Hot Cocoa Cookie Stack

Featured in: Decadent Desserts

This dessert features layers of soft chocolate cookies with a fluffy marshmallow frosting, stacked to mimic a warm mug of hot cocoa. The cookies combine cocoa powder and vanilla for rich flavor, while the marshmallow frosting adds creamy sweetness. Finished with mini marshmallows and melted chocolate drizzle, each stack is decorated with candy canes for a festive touch. Perfect for sharing and enjoying a cozy, indulgent treat with a chocolatey twist.

Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 08:42:00 GMT
Stacked hot cocoa mug cookies, visually delightful with fluffy marshmallow topping and chocolate drizzle. Save
Stacked hot cocoa mug cookies, visually delightful with fluffy marshmallow topping and chocolate drizzle. | tastybattle.com

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

This cozy treat is perfect for sharing with friends and family during the colder months, bringing warmth and sweetness to any gathering.

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.
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This dessert has become a holiday favorite, creating joyful moments as we gather around enjoying the sweet stacks and warm drinks together.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, milk (dairy), and may contain soy in some ingredients. Always check ingredient labels if allergies are a concern.

Nutritional Information

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

Decadent hot cocoa mug cookies stacked high, appealing dessert ready to enjoy with a warm beverage. Save
Decadent hot cocoa mug cookies stacked high, appealing dessert ready to enjoy with a warm beverage. | tastybattle.com

This sweet stack is sure to impress and satisfy your dessert cravings with both flavor and fun presentation.

Recipe Questions

How do I achieve soft cookies in this dessert?

Ensure not to overbake the cookies, removing them from the oven when they are set but still soft. This keeps the layers tender and enjoyable.

Can I make the marshmallow frosting ahead of time?

Yes, the frosting can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature and rewhip before using.

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

The candy canes act as decorative handles, giving each stack the appearance of a cozy mug, enhancing the playful presentation.

Are substitutions possible for the cocoa powder in cookies?

You can substitute with Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a milder taste or use store-bought chocolate cookies as a shortcut for the base layers.

How should these cookie stacks be stored before serving?

Store the stacks in a cool place or refrigerate them briefly to help the frosting set and maintain their shape before serving.

Can these stacks be served with beverages?

They pair wonderfully with hot cocoa, coffee, or milk, complementing the chocolatey and sweet flavors perfectly.

Hot Cocoa Cookie Stack

Layers of rich cocoa cookies and fluffy marshmallow frosting stacked for a cozy treat.

Prep duration
30 min
Cook duration
12 min
Complete duration
42 min
Created by Alex Ramirez


Skill level Medium

Heritage American

Output 8 Portions

Nutritional specifications Meat-free

Components

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 (for drizzling)
03 8 mini candy canes (optional, for mug handles)

Directions

Phase 01

Prepare Oven and Baking Sheets: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Phase 02

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

Phase 03

Cream Butter and Sugars: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy, approximately two minutes.

Phase 04

Incorporate Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, beating until fully combined.

Phase 05

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in half of the dry ingredients, followed by the milk, then fold in the remaining dry ingredients until just combined.

Phase 06

Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto prepared baking sheets, flattening each slightly to roughly 2-inch rounds.

Phase 07

Bake and Cool: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cookies are set but still soft. Remove and allow to cool completely.

Phase 08

Prepare Frosting: Beat softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar. Mix in marshmallow crème, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and fluffy.

Phase 09

Assemble Stacks: Spread a generous layer of frosting on one cookie, top with another cookie, and repeat to create stacks of three cookies each.

Phase 10

Decorate Stacks: Apply frosting on the top cookie, sprinkle with mini marshmallows, and drizzle melted chocolate over the stack.

Phase 11

Add Mug Handle: Optionally, press a mini candy cane into the side of each stack to resemble a mug handle.

Phase 12

Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the stacks for 10 minutes to set the frosting before serving.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional healthcare advice if uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy.
  • May contain soy from chocolate chips or marshmallow crème.
  • Always verify ingredient labels if allergies are a concern.

Nutrient breakdown (each portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 410
  • Fats: 20 g
  • Carbohydrates: 56 g
  • Proteins: 3 g