detail.

How to prevent cookies from becoming too hard after baking?

Bake cookies until just set but still soft; cooling completely before stacking preserves their tender texture.

Hot Cocoa Cookie Stack

Chocolate cookie stacks layered with marshmallow frosting and festive chocolate drizzle.

Time to prep
30 minutes
Time to cook
12 minutes
Overall time
42 minutes
Creator Ethan Cole


Level of difficulty Medium

Cuisine type American

Serves 8 Number of servings

Nutrition info Meatless

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 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

Cooking steps

Step 01

Preheat and prepare baking sheets: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 02

Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.

Step 03

Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy, about two minutes.

Step 04

Add egg and vanilla: Incorporate egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.

Step 05

Combine wet and dry mixtures: Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, then the milk, followed by the remaining dry ingredients; mix until just combined.

Step 06

Shape cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto prepared sheets, flattening them to approximately 2-inch rounds.

Step 07

Bake cookies: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cookies are set but still soft. Allow to cool completely.

Step 08

Prepare marshmallow frosting: Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then incorporate marshmallow crème, vanilla extract, and salt. Whip until light and fluffy.

Step 09

Assemble stacks: Spread a thick layer of frosting on one cookie and top with another cookie. Repeat to create stacks of three cookies each.

Step 10

Finish decoration: Spread frosting on top of each stack, sprinkle with mini marshmallows, and drizzle melted chocolate over them.

Step 11

Add candy cane handles: If desired, press a mini candy cane into the side of each stack to resemble mug handles.

Step 12

Chill stacks: Refrigerate the completed stacks for 10 minutes before serving to set frosting and decorations.

Kitchen tools

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

Allergy details

Always check ingredients for allergens. Unsure? Talk to a healthcare expert.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy.
  • May contain soy in chocolate chips or marshmallow crème.

Nutrition details per serving

Details are shared for reference only. Reach out to your doctor with any health questions.
  • Energy (calories): 410
  • Total fat: 20 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 56 grams
  • Protein content: 3 grams